Roy William Rebstock was born on 25 June 1932 in Long Island, New York, to Berta and Wilhelm Rebstock. His parents were recent immigrants from Grossaspach in Germany and had four other children - Werner, Winifred, Linda and Barbara.
Roy graduated from high school in Federalsburg, Maryland, and attended Wesley College before joining the US Air Force in 1951. He had a distinguished military career, serving initially as a Defensive Aerial Gunner on B26s, before becoming an In-Flight Refuelling Manager on KC 135s. Near retirement he was also an Advisor to the Air National Guard for several years. In recognition of his service, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, as well as the United Nations Service Medal. Roy retired from the military after 30 years in 1981 at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington and was employed for eleven years at the US Postal Service for the remainder of his working life.
Roy had a large family. While he was stationed in Great Falls, Montana, he met Wilma Talbot from the Bitterroot Valley. They were married in 1955 and together had four children - Carol, Paula, Andrew and Stephen. Roy and Wilma, married for sixty-five years, were the most welcoming, open and fair-minded parents to be found. For this John, Ulf, Tammy and Wendy, his children’s partners, were very grateful! Roy was fortunate to have eleven much loved grandchildren - Zachary, Kaitlyn, Nicole, Jerrod, Turner, Olivia, Daniella, Rylee, Sydney, Paige and Reagan, and more lately two rambunctious and loving great grandchildren - Blakely and London.
Following his retirement from working life, Roy pursued his many hobbies, including golf, playing cards, hunting and fishing. Throughout his life his love of almost all sports, either as a player, coach or spectator, filled many of his days. In his later years he travelled the world with Wilma to South America, Central America, Africa, Europe, the Indian sub-continent and frequently to visit family in New Zealand.
Roy had strength of character, a relentless work ethic and a clear sense of right and wrong. He instilled these values in his children and grandchildren. He encouraged them to be the best they could be in every aspect of their lives. The words “I can’t” were not in his vocabulary and were discouraged. His grandchildren especially adored his tongue in cheek and witty side and respected his ability to see things from competing perspectives.
Roy was preceded in death by his granddaughter Kaitlyn, his brother Werner, and by his parents Berta and Wilhelm. He went peacefully on 7 January 2021 with the love of his whole family.
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