Obituary of Roy William Fardoe

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Roy William Fardoe on May 10,2021 at the age of 91 years following a brief illness. Left to cherish Roy’s memory is his loving wife Betty; children Brenda (John), Susan (Neil) and Scott (Lisa); grandchildren Melanie (Chris), Travis (Aston), Daryk (Carolyn), Devon (Steven), Hillary (Rob), Natasha, Skyler (Matt); great grandchildren Ireland, Dawson, Ariana, Jade, Joon, Hope, Jack and Lily; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Roy was predeceased by his parents Edwin and Alice Fardoe; brothers Archie, Edwin, Clifford, Ronald and Robert; and sisters Muriel, Edna, Marguerite, Jeanette and Ruth. Roy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and raised on the family dairy farm, Prairie Rose Dairy in Rosser, Manitoba. Dad often said life was very tough on the farm and especially so before they had electricity, but he always had very fond memories of the good times spent there with family and friends. It was a welcoming home for all with shared music, meals and laughter. Dad met mom at a dance at Patterson’s Barn and they were soon married on June 14,1952. Mom and dad loved to dance and really knew how to cut a rug when they did the jive. Dad started a career at Bullochs but was soon successful in attaining a position as a switchman at CNR where he had a long and distinguished career until his retirement. Dad was awarded a position as a Rules and Training Instructor for the CN Prairie Region and many a student was thankful to have such a skilled instructor. Dad was eventually asked to participate in an update of the CN Rail Operating Rules for publishment in Canada. This opportunity took dad and mom to Montreal for three years until the assignment was completed. Dad knew every rule in that book as he had committed them all to memory. Dad was extremely proud of his career at CN and was a conscientious and dedicated employee that was respected by many. Dad was honoured that the CN Glenavon Subdivision that runs between Kipling, SK and McCallum (Regina) has the Station at Mile 1.9 named Fardoe. Dad was always an active member in the community. He was president of Border Community Club, coach of girl’s baseball and coach of boy’s hockey and baseball. Many of the boys and girls that played on these teams will remember stuffing themselves into dad’s car and he would drive us all to Dutch maid for an ice cream, win or lose. Dad was also an active member of the Canadian Tenpin Federation, Winnipeg Tenpin Bowling Assoc. Red White and Blue Railroader League and the Royal Canadian Legion. Dad and mom travelled extensively after his retirement visiting many places in Canada, Europe, South America, the Caribbean, the U.S. and Mexico. They spent many wonderful years vacationing in Corpus Christi, Texas making new friends along the way and welcoming family and long-time friends for winter visits. They enjoyed weekend gambling trips just south of the border and spending time in Manitoba socializing with friends. Dad and mom spent many a summer camping in Canada and a section of the Great Trail at Winnipeg Beach bears their names. Dad and mom actively attended any event that involved one of their grandchildren. Dad often stated that the only real thing he ever had in this life was his family. Dad was a wonderful man, husband, father and friend. He was caring, kind and always the family jokester. Dad was a storyteller often entertaining everyone with stories of his life and experiences on the farm, railroader stories and tales of his everyday life experiences. He enjoyed playing his guitar and would spend many an hour sitting on his bed strumming tunes and singing. Dad did everything for his family. He truly was our hero, and he will forever be remembered and cherished in our hearts. We love you dearly dad. Those we love don’t go away They walk beside us everyday Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and always dear. In accordance with dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. A tribute stone honoring dad and mom will be placed near the duck pond at Assiniboine Zoo. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of choice.