Roy Montgomery Lai

Roy was born in Kingston, Jamaica, to Chinese immigrants, Linton and Louise. They were hard-working shopkeepers providing for their 5 children - Ernest, Lingson, Truemin, Roy and Rose. Living at 6 Outlook Avenue was a perfect backdrop for Roy’s childhood and when he wasn’t climbing trees, picking fruits, watching movies, fishing or being mischievous, he would often pass the time reading his treasured collection of comic books that was hidden under his bed or singing along with the radio. Roy lost his father at the age of 8, but his family was strong and they managed through the difficult times.

Roy met Venice and were married, and soon after had their daughter Sacha. They moved to Angola, Indiana where Roy attended Tri-State University and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree (Civil Engineering). Afterwards they returned to Jamaica where he resumed working with Nakash and Fong-Yee Construction. Roy loved construction and was proud of the work he did; often times he would take his family to the construction sites to show off his handy work. Vance was born six years after Sacha and soon after Roy and Venice decided to move to Toronto, Canada; with hopes for a better life for the family.

In the beginning it was difficult, but Roy and Venice were resilient and worked hard and slowly they built a life for their family, settling in Kitchener where they now call their home. Up until his retirement, Roy was a loyal and hard working superintendent at Pre-Con, manufacturing and erecting many pre-stressed concrete bridges and parking garages in Ontario. His most proudest achievement was his contributions to the construction of the St. Clair Tunnel, located under the St. Clair River between Sarnia, Ontario and Port Huron, Michigan. It was the first full-size subaqueous tunnel built in North America.

It wasn't long after his retirement that Roy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and was in remission for four years, when he was faced with yet another type of cancer. Although he fought a brave battle, shortly after his diagnosis he passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children. He is survived by his wife Venice, children Sacha (Jim), Vance (Nickey) and grandchildren, Liam, Kennedy, Taylor and Steven. Roy had a big heart, always had a smile to share and a helping hand. He will be missed and loved forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Waterloo Region, specifying the Palliative Care Team in honour of Roy Montgomery Lai, at http://www.canadahelps.org