Barbeau Roy

1936 - 2023

Barbeau A. Roy, loving partner, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2023, at age 86. Born in St. Louis, Missouri to Edgar Lucien Roy and Bernadine (Busick) Roy, he most recently lived in Napa, California.

Barbeau is survived by his four sons: Beau (Bambi), Brian (Sara), Sean (Rosanne), and Kevin (Carolyn); eight grandchildren whom he unconditionally adored: Lucas, Meghan, Luca, Lily, Cecilia, Peter, Ivy, and Graham; many nieces and nephews throughout the country; and his partner Kathy Anttila, who renewed his capacity to love and find joy over the past 20 years. Barbeau was preceded in death by the first love of his life and wife of 29 years Mary (nee Murtha) and three brothers: Ned (Jodie), Mike (Nancy), and Steve (Kay).

Barbeau grew up in St. Louis and was a proud graduate of both St. Louis University High School ('54) and St. Louis University School of Law (SLU). He was a very spiritual man and often spoke to others about his journey of faith, whether recalling his days teaching Philosophy at SLU as a theologian during his decade of formation in the Jesuits or sharing his insights on mankind's place in the universe according to The Urantia Book.

In addition to his spirituality, Barbeau had many other interests. He loved to entertain his grandkids, sing as part of a chorus, read, play a round of golf, and watch a rugby match. He had the most wonderful people as his friends, and he always made it a priority to visit with them whether near or far. During his travels, too many people to count received a last-minute call letting them know that he would be "in the neighborhood." He also took great pride in proper grammar, and he will surely find a way to let us know if we get anything wrong here.

Barbeau was an incredibly kind, compassionate, and eternally patient man. He was gracious and grateful, and he had an infectious sense of humor. One of his greatest gifts was his endless capacity for hope. He lived life always believing everything would work out fine, even if there wasn't exactly a plan for how that was going to happen. If anyone lived their life based on the song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy," it was Barbeau. His beautiful smile and sparkling eyes added an extra dimension of light to the universe that he knew was larger than anything we can imagine. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held in St. Louis on November 11th at a time and location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, Barbeau requested that donations be made to Variety St. Louis (https://varietystl.org/donate), a wonderful charity that empowers children with special needs by providing medical equipment, therapy, and innovative recreation programs.