Dr. H. Roy Rowsell

Peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013, in his 93rd year. Son of Ida May and Joseph Rowsell. Predeceased by his brothers Baxter and Harry. Survived by his wife of 60 years Blaikie, his children Allan (Kathie), Harry (Debbie), Anne and Mary (Mike) and grandchildren Emily, Blake, Blair, Sarah, Jen, Kevin, David, Derek, Allison and Rachel. A graduate of Bloor Collegiate in Toronto. He and his identical twin brother, Harry, joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve having never seen the ocean. They served together at sea on HMCS Columbia before going their separate ways after officer’s training at King’s College. Roy served in motor launches and ended the war on the corvette HMCS New Westminster on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. Like so many of his generation he took advantage of the veteran’s programs. He attended medical school at the University of Toronto graduating in 1950. He met Blaikie while on summer duty with the Naval Reserves in Halifax and married her on December 6th, 1952 at the Naden Naval Base on Vancouver Island. He found a home in 1956 at the Oshawa General Hospital where he remained for 50 years. He served as both Chief of Staff and President of the Department of Medicine. He was active in the community serving as president of the Victorian Order of Nurses, a director of the United Way, member of Westmount Kiwanis and many other organizations, as well as a longtime supporter of the Oshawa Generals. As a medical volunteer he traveled to Newfoundland (Grenfell Hospital & United Church Hospitals;) northern British Columbia Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Sahel Region in Africa. He made 18 trips to Guyana with various teams. Overall he made more than 35 medical trips to various destinations. He loved his family, the cottage and farm. He devoted his life to helping others. He leaves a legacy with all who knew him as a kind and gentle man who cared deeply for his patients. Special thanks to all the caregivers who assisted in keeping him in his home until the end. They are too numerous to mention and they know who they are. Donations to the Canadian Memorial Naval Trust, Northminster United Church, the Lakeridge Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. A Memorial Service will be held at NORTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH (676 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa) on Monday, July 15th, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234).

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Parking at Dr. S.J. Philips School (Simcoe & Rossland Rd, - S.E. Corner or Pat & Mike Plaza - west side)