Roy Desjarlais

Roy Donald Desjarlais, 56, son of Donald Harris Desjarlais and Veronica Marie Desjarlais, died suddenly March 15, 2016, in Orlando. A loving husband of five years to Dr. Shelley Lynch, Roy was a long time resident of Palm Beach Gardens and recent resident of Orlando. He was a Licensed Massage Therapist with more than 25 years experience practicing CranioSacral Therapy (CST). Roy was born July 2, 1959, in Flint, Mich., the youngest of seven siblings. The family moved to Cape Coral, Fla., in 1968. He graduated from Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers in 1977. He then graduated from Edison Community College where he was awarded the President’s Trophy. Roy went on to receive a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design from University of Central Florida, receiving an esteemed ADDY Award for advertising. He took his first CranioSacral Therapy course in 1987, and it proceeded to change his life. Roy decided to leave his job as a graphic designer and obtain his massage license so he could practice CST full time. He worked in an orthopedic rehabilitation clinic applying CST to pre- and post-surgery and trauma patients. Then he opened his CST clinic where he successfully treated a variety of acute, chronic, pediatric and neurological disorders. He also became the proud father of two daughters during this time. In 1994, Roy was invited by Dr. John Upledger to work in the Upledger clinic. During 15 years there, he was a clinician, instructor, curriculum developer, instructor ombudsman, certification developer and examiner, and finally Vice President of Clinical Services. He has developed CST classes and taught nationally and internationally for 20 years. Until his death, Roy owned the Center for CranioSacral Therapy in Palm Beach Gardens, with patients throughout Florida, the United States and overseas. Roy was passionate about dolphin research and frequently traveled to the Keys to volunteer. He was the co-founder with wife Shelley of Float for Life events that used the Ocean Float experience to help participants connect to the water personally, inspiring care for oceans, rivers and lakes. Roy’s favorite quote, which he posted frequently on Facebook, expressed his philosophy of life: “There will always be good in the world.” Roy is preceded in death by his father, Donald. He is survived by his wife, Shelley; daughters Devin Desjarlais (Jacob) and Nicole Desjarlais; mother, Veronica, and siblings Paulette Soganich (Mel), James Desjarlais, Coni St. Pierre (Eugene, deceased), Roger Desjarlais (Vivian), Michele Patrick (Michael), and Mary Lynn Desjarlais; and a large extended family of nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held at 1:30 to 3:30 and a service from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at Baldwin-Fairchild Cemeteries & Funeral Homes, 301 N.E. Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando. A second celebration of life will be held at 6:00 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 25 at the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront, 3700 North Ocean Drive, Riviera Beach. Roy was passionate about helping families and children with autism. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Autism Research at www.researchautism.org/support/donate/index.asp