Roy Britton Scherer

1942 - 2023

SCHERER, Mr. Roy Britton, 81, activist, agitator, and professional troublemaker, shuffled off this mortal coil on December 8, 2023. He left this plane of existence as he lived his life, taking his own sweet Southern time about it. Roy was born on Feb 2, 1942, In Richmond VA. He spent most of his childhood at military schools, finishing up at the Miller School in Albemarle County. After graduation, and a few years in the Air Force, he went out into the world to explore, having many adventures, including some interesting experiences at the 1969 Democratic Convention in Chicago. The experience inspired him to fight injustice wherever he found it. Roy formed Virginians for the Study of Marijuana Laws, becoming Virginia's first registered marijuana lobbyist. He testified at the Capital for decades, developing friendships with legislators and government officials, who were continually surprised a man who looked like a damn hippie could be so eloquent and dedicated to his cause. Never one to just leave things alone, in 1977 he was arrested for sneaking baby pot plants into the General Assembly to convince lawmakers that felony charges were just too Draconian for what he described as an innocent weed. Christopher Maxwell, referencing his decades long fight, tells us that "Roy saved my life, there oughta be a statue!" He was a patriot and a longtime member and volunteer for the Libertarian Party of Virginia. To quote Roy, "This country was built on the principle that you can go to hell in your own hand basket." After many years of advocacy and hard living, he found an incredibly smart woman to put up with his cantankerous ways. Roy and Sally were married for 20 years. His friends have been sharing memories. He was a fixture in Richmond for many, many years. Virginia Hendricks calls him "A real Richmond Legend." Terry Rea tells us that "Roy was a one-of-a-kind marvel. His many years of contributing to society is now a remarkable legacy." Rhiannon Melanson Hood remembers his coffee skills: "I had never had GOOD French press coffee until he made it for me." He is preceded in death by his parents, Iverson and Ruby. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Sally, his sister Barbara, and his brother Frank. He leaves behind an extraordinary collection of friends, lovers, and ne'er-do-wells, who adore him as much as he continues to, and will always love them.

In accordance with his wishes, a party to celebrate his life will be held on May 11, 2024. More details to follow. "Roy was a special person whose like will not be seen again." -Claire Guthrie Gastanaga