Roy Fredrick Fondse

With a profound sense of loss and deep sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of Roy on October 26, 2021 at the Health Sciences Centre after a brave, hard fought nine month battle with cancer. Roy believed and lived by the motto, “tomorrow is promised to no one”. His fascinating life journey was full, and while there was still more to do, the burden was too much to bear.

Roy was predeceased by his devoted and loving mum, Heather in 1995. His memory will be forever cherished by his sister, Christtine of Saskatoon. He will be missed beyond measure and forever loved with deep affection by Evelyn, his best friend and wife of 43 years who was at Roy’s side as he passed. Roy will be dearly remembered by his sister-in-law Theresa and her husband Reg and their children Stephanie (Robin) and Brent (Lisa); his brother-in-law Melvin and his wife Celdy and their children, Dylan and Amanda (Scott); and his brother-in-law, David. Uncle Roy held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews; Stephanie, Brent, Dylan and Amanda; his great-nephews, Ryland, Ronan and Odin, and his great-niece, Violet. During his earthly journey, Roy forged many close and lasting friendships. He will be fondly remembered by extended family as well as dear friends in Winnipeg and surrounding area, and across Canada and in Europe.

Roy’s journey started in his birthplace of Bangalore, India. He treasured the freedom and incomparable experiences he had as a child, unleashing his curiosity to play, to explore and to learn. It was in Bangalore that Roy started his love affair with competitive cycling which continued when he immigrated to England in 1963 and to Canada in 1967. Roy had the need for speed and loved the exhilaration of cycling on the track. The 6-day track races in Delhi, Ontario were a favourite. Competing for Canada at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Varese, Italy in 1971 and Montreal in 1974 were highlights of his racing days. Closer to home, Roy enjoyed competing in provincial and national track and road cycling races. When he hung up his racing wheels in 1978, Roy continued to enjoy the sport by closely following the professional riders; taking note of their tactics and strategies in cycling’s grand tours and one-day classics races. Rarely did he miss a stage of the Tour de France or the Giro d’Italia or the Vuelta a España.

Roy was a vibrant man of many dimensions with an incredible sense of humour whose enthusiasm and smile could fill a room. His tastes ranged from simple to exotic. Art was a passion. He enjoyed building a collection of works, especially those produced by Canadian painters and sculptors. His music choices were eclectic and always had special meaning to him. Elvis Presley was one of his all-time favourite recording artists. Roy was at home in the kitchen, creating his signature specials with imagination and ease, and then expertly pairing them with vintages he had spent time researching. A membership in the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Manitoba Bailliage enabled Roy to experience the creations of Manitoba’s talented chefs that Roy so admired and who filled his quest for fine dining in the company of friends. Roy loved Canada dearly with its diversity of cultures and rugged beauty and made it a priority to visit all of the provinces. He had a special love for the Okanagan Valley in BC. International travel was often linked to seeking out and exploring wine regions in Europe, South America and the USA with Evelyn. Gardening was a relaxing pastime, especially following retirement in 2013 from a fulfilling 30 year career in residential real estate.

Thank you to the dedicated physicians and health care staff across the Winnipeg health region and at CancerCare Manitoba who provided expert and compassionate care. A special debt of gratitude to Dr. Kevin Coates, Roy’s family physician, for coordinating Roy’s care and for his consistent concern and prompt attention to Roy’s needs.

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone

Through the storm, through the night…

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Roy, you are forever in my heart. Rest in Peace my darling.

For those who wish to attend the funeral virtually the link is below. https://youtu.be/gLupJu2KN5Y