Roy John Manion Jr., 81, passed away suddenly, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Burnaby Hospital.
Born on May 10, 1945, in New Westminster, Roy was the son of Velma and Roy Sr. His early years were spent in Port Coquitlam where he worked alongside his father. These formative experiences helped shape the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance that would remain with him throughout his life.
Roy graduated from Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School, now Terry Fox Secondary, and went on to further his education at St. Mark’s College at UBC. He dedicated more than six decades to the Canadian wood industry beginning in 1961 with weekend and holiday work at Canfor while pursuing his education. What began as a young man’s first steps into the industry grew into a distinguished career in sales and management taking Roy across Canada and around the world as he developed markets for Canadian wood products and ultimately oversaw sales throughout Asia and Oceania. His commitment to the industry extended well beyond his own career. He served as President of BC Wood Specialties Group and on the advisory board of Forintek contributing his knowledge, experience, and leadership to an industry that had been such an important part of his life.
At 23, Roy met Jan, the love of his life. They married on August 28, 1971, and shared 54 years together. Their life was built upon a foundation of faith, family, and devotion, and together they raised their two daughters, Charmaine and Danielle.
Family was at the heart of Roy’s life. He took great pride in attending weekly Mass especially when his daughters led the congregation in song. At home, he could often be found puttering around the “Homestead” taking great pride in caring for the place his family called home. He was particularly gifted with his hands and took great pleasure in woodworking, devoting countless hours to ensuring that the house his in-laws had built was not simply maintained but continually cared for and improved.
Above all, Roy was a man of deep faith. His love for the Lord was the foundation of his daily life and guided the way he lived, worked, and cared for others. One of his happiest memories was a Holy Pilgrimage to Israel in 2017, a journey that held a special significance for him. Roy lived his faith with conviction. His integrity was evident in all that he did, and his deep connection to Jesus and the Catholic Church was expressed not only in words but in the way he treated others. He had a gift for sharing his faith through action and example, often leaving a lasting impression on the young people and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Those who knew Roy will remember his generosity, kindness, determination, and unmistakable sense of humour. He had a natural ability to put people at ease and believed in the simple importance of making others smile. He brought warmth to the people around him and never seemed to miss an opportunity for a good laugh. Above all, Roy’s greatest legacy is the family he cherished and the faith to which he remained devoted throughout his life.
Roy is survived by his beloved wife, Jan; children and their spouses, Charmaine (Charles) and Danielle (Matthew); grandchildren, Isaiah, Xavier, Trinity, Logan, and Jaxon; siblings, Dale (Bob), Joan, and Sherry; and close family members Vesna, Ashley (Chris), and Johnny (Christina).
Roy’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Parish, 6610 Balmoral St., Burnaby. A reception will immediately follow in the parish hall.
Interment will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Ocean View Cemetery, 3883 Rumble St., Burnaby.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC SPCA, an organization that was meaningful to Roy: BC SPCA – Roy Manion Memorial Fund.
May the road rise to meet you, Roy. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and may the rain fall softly upon your fields. Until we meet again, may you rest peacefully, surrounded by the love you gave so freely and the many lives you touched along the way.
