Lily Roy lived her values of community involvement every day. The PDCF Lily Roy Memorial Bursary, created in her memory by her loving (and equally community-minded) husband, Frank Roy, is awarded each year to a graduating student from each of St John Catholic High School and Perth and District Collegiate Institute who, through their community involvement, reflect Lily’s belief that pitching in and participating in community is the key to a good life.

Lily was born in Hanna, Alberta, on June 23, 1932. She met Frank in the summer of 1956 when they were both working in British Columbia. They married in 1957 and moved to Ontario, and while raising three young boys, Lily got involved in the Nursing Division of St. John Ambulance in 1964, and, in 1990, was invested as a Commander in the Order of St John. For 40 years, even after she was diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment, Lily helped make others’ lives better through her volunteer work.

Lily taught CPR and First Aid to Girl Guides and Scouts, as well as healthcare workers and other adults in Stittsville, Burlington, and Carleton Place. After moving to Perth in 1990, Lily volunteered with Heart and Stroke, the Canadian Cancer Society, Rideau Lakes Home and Community Support Centre, EcoPerth, The Perth Public Library, and taught fitness classes at Perth Community Care, and Lanark Lodge. She instructed at Algonquin College and provided financial support for student awards. She grew connections and friendships with her active participation in skiing, canoeing, Scottish country dancing, and cycling with others. And, to take one sport to the extreme, Lily was a regular participant in Perth’s Annual Polar Bear Plunge, raising money for local organizations.

Lily’s commitment to community and her can-do spirit were infectious, and she was declared “Volunteer of the Year” in 2001 by the Safe Communities of Perth and District. When she received the award, Kara Symbolic, of North Lanark Community Health Centre (ConnectWell), honoured Lily beautifully, saying: “I consider Lily Roy to be a volunteer ambassador in our community. She leads us by example, by cajoling, by her sense of humour, and by her presence. In her volunteer life, she demonstrates care for both individual and community health, safety, fitness, environment, literacy…”

Lily died peacefully, at home, surrounded by family on April 14, 2005. As one family friend wrote to Frank, after Lily passed, “Her light will live on in all who knew her.”