Roy Howard McGee

Roy Howard McGee, a beloved, cherished, and generous husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at home, in his 102nd year. Roy has been reunited with his wife, Jennie, and their son, Jeff. He is survived by his sons Jack (Carol) and Jerry (Iris); his grandchildren Zuzu (Geoff), John (Lianne), Max, Daniel (Melissa), and Anna (Trevor); and his great-grandchildren Jupiter, Zephyr, Sage, Abbey, Joni, Trudy, Jimmy, Jack Roy, and Charlie.

Roy’s mother died when he was 5 years old. He then lived with his beloved Granny on her farm in Markdale, later returning to Toronto to attend high school, carrying with him the resilience, steadiness, and gratitude shaped by those early experiences.

Health issues prevented Roy from enlisting in the armed forces during the war. The government placed him in a job at a shoe repair shop — something he believed would only be temporary. Instead, it became the beginning of a remarkable career and friendship with Paul Abate. Together they became partners in the ownership of Novelty Shoe Rebuilders. It was, as Roy himself might say, a fabulous run.

Roy’s life was rich with stories and experiences that reflected a truly multifaceted legacy from selling one of the first colour televisions at the CNE, proudly drinking from the Stanley Cup in 1967 in the Leafs dressing room to his many years at Novelty. Roy also gave generously of his time as a coach, leading two AAA Ontario Fastball Championship teams. Many of his players remained in touch with him over the years, a testament to the impact he had both on and off the field. A devoted fan of the Leafs, Blue Jays, and Argos, Roy cheered faithfully for his teams through the decades.

Yet his greatest legacy was always his family. From the spirited love he shared with his wife, to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he leaves three generations who adored him, and felt deeply proud to be part of his family.

Roy will be remembered as a GREAT GUY—he will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by all who knew him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers for their compassion, kindness, and dedicated care.

Condolences and memories may be shared to the family at Kanejerrett-thornhill.ca.