Henri Paul Roy (Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) RCAF)

With great sadness we announce that Paul passed away peacefully in Ottawa on September 18, 2023 at the age of 87. Loving husband of Michaeleen (Mickey) for 66 years. Proud father of Patrick, Lise (Patrick), Andre and Paul (Michael) and grandfather of Ryan.

Paul was born and raised in St. Georges QC, the son of Eugene Roy and Juliette Loubier. He enlisted in the RCAF in 1953 and after completing basic military and officer training, he was selected for training as a navigator. He trained in Winnipeg MB and Summerside PEI and upon graduation in January 1956 he joined 405 Squadron in Greenwood NS. In 1961 Paul was posted to Summerside as an instructor followed by postings to Quebec City, St-Hubert QC, and a return to Greenwood NS. In 1972/73 he attended the RCAF Command and Staff College in Toronto and was then posted to the language school in St. Jean QC. He was particularly proud of his appointment as Commanding Officer of 405 Squadron from 1976-1978. This was followed by a transfer to Staff College in Toronto as a member of the directing staff. In 1982 he joined No. 3 Squadron, NATO Airborne Early Warning Component in Geilenkirchen Germany. He retired from the RCAF in 1988 and joined the Department of External Affairs, retiring in 1998. During his ten years at External Affairs (now Global Affairs) Paul travelled to Canadian diplomatic missions in 70 different countries.

Paul was interested in sports and played hockey on most bases he served and old timers hockey into his fifties. He enjoyed skiing and he and Mickey were keen golfers, both were long time members of the Hylands golf course in Ottawa. They particularly enjoyed playing in Florida during the winter. Paul was a member of Council 14337 of the Knights of Columbus.

Family and friends are invited to Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) on Tuesday, October 3 for a visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow.

The Roy family welcomes donations to be made in Lieutenant-Colonel Henri Paul Roy’s name to the Royal Canadian Legion or the Shepherds of Good Hope, Ottawa ON.