Roy Steed

“I am proud to be a Canadian who has been able to contribute to the building of my beloved country.”

It has been said that Old Soldiers don’t die, they just fade away. Roy faded away on August 20, 2015, in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his companion, Eleanor Jean Thompson, by his side.

Roy self-professed that he was ‘hatched on a rock’ in northern Ontario, in the small railway town of Chapleau, of which he was so proud. Roy was a “small town boy” who seized every opportunity he could to become a success at living life, which he did to the fullest.

After enrolling in the Royal Canadian Army at the age of 18 in 1943, Roy was proud to serve his country overseas, and as he said, he was given the greatest opportunity one could have – one month of university education for every month enlisted. After the war, he entered the University of Toronto and graduated in 1949 with his Bachelor of Applied Science Degree, Civil Engineer.

Roy began working in the construction industry where he was to soon have another extraordinary opportunity … and that was to meet his future business partner, Denis Evans. In 1953, they founded Steed & Evans Construction Limited and for the next 62 years created a diverse series of companies that led them to be recognized as leaders in their industry.

Accomplishments were many… in 1962 Roy became one of youngest Presidents of the Ontario Road Builders Association, and in 1963 became the President of The Safety Association of Ontario – where he reorganized the association to emphasis Safety Awareness and the use of the Hard Hat. In 1980 he was President of the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association and from 1973 - 1982 was the Chairman of the Dartmouth Industrial Commission. In 2008, the Ontario Road Builders Association inducted Denis and Roy into their Hall of Fame.

Roy leaves behind three daughters – Jane Evans (Bill), Marg Steed (Wayne Atkinson) and Anne Bacus (Morrell), and five grandchildren – Randa, Philip, Amy, Katie and Maggie. He is predeceased by his wife, Nancy (Logan), with whom he shared many happy times. Survived by Nancy’s children, David (Sandra), Marilyn (Kim Kienapple), Barb (Rune Russenes) and Peter, and grandchildren, Pam, Scott, Andrea, Logan, Julia, Elin, Ingrid and Olav. Roy’s companion Eleanor and her daughter Susan Wilson (Derek) and her grandchildren Emily and Matthew were also a large part of his life. He is predeceased by his sister Jean Weber (Paul) and leaves behind his older ‘sis’, Margaret Henderson (Grant).

A Celebration of Roy’s Life will be held in Halifax on Thursday, August 27th, at St. Andrews United Church, 6036 Coburg Rd, 11.00 a.m. Reception to follow.

Roy was in the process of writing a book on his life and times and that of his successful business journey with Denis. A book that is dedicated to Denis. A second Celebration of Life, in conjunction with his book launch, will be held in Toronto in October. Details to follow.,

To honour Roy, donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Dartmouth, The Maritime Heart Center or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.