Royal Albert Botham

ROYAL ALBERT BOTHAM May 8, 1935 - March 4, 2019 After a very courageous eight week health battle, Royal sadly lost his fight and passed away on March 4, 2019. Royal was predeceased by his mother Lillian (nee Marwick) and father Victor. He is survived by his loving and wonderful wife Arline, his sister Lorraine (Dan - Andrea and Nancy), daughters, Julie (Jim), Kathy (Jim), and son Scott (Kathy). Also left to mourn are grandchildren, Melinda (Ty), Beth (Steve), and Erin. Great-grandson Aaron also misses "Papa" terribly. Royal was born and raised in Montreal. Growing up, he decided to leave school at a young age to begin work with his father in the construction business. Although he enjoyed working and spending time with his father, he decided in his late teens to pursue a different career path. At the age of 19, he began work in the mail-room of a branch of the Toronto Dominion Bank in Montreal. As a true testament to his hard-work and perseverance, Royal quickly moved up the ranks of the TD Bank. In October of 1958, a blind date was arranged for Royal for a bank function and dance. It was then he met the love of his life, Arline Jamieson. The feeling was clearly mutual as the two were married in Montreal in February of 1960. Two beautiful daughters - Julie and Kathy - were born in Montreal, before the family moved to Winnipeg in 1965. Son Scott, was born in Winnipeg in 1966. Roy's love and devotion to "bank life" continued for over 30 years. He worked at a variety of branches in a variety of positions, before retiring as Administration Officer for TD Bank for all of Manitoba and NW Ontario in 1987. In retirement, Roy remained very active. He was President of the Charleswood Senior Centre. He thoroughly enjoyed the many friendships he made at the Centre, along with volunteering for many Centre activities. In February 2005, his hard-work and dedication was recognized as he was awarded "The Heart of the Community Volunteer Award" at a special ceremony at the Manitoba Legislature. The award was presented by then Charleswood MLA Myrna Driedger. Roy also had a huge love of sports. Whether it was playing fastball and using his "killer arm" to pitch for the TD Bank team, or watching curling or his beloved Winnipeg Jets and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He and son Scott would spend countless hours analyzing how "their" Jets and Bombers were doing. Another sport/hobby Roy really enjoyed was fishing. Many hours were spent on the water, especially at a family cabin in Reddit, Ontario. Fishing was a hobby and love that he passed onto his son Scott. He also really enjoyed gardening and woodworking. And in later years, he picked up the hobby of painting. His skill was quite impressive as many paintings still decorate the family home. Royal was a kind, gentle, loving soul. His quiet smile will be missed by all of those he touched. The family wishes to thank the wonderfully supportive team at Grace Hospital. From the ICU staff to those who worked on 4th Floor South. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roy's memory to the Grace Hospital Foundation. Special thanks to Jon Einarson and his team from the Foundation for their care and support.