Roy A. Chittick

November 30, 1928 - December 31, 2020

Funeral Details:

It is with great sadness that the Family of Roy Alvin Chittick announce his passing on Thursday, December 31, 2020, at age 92. Roy passed peacefully at his residence in Barrie, Ontario.  He is held dear in the hearts of his wife of 68 years, Muriel (Rodgers) and his children, Brad (Barbara), Reid (Darlee), Jane (Greg) Leeds, Adam (Gloria) and Liane. He is also fondly remembered by his grandchildren Forrest (Michelle), Jessica (Danny), Byron (Giselle), Justin (Kelsey), Crawford Leeds, Harrison Leeds (Emily Westhafer), Emma, Olivia, great-grandson Cohen, his brother Ken, sister Joan Clark, sister in-law Linda Chittick, nieces Stacie (Mike) Clark/Rogers, Beth (Jason)Weber and nephews Greg (Niki) Clark and Stephen Chittick.

A western Canadian boy at heart Roy was born November 30, 1928 in Dauphin, Manitoba to Henry and Hughena (MacDonald) Chittick. He spent his formative years primarily in Winnipeg and Calgary, a city to which he formed strong attachments and returned to for a period later in life. After graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1951 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree he moved to Toronto to begin a successful career in the insurance industry and married Muriel who would be his lifelong love, apart from golf.

He began his career at Crown Life. Then followed positions with several companies working in the pension and benefits planning field in Toronto and Calgary, notably, Murray Bulger & Associates, TA & Associates, and a partnership in Chittick Manion.

He was a devoted family man who afforded his children and grandchildren many valuable and enjoyable life experiences. A staunch believer in democratic principles he had strong political convictions and enjoyed debate. He would oft say: “You are entitled to your opinions, no matter how poorly formed they may be.” This he managed to impart to his children and grandchildren as well.

After retirement Roy pursued his passion for golf and spent countless hours researching the genealogy of his family and those families that had joined his. Sometimes he would combine the two interests and travel to the ancestral lands to research Chittick history and to experience firsthand the quality of their golf courses, to which he applied his own rating.

He was always unapologetically himself, but nothing was more important to him than the people who made up his life. As demonstrated by the ‘Bad Poetry’ (as he referred to it) he would write, humorous rhymes in the tradition of Ogden Nash, primarily to celebrate life events, friends, and family. Here are the last two stanzas of one he penned on the eve of his 75th Birthday. His was a Life Lived in Full.

When I heard of this party I was pleased for my sake

I always have wanted to attend my own wake.

Here’s to you all, those I like, those I don’t

Those who speak real and those that just won’t

Have one more on me, don’t praise me in sorrow

I’m having my 80th day after tomorrow

So sip life in full, single malt or blends

The only real truth is having good friends.

Cremation has taken place and no funeral is planned due to the constraints of the Covid-19 epidemic. The family is planning a Wake-In-Absentia in the Greater Toronto area when conditions permit. Please contact Reid Chittick if you wish to receive an invitation. rchittick76@gmail.com, 2511 Spring Beach Dr. Gabriola, BC. V0R 1X7

CONDOLENCES

9 Condolences
  • Laurie Graham
    Posted on: Wednesday, January 6, 2021 Reply

    Many fond memories of time spent with Roy and Muriel. On the Island (always wondered if the escaped helium balloons made it to the Mainland:) and at numerous birthday celebrations for my father, Bill Graham, when Roy’s ‘bad poetry’ was often a highlight. Sincere condolences to Muriel and the Chittick clan for the loss of this thoughtful, witty, one-of-a-kind man.

  • Donna Miller
    Posted on: Thursday, January 7, 2021 Reply

    Roy Chittick was my mother’s first cousin and they were close. My mother, Donalda Miller (née McMurray), passed away in 2008 in Winnipeg and Roy flew in from Toronto to stay with her during her final days. A year later, my husband, Marc, and I and our niece, Karen Paquin, visited Roy and Muriel and Roy’s sister, Joan Clark, in Kleinburg and reunited for a few hours. It was wonderful. Roy, Ken and Joan and their parents, Henry and Hughena, were so gracious and generous when my mother was growing up and their love and support for her is something that our family will never forget. Blessed be the ties that bind. Our condolences to the Chittick family. 💕Donna Miller

  • JAMES MOLNAR
    Posted on: Saturday, January 9, 2021 Reply

    Fond memories of good times at The Gables of Kleinburg, will be remembered by Jim and Lorraine.
    Farewell good friend.

  • D'Arcy Hande
    Posted on: Saturday, January 9, 2021 Reply

    Sincere condolences to all your family from a 2nd-cousin (through the Chittick-Popp side of the family tree).

  • Carole & Joe Mackintosh
    Posted on: Saturday, January 9, 2021 Reply

    Our thoughts are with the Chittick family. I’m (Carole) a first cousin of Roy, Ken and Joan. My mother Evelyn Chittick was Henry’s sister and Roy’s aunt. We treasured the times we had with Roy and Muriel in Winnipeg, Gimli and Victoria. We’ll now have a taste and a toast of single malt in Roy’s memory. Slainte!

  • Marvin C. Lindgren
    Posted on: Sunday, January 10, 2021 Reply

    Memories are many of the good times we enjoyed together.

    Echoing in my mind is the tone of Roy’s voice. It demanded attention and respect, yet unable to cover a personality of generosity and compassion.

    Muriel, you are always in our thoughts and prayers. Condolences to the Chittick families. We too will miss him.

    Marv & Gerry

  • John traynor
    Posted on: Friday, January 15, 2021 Reply

    Enjoy your golf game up above

  • Enzo Villa
    Posted on: Saturday, January 16, 2021 Reply

    Roy was a member of the Caledon Seniors Men’s Group and we played every Wednesday at a different course in the Caledon area. It was pleasure to play with Roy. He shared his opinions and thoughts but more importantly he asked about mine. You knew Roy was here with his distinct voice in the background. He was friendly, welcoming and a gentleman. He was short off the tee but once he was near the green, he was magic. I can only imagine what he was like when he was younger. I have included a picture of him at our annual year end tournament in October 2015 at Glen Eagle Golf Club.

    Thank you for coming into my life Roy and I still owe you a beer,

    • Brad Chittick
      Posted on: Saturday, January 23, 2021 Reply

      Thank you Enzo for the story of the golf experiences with Dad. He loved the game and the people he met through it. The picture you spoke of is not displayed in your condolence. We (his children) would greatly appreciate a copy. Since Dad always was the one with the camera, our stock of family pictures is lacking on pictures of Roy. If you receive this reply, please send me a copy of the picture to my email address; kbchittick@gmail.com.
      Your kind words are a source of comfort for us.
      Many thanks,
      Brad.

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