Memories & Celebrations - Obituary

In Loving Memory of Roy Carpenter

December 4, 1947 - July 18, 2026

Roy Carpenter was born on December 4, 1947, at Ragged Wood Lake, Ontario, to Tommy and Matilda Carpenter. After the passing of his mother in 1968, his father later married Emily McKenzie, who became Roy’s stepmother.

Roy attended Pelican Lake Residential School from 1952 to 1959 then attended the Shingwauk Indian Residential School in Sault Ste. Marie from 1959 to 1962.

Throughout his life, Roy was known as a hardworking and dependable man. Before beginning his long career with Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, he worked as a woodcutter, in mining, staking mining claims, and as a fishing and moose guide at Red Pine Lodge.

Around 1998, Roy began working part-time as a Medical Driver for Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority and eventually became a full-time employee. He truly enjoyed his work and often arrived early to ensure his van was ready for the day. During his years of service, Roy met countless people while transporting clients to medical appointments and providing airport pickups and drop-offs. He often said he wasn’t ready to retire; a milestone he would never have the opportunity to reach. I am sure that there are many stories of him while he was employed there. The one thing that I have been told they are going to miss his cheerfulness and above all his smile. It was rare not to see his smile... smiling even when he was driving by himself.... he will always be remembered, as smiley.

Around 1998, Roy met the love of his life, Wilma. Together they built a loving home and had two children, Destiny and Rainey Carpenter. Roy also lovingly raised Wilma’s children, Donovan Roundhead and Mary Roundhead, treating them as his own. He wanted nothing but the very best for all of his children. The loss of Mary deeply saddened him, and his heart was with her children, Payton and Eric Fisher, whom he loved as his own grandchildren.

Around 2006, Roy and Wilma purchased their wedding rings in anticipation of getting married.

The rings remained tucked away in their boxes until one day Wilma said, “Let’s have our wedding.” Roy preferred a simple celebration rather than a large ceremony, so they chose a small, private, yet beautiful wedding. On June 19, 2008, they were married in Thunder Bay by a Justice of the Peace, with their children Donovan, Mary, and Rainey by their side.

Roy was a devoted husband and father who always worked hard to provide for his family. You would find him doing something around the house. He was happiest when he was outdoors. Every year he looked forward to hunting trips, often returning home with unforgettable stories especially about the times he “almost killed his moose, then blaming his gun for missing the moose.” One favorite memory was from last year’s moose hunt, when a moose came so close to the campsite that they could hear it splashing through the water. Unfortunately, the heavy morning fog kept it hidden from view—a missed opportunity that became another cherished story.

Roy also loved fishing and camping. He had a small shack along the North Road where he spent winter months gathering firewood to keep the family home’s wood stove burning. Whenever time allowed, he also enjoyed ice fishing

Roy leaves behind his beloved wife, Wilma Carpenter; his daughter, Rainey Carpenter; and his stepson, Donovan Roundhead. He is also survived by his brother, Alex Carpenter, and his stepbrother, Claude McKenzie.

He will also be lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews: Bill Spade, Barb Carpenter, Annette Loon, Lesia Loon, Michael Loon, Kevin Loon, Tina Monnier, Penny Carpenter, Millie Carpenter, Dawn Carpenter, Cathy Carpenter, Brian Carpenter, Thomas Wapioke, Daniel Wapioke, Janine Arpin, and Tanya Hill, as well as numerous great nieces, and nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Roy was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Destiny Carpenter, and his stepdaughter, Mary Roundhead.

He was also predeceased by his parents, Tommy and Matilda Carpenter; his stepmother, Emily Carpenter; his siblings, Albert, David, George, Mary, Lawrence, Isabella, and Johnny Carpenter; and his nieces and nephews Lawrence “Geegee” Carpenter, Robert “Robbie” Carpenter, Allan Loon, Loretta Loon, and Jeannie Carpenter.

Roy’s legacy is one of hard work, dedication, love for his family, and kindness toward everyone he met. His warm smile, generous spirit, and quiet strength will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Forever loved, forever remembered.