Roy Daniel Cousineau

Roy Cousineau passed away at home July 21, 2016. Roy, a Sacramento resident for over 70 years, was born in International Falls, MN in 1922. He grew up in Canada, but as the third of nine children needed to be on his own at an early age. He left Canada for California in 1942 to seek his fortune and play ice hockey for various northern California club teams. In 1944 he joined the U.S. Army Air Force. He married his first love, Doris Casselman, in 1945, a union that lasted 68 years until her passing in 2012.

Roy is survived by his two children Karen and Carl Cousineau, two grandchildren Ryan Adams (Tracy) and Stephen Adams (Jackie) and their daughter Makena.

Roy was proud of his military service in WWII as a combat cargo pilot in the India/Burma theater where he flew missions that included carrying troops over the Himalayas to China and ferrying supplies to the British during their campaign to recapture Burma.

When he returned home he began a career in accounting and auditing. Eventually he became a specialist in California school district accounting and retired from the Sacramento County Office of Education in 1987.

Roy was active in forming the Skating Club of Sacramento and in organizing many ice skating programs and competitions. He was also a founding member of the Cairn Terrier Club of Northern California. He was a successful handler of Cairns in the show ring as well, with several U.S. and Canadian champions.

Roy’s enthusiasm for hockey never waned. He and Doris became dedicated San Jose Sharks fans. He also encouraged his grandsons to play and helped them learn the game. He supported them and their teams into his eighties.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made in Roy’s name to the charity of your choice.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, August 2 at 10 a.m. at East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial Park located at 9189 E. Stockton Blvd.

Arrangements are under the care of Harry Nauman & Son.