Roy Pierce Maconachie (Copy)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Roy Pierce Maconachie, born February 21, 1938, and deceased July 29, 2021. Roy is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sara (Sally – née Wilson), his children John (Ramona) and Heather (John), grandchildren Rebecca (Ryan), Jonathan, Sarah and Cameron, and great-grandchild, Isaac. Roy was predeceased by his father, John Evans (Hy), mother Dorothy, grandfather, George Rowland Bateman (Rowland), and his brother Douglas. Roy’s close relationship with his brother extended to his brother’s wife, Roma, Roy’s niece Tracy and nephew Peter (Tracey), and their children Sydney and Duncan – he always had a special fondness for the “Western Maconachies”.
Roy graduated from Waterloo University in Chemical Engineering in 1966. Roy was every inch an engineer, enjoying an outstanding career with a focus on Canada’s food industry. Engineering took Roy and his family to Listowel, Chatham and Toronto, as well as Vevey, Switzerland, for a year of executive training at Nestlé International’s head office. Roy’s career included management positions at Campbell’s Soup and Libby’s, before culminating as Vice-President, Engineering, of Nestlé Canada.
In addition to engineering, Roy’s great loves included skiing, sailing, spending time with friends, Lake of Bays and, above all else, his family – although Lake of Bays was a close second. The cottage that he and Sally created on Lake of Bays was his favourite place as well as his pride and joy. He volunteered on the board of the Lake of Bays Tennis Club, and was in charge of keel-boat racing for the Lake of Bays Sailing Club for many years. He also enjoyed curling at the Donalda Club, skiing at Whistler with Heather, and discussing cars, motors and factories with his son, John. He was well-known on Lake of Bays for always being willing to help others with their boats, cars and cottages. Friends and family have described him as “indomitable” and “larger than life”. It is hard to believe that he is gone. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Roy’s name to the Huntsville Memorial District Hospital (which saved his life in 2006) or the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation.
