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Retired teacher and long-time Kootenay Boundary resident Roy Berton Ronaghan passed away suddenly on January 2, 2016 at Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock, BC. He was 84 years old.

Roy was born in Islay, Alberta in 1931. His family moved to Creston after his Grade 8 year, thus beginning his long and well-traveled relationship with British Columbia. His teaching career took him to many communities across the province, including Kimberley, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, Dawson Creek and Kamloops. He also lived for a time in Richmond, Langley, and on Gambier Island.

Roy’s remaining years were spent in Grand Forks and Christina Lake, the latter being the site of his beloved meadow and acreage on West Lake Drive. Always active in his community, he was a regular attendee at meetings of Grand Forks City Council, served as a board member with the Grand Forks and District Public Library, was a member of the Community Advisory Committee for the Christina Lake Management Plan, and wrote many opinion columns for the Grand Forks Gazette.

Roy did his very best to walk softly upon the earth and protect it for future generations. He was also an active, thoughtful and well-informed citizen, contributing much of his time and energy to issues and causes that were important to him. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

Plans for a celebration of Roy’s life will be announced at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family by e-mail to remembering.rbr@gmail.com. For those who wish to personally commemorate Roy’s passing, please consider offering your time or making a donation to a community or environmental organization that is close to your heart.



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