Peacefully on February 24, 2006 at Deer Lodge Centre, Royden F. Lee slipped away from the joys and hardships of this world. He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Linda and Luella, his grandson Andrew, his son-in-law Larry, his older sister Ina (Lee) Hutchison, his niece Catherine, as well as his friends, former students and colleagues. Royden was predeceased by his beloved wife Shirley.
He and Shirley immediately connected when they first met at the United College Literary Club. They both graduated from United College (B.A. 1947) and continued their life together for over 50 years. They were constant companions, sharing a passion for poetry, a love of animals, a zeal for “rock hounding” in Montana, and an enjoyment of intellectual argument. Their Waverley Street home and their Sandy Hook cottage were always open to many young people who grew up in the River Heights neighbourhood.
Born in 1917, to Reverend Fred and Ida (Gibson) Lee, Royden spent his life giving service to his country and his community. With some regret he left his new found love of teaching and volunteered for overseas service in the Second World War becoming a navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Upon his return, he enrolled in United College and was elected Senior Stick in his final year. His commitment to University of Winnipeg continued after graduation, serving for many years on the Board of Regents.
Royden served his community in many ways, as a Scout leader, a Sunday school teacher, and a church elder. However, Royden will be best remembered as an educator. A fervent advocate for public education, he was a teacher in rural Manitoba and in Winnipeg, English Department Head at Gordon Bell High School, curriculum consultant, school inspector in Seven Oaks School Division, and Director of Teacher Certification and Records. Many Manitoba educators still carry his signature on their teaching certificates. He chaired curriculum development committees, promoted professional development for teachers, was active in the Reading Council of Winnipeg, and helped establish the Program for the Education of Native Teachers (PENT) at Brandon University, to name a few of his accomplishments. In 1986, the Manitoba Teachers' Society bestowed on him an Honorary Membership “as a token of esteem in which he is held by the members of the Manitoba Teachers' Society and in appreciation of his many services to Education in Manitoba.” Equally telling is the fact that former students continued to stay in touch with Royden up to the time of his death through visits, letters, and special Christmas packages.
Royden's sense of humour was a defining trait, although not always immediately obvious to others as his “distinguished” presence was often first noticed. Royden was a literary person, curler, storyteller, musician, lapidarist, animal-lover, dedicated educator, and - as so many have recently observed - “a gentleman and a gentle man.” We shall miss him.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the committed and compassionate staff at Deer Lodge Centre who made special efforts to know and care for Royden during the last few months of his life. Cremation has taken place.
A memorial service was held at St. Andrews River Heights United Church on Friday, March 3, 2006 to celebrate Royden's life. Following the service, friends gathered for an informal reception.
Anyone wishing to honour Royden's life may do so by contributing to the University of Winnipeg Foundation or The Winnipeg Humane Society.
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