Dr. Roy Emil Englund

Englund, Dr. Roy Emil – Roy died at home in Halifax surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, May 26th, 2013. A man who devoted his whole life to health, healing, and learning Roy handled his illness as he did every part of his life. He impressed and inspired everyone with his determination and strength. His open approach and incredible mind led him beyond traditional medicine to alternatives from all areas which he incorporated into every aspect of his life and the lives of people who met him. A sensitive man who always wanted to be helping he was there for, or engrossed in the search for answers for, everyone who asked.

The son of Swedish immigrants, Signe Maria (Andersson) and Johann Emil Englund, Roy and his twin brother Ralph (1937-2008) were born in Trail, BC on February 10th, 1937. He grew up in Castlegar, BC where he excelled in sports and in school, earning scholarships for University. He attended Notre Dame University, BC and Carleton University, Ont, before moving to Nova Scotia to study Medicine at Dalhousie University in Halifax. After graduating he served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Medical Officer while doing his Residency in Orthopaedics. He was one of first orthopaedic surgeons trained in the Dalhousie Medical School Orthopaedic program; because of this, and his role as mentor to those who came after, he was affectionately known as “The Godfather” by his colleagues and residents. He was a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Canada) and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. While running a very busy practice, at the Halifax Infirmary, he also lectured at Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine. He was a member of the Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Orthopaedic Association, and the Nova Scotia Medical Association. He constantly endeavoured to increase his skill and knowledge, traveling the world to attend many post-fellowship courses over the years.

Roy had an unbridled exuberance for everything he did in life. He loved his family, friends, being in the operating room, golfing, skiing, travel, adventures, and music. He was always the loudest voice singing even if he didn’t know the words. He was also an excellent dancer and his partners had to be prepared to be flipped upside down at any point. He was always the life of the party, always spontaneous, leaving a trail of unbelievable “Roy” stories in his wake.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Dianne (Belmore) Englund. She has been the love and best friend, who organized his professional and personal lives, is the mother of his 3 children, and supported him always. He is also survived by his 3 children Sonja, Kristel, and Leif; his beloved granddaughter Lily Englund, and his pal Cheddar. He will also be deeply missed by his 6 sister inlaws, 5 brother in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Besides his parents, Roy is pre-deceased by his twin brother Ralph, sister Rose, grand-daughter Gessica, in-laws Bernie and Dolly Belmore, brother in-law Gordon Price, and sister in-law Shirley-Dale Easley.

Roy was always positive and he challenged the limits in health encouraging others to do the same. He pushed himself toward perfection always, excelling in almost everything. Healing was his passion and he deeply cared about the well being of every individual. He was multi-faceted with unparalleled knowledge. The loss of his humour, wisdom, insight, guidance, love and caring will leave a void in the lives of many.

Visitation will take place at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Hfx, NS on Friday, May 31st from 6 to 8 pm. A Celebration of Roys’ Life will be held at Bethany United Church, 7171 Clinton Ave., Hfx, NS on Saturday, June 1st at 2 pm. Please respect a scent free environment.

The family would like to thank Dr. J.F. Legare, Dr. John Sullivan, Sonya Osmond, Melissa Cavicchi, and all the rest of the wonderful nurses and staff of 7.1, the Cardiac Care Unit, at the QEII Hospital in Halifax. Thanks also to the VON, especially Cory Mackenzie and Bayshore, especially Doreen and Marc.

Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Doctors Without Borders Dr. Roy Englund Memorial Fund http://events.doctorswithoutborders.org/campaign/DrEnglund