May 5, 1952 ~ August 29, 2021 (age 69)
Well-known in local boating world, Roy Graham Southall, a resident of Penetanguishene for more than 30 years died August 29, 2021 at the Georgian Bay General Hospital. He was aged 69.
The only son of the late Samuel and Edna Southall, Roy was born May 5, 1952 in the resort town of Eastbourne, Sussex, on England’s South Coast. In 1966, following in the footsteps of his sister, Shirley, and her husband, he emigrated with his parents to Canada, living first in Montreal before moving with his family to Toronto.
Employment included a stint at the head office of Dominion Textile, Montreal;
working in inventory at major Toronto food warehouses. (It was while working for Oshawa Foods he coordinated the transfer of excess food products to Canada Food for Children, for distribution to countries in Africa, South America and the Caribbean.
He was later headhunted to set up inventory systems for companies in several US states. Joining West Marine, he served first as inventory manager and then as manager at both the company’s Midland and Barrie stores. His work was recognised by the company with performance awards for inventory and achieving high sales.
Predeceased by his parents and sister, Shirley, he is survived by sister Margaret; special cousins, Charles Southall (Eileen); Suzanne Woolley (Keith); Carol Southall (Danielle); Gary Southall (Peter Lees); his girlfriend Barbara Lesperance; best friend Gordon Poole; step-daughter Laury Drury (Neil) and step-grandsons Tristan and Kieran Drury; friend Danielle Robitaille; and many cousins in the UK.
Cremation was private. A Celebration of Life was held Sunday, September 12, 4-6pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 80 in Midland.
Roy’s family thank the doctors and nurses at Georgian Bay General Hospital; the staff and management of Maple Leaf Marinas, and the staff and Ladies’ auxiliary of the Midland Branch, Royal Canadian Legion.
Donations in memory of Roy may be made to either of his two chosen charities: Barrie food Bank or La Maison Rosewood Shelter in Midland.
