1928 – 2014

RUMFORD — Ernest R. Roy, 85, of Valley Road in Peru, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12, at Rumford Hospital.

He was born in Mexico on July 21, 1928, a son of Albert L. and Mavis (Cochran) Roy. Ernest was educated in Rumford schools and was a graduate of Stephens Memorial High School, Class of 1948. He married Joyce Thurston on Dec. 13, 1959, and they celebrated 55 years of marriage together.

Ernest served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper during the Korean War. He was employed in the belt shop at Oxford Paper Co., until his retirement.

He was an avid farmer and gardener, and was a member of the American Legion. Ernest was the proud father of seven children and three foster children. The family has many happy memories of being at Concord Pond with family and friends.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Joyce (Thurston) Roy, of Peru; seven children, Valerie Bonnell and husband, Richard, of Rumford, Ernest A. Roy and fiancée, Kelly, of Peru, Lynda Derouche and husband, John, of Peru, Cynthia Proctor and husband, Dalton, of Weld, William R. Freeman Jr. and wife, Mary Ellen, of Peru, Greg Freeman and wife, Cindy, of Peru and Andrew Freeman and wife, Brenda, of Peru; a sister, Shirley Staples, of Rumford; 20 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Florence Bradbury; and two brothers, Francis Roy and Joseph “Norman” Roy.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Roy family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.