Obituary of Roy Duncan Crowell

Roy Duncan Crowell passed away peacefully at home on February 6, 2025, just two months shy of his 91st birthday, with Cathy, his devoted wife of almost 70 years, by his side. A career soldier and proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Roy served 32 years as a Supply Technician in the Air Force. His journey began with cadets and led to postings across Canada and beyond, including Petawawa, ON; Kamloops, BC; Germany; North Bay, ON; Chatham, NB; Brantford, ON; and Shearwater, NS. He also completed a peacekeeping tour in the Middle East. Following his military service, Roy worked at Industrial Marine Products at the Halifax Airport before fully retiring. Roy was known for his deep love and devotion to his family. His marriage to Cathy was filled with cherished moments, including countless dates at The Chicken Burger in Bedford and a lifelong fondness for "Kentucky Chicken," which he always offered to buy at family gatherings. His morning ritual of a boiled egg with toast, proudly dubbed “Egg Day,” is now a cherished family tradition. For over four decades, Roy and Cathy called Milford Station home, where their beautiful house and meticulously maintained gardens were a point of pride—and sometimes a challenge for anyone tasked with mowing the lawn. It was so beautiful that local graduates often asked if they could have their pictures taken with their yard as the backdrop. His passion for gardening persisted even as mobility became difficult, with raised garden beds ensuring his annual cucumber count continued to be a family event. Roy was a man of many talents and interests. He played broomball on ice, curled, and was part of a marching band that appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing. In retirement, he took up woodworking and created beautiful handcrafted pieces. Roy's love for his children and grandchildren was boundless. He made life magical for them, from keeping a rabbit in the basement which he got up early on Easter Morning to let go so the kids to see the rabbit tracks in their yard - to ensuring every child, regardless of age, received a chocolate bunny at Easter which he presented with such enthusiasm that it became something they all looked forward to. Family trips past the Shubenacadie River were never complete without the famous reminder: "That's where chocolate milk comes from." He is survived by his loving wife Cathy; daughters Vicki Park and Wendy McClung (Derrick); son Barry Crowell (Beth); brother Ron; grandchildren Roy, Denis, Kayla, William, and Sarah; and great-grandchildren Bailey, Alayah, Brooklyn, Asher, Emmy & Ayah. Roy was predeceased by his sister Jean, brother Burt, and granddaughter Tara. In keeping with Roy's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. A celebration of his remarkable life will be held at a later date with family and friends. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The Canadian Cancer Society or The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Roy’s legacy is one of love, service, and joyful traditions that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.