Obituary - Roy-W Biko

Mr. Roy Wendlin Biko, beloved husband of Dodie Biko, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, February 12, 2007, at the age of 75 years. Roy will be remembered with love and admiration by his wife of 54 years, Dodie, and their children: Larry (Joy) Biko, Randy (Sherry) Biko, Luanne Kennedy all of Medicine Hat and Tommy (Marjie) Biko of California. He is survived by nine grandchildren: Lisa, Kevin, Cody, Kyle, Lee (Sherry), Kerry, Kristen, Shelley (Chad) and Haley, as well as two great-grandchildren, Aidan and Gavin. Roy is also survived by his big brother, Alex Biko; sisters-in-law, Darlene (Ken) Rattai, Sandra Finley and Bill (Elizabeth) Thomas. Roy was predeceased by his parents, John and Elizabeth Biko; mother and father-in-law, Wilfred and Loretta Dahlstrom; sister, Tilley (Nick) Weinberger and sister-in-law, Vivian Greenstein. Roy was born a middle child to Elizabeth and John Biko in Prelate, Saskatchewan on September 3, 1931. He married Dodie on June 14, 1952, in Medicine Hat where they made their home and raised their children. Roy worked on the CPR for a short time and then took up employment at Goodyear, retiring in 1990. He and Dodie made numerous trips to California to visit Tom and his family and of course to Reno for some fun runs and in the later years, day trips to Lethbridge to visit the new casino. Dad looked forward to the Saturday morning breakfast meetings and the monthly supper gatherings. 'Dad' was always there when you needed him and would not hesitate to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was strong willed and determined. Throughout his health obstacles he remained cheerful, giving and caring. Dad was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the Detroit Red Wings. He also enjoyed the Tiger games with his pal, Joe. Roy began a coaching career that started in 1960 with Little League Baseball and continued through to the Twilighter's League, of which he coached for twenty-four years and would have continued had his health been better. He coached hundreds of kids in his lifetime - some from 6 years old until in their late 40's. He was so proud to have his family and friends watch him throw out the first pitch at the Nationals a few years ago. We were extremely honoured when our 'Dad' received the award of 'Sportsman of the Year' in 1970. He loved life and he loved his family and he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. We are sincerely thankful for the heartfelt kindness that was given to our father by the Palliative Care Staff and Dr. Ian Phelps and Dr. Josh Foley. A Graveside Service will be celebrated at Hillside Cemetery, Medicine Hat on Friday, February 16, 2007, at 11:00 A.M. with Civil Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. Everyone attending the graveside service, should please gather at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., on Friday between 10:30 A.M. and 10:50 A.M. The procession to graveside will leave Cook Southland Funeral Chapel at 10:50 A.M. Following the Graveside Service, relatives and friends will gather for a time of fellowship and refreshments in the Ortona Room at the Royal Canadian Legion. In memory of Roy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Diabetes Association, or to the Palliative Care Society.