Aaron Roy was born on April 16, 1937, in Opelousas, Louisiana. He died on January 13, 2021, of complications from COVID-19. He was beloved by family, friends, and colleagues. He had a kind heart, a gentle demeanor, and a quiet authority that earned respect without commanding it. He was an avid traveler, reader, gardener, and cook. He showed his family the world and loved them selflessly. Aaron graduated from the Academy of the Immaculate Conception in Opelousas, Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. In 1959, he met Linda Colligan on a blind date. They were married for 60 years. From 1965 to 1972, Aaron worked as a general practitioner and served as coroner in Buras, Louisiana. After completing an Ear, Nose, and Throat residency at University Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, he practiced in Baton Rouge for 23 years before retiring in 2000. Since the 1990s, Aaron and Linda spent significant time in Cashiers, North Carolina, where they were active members of the vibrant mountain community. In 2018, Aaron and Linda moved to St. James Place in Baton Rouge to take advantage of a relaxed lifestyle and the community-based living. He is survived by his wife Linda Colligan Roy, his sister Verna Roy Ohlmeyer, his brother Charles Roy (Delores), his children Stephanie Roy, Bret Roy (Wendy), Allison Sanchez (Blanchard Jr.), and Doug Roy, and his grandchildren Kelsey Sanchez Gleaton (Sam), Blanchard Sanchez III, Steven Sanchez, Camille Roy, Anna Roy, and Jude Roy. He was preceded in death by his parents Abner Roy, Jr. and Edith Wyble Roy. On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Masks and social distancing are required. Due to COVID-19, there will be no visitation before or after the mass. A private internment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Our Lady of Mercy Traditions for Tomorrow Campaign, or St. James Place of Baton Rouge Foundation. The family would like to thank the staff and residents of St. James Place, who have offered care, friendship, and community to Aaron and Linda. They also thank the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff at Ochsner Medical Center of Baton Rouge who provided exceptional care and comfort to Aaron during his fight with this terrible virus.
