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Rene Philippe ROY

1958 - 2023

Rene Philippe ROY obituary, 1958-2023, Toronto, ON

BORN

1958

DIED

2023

FUNERAL HOME

Rene ROY Obituary

RENÉ PHILIPPE ROY March 14, 1958 - January 28, 2023 At his beloved farm in Horning's Mills, Ontario, René Philippe Roy left this mortal earth. With broken hearts but grateful for the time we had with this amazing man, his family and friends grieve his loss. Left to mourn and carry on as best they can are his wife, Elizabeth Doherty, and children, André and Joanna Roy. René is also survived by his mother, Vivi Roy; sister, Eva; and her husband, Doug; brother, Peter; sister-in-law, Mary Roy; and many nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law from both the Roy and Doherty extended families. René was predeceased by his father, Romeo Joseph Roy - his role model and guiding star. René was born at St. Michael's Hospital and spent his early years in North Toronto before moving to Rimouski, Quebec. The family returned to Toronto in the late 1960s, ultimately settling into a new neighbourhood in North Toronto where he attended Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute. René forged life-long relationships with his high school friends, still meeting regularly for lunches, celebrations, and helping each other through life's ups and downs. René attended more universities than you can count on one hand - some for just one day! - and graduated from Queen's University with a degree in civil engineering. Here too he met lifelong friends from his Laurentian University and Queen's days. It was not possible to watch a sporting event without 'the boys' text chat line being in full gear. After beginning his career in construction, he came full circle by joining St. Michael's Hospital in the mid-1990s to oversee hospital design and construction projects. He took pride in his work, and had a deep satisfaction in having been mentored, and then mentoring, the incredible team in the hospital's Planning and Development division. René was a long-time Harbord Village resident, and a regular fixture walking his incredibly handsome mutt (Buddy Roy). He regularly enjoyed a pint or two at his local, Harbord House pub, with neighbours and close friends Tom Clute and Fiona Smith. It was a blind date in August 1993 that changed the trajectory of René and Elizabeth's lives. Elizabeth remembers that the first time she heard his voice, she felt like she had come home (René would often say that he thought she didn't like him). Married the following August, they built a life centred around love and family. Blessed with two incredible children, they enjoyed a family bond that consoles them and is giving them strength through this incredibly sad time. A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at G. H. Hogle Funeral Home, 63 Mimico Ave., Etobicoke (www.hogle.ca). A funeral service will be held at St. Andrew's United Church, 117 Bloor Street East, Toronto, at 1:00 p.m. on February 11, 2023, and will be livestreamed at: Celebrating the life of René Roy - Service begins at 1:00 p.m. - YouTube. Memories of René can be shared at www.mykeeper.com/profile/ReneRoy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Médecins Sans Frontières (www.msf.org). Sleep tight my love. You will always be in our hearts. We were all so blessed having you in our world.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Feb. 4 to Feb. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Rene ROY

Not sure what to say?





9 Entries

Leo Simonetta

April 8, 2023

André, we are so sorry for your loss. I would have sent this sooner but I am just catching this now. Please accept mine and Pina's condolences. We know this type of loss, and the one thing that ever offered us comfort was knowing he had gone to a better place. Rest in peace, René.

Leo and Pina Simonetta.

Adriano Faria

February 11, 2023

We send our condolences to the family. Rene was a good man, always willing to share laugh to brighten your day. Rest in peace.

Chris Goethel

February 11, 2023

Dear Liz,
A voice from your past, I just heard this tragic news about your husband's passing. I never had the pleasure of meeting Rene, but do recall you occasionally speaking of him at work. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I am with you in spirit.

Chris Goethel

Steve Cruickshank

February 10, 2023

Here is another photo of Rene and Tim Smith at Sunburst Lodge Sun Peaks BC. Love his expressions

Mike Hassaballa

February 8, 2023

Dear Elizabeth, André, and Joanna,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. René was a truly remarkable man. His impact on those around him and the work he has done will be felt for a long time to come.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the cherished memories of René bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. I hope you find strength in the love of your family and friends as you navigate this loss.

With my heartfelt condolences,
Mike Hassaballa

Salma Rehman-Kotschorek

February 8, 2023

I did not know Rene, but have known Andre, his son for a few years.

Andre, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved father. What a tremendous loss for you and your entire family. May his soul rest in peace.
Salma

Omar Najjar

February 8, 2023

I never met Rene; I have known his son Andre for a few years, and I can only imagine what a great man Rene must have been to have fathered such a mature, cultured, helpful and giving young man. Andre, my heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of the family, may your father rest in peace, and may his memory always be with you and fill your heart with love my friend. Rest in peace Rene.

Jon Aston

February 7, 2023

My deepest condolences to your family, as you grieve such a painful loss. I never met Rene - but on reading his obituary, I certainly wish I had.

Rory Gus Sinclair

February 6, 2023

Rene was my word for 'Old Reliable'. We first met in 1998 when attempting to save the Robert Street rink but it was too far gone. A couple of years ago I was out measuring the gas station at harbord and major and Rene ran back home to get a longer tape measure so our numbers would be accurate. Always willing and always friendly is how I will remember Rene.

Rory Gus Sinclair

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Memorial Events
for Rene ROY

Feb

9

Visitation

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

G.H. Hogle Funeral Home - Mimico Chapel - Etobicoke

63 Mimico Ave., Toronto, ON M8V 1R2

Feb

11

Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

St. Andrew's United Church

117 Bloor Street East, Toronto, ON

Funeral services provided by:

G.H. Hogle Funeral Home - Mimico Chapel - Etobicoke

63 Mimico Ave., Toronto, ON M8V 1R2