Obituary of Roy John Steckley

Roy passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on Sunday, October 14, 2018; a sunny, autumn morning, in his 89th year.

Born February 6, 1930 in Milverton, ON. Roy was a son of the late Simon Steckley and former Lena Brenneman. Beloved husband of Beatrice Steckley (nee) Hallman with whom he celebrated 66 years of marriage. Caring father of Jeff Steckley (Jan), Kim Cocks (Scott), Kris Schapansky (Gary) and Phil Steckley. Adored grandpa of Dan Steckley, Dean Steckley (Pheobe), Zach Steckley (Beth), Jason Cocks (Krystal), Aaron Cocks (Dani), Abbie Kitchen (Mike), Jake Schapansky and Leah Schapansky, Simon Steckley (Sarah) and Bekah Te (Jesse). Great-grandpa of Lena and Jonah Steckley, Lola Cocks, Lochie and Iver Cocks and Greysen Kitchen in whom he took great delight. Fondly remembered by his brother Bill Steckley, sister Patricia Jantzi (Melvin) and brother-in-law John Gerber (Elizabeth), sister-in-law Eileen Snyder and brother-in-law Willis Hallman (Kit), as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by sister, Pauline Gerber, sister-in-law Merrill Steckley and brother-in-law Ralph Snyder.

Roy was raised by his loving parents in Milverton. He left home at 15 to pursue his love of learning and further education at Rockway Mennonite School. This provided expanded knowledge, wonderful life long friends and best of all, his life partner, Bea. This led him to a teaching career which began in a one room schoolhouse in Wellesley at the age of 18. He then moved to Preston and while continuing his education, he taught at several schools, eventually becoming a principal. Roy was a faithful member of Preston Mennonite Church. He was a dreamer and a passionate man. One of these passions was his collection of old convertible cars. He fulfilled his dream to build a cottage at Chesley Lake for his family, which resulted in many happy memories. Every summer was spent sharing his beautiful view of the lake with family and friends. In his retirement from teaching, Roy used his administrative skills and was employed by the Independent Living Centre as well as Community Justice Initiatives. In both of these roles, he continued to be a life-long learner and solidified many friendships. Roy accomplished many things in his life, but will be remembered most for the way he genuinely cared for and attentively listened to each person he encountered.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Roy with his family at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Thursday, October 18 from 6-8 p.m. and Friday, October 19 from 3-6 p.m.  A service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving will be held at Steinmann Mennonite Church, 1316 Snyder’s Rd, Baden, on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 1 p.m. Pastor Gary Knarr officiating.  Reception to follow.  Cremation has taken place.  Interment at Mannheim Mennonite Church Cemetery at a later date.

In memory of Roy, donations can be made to Chesley Lake Camp Association (Cord-O-Roy Trail development), Independent Living Centre or Community Justice Initiatives through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.