Roy MacAlpine passed away unexpectedly at home on February 18, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on May 19, 1945, in Campbellford, Ontario, to Rita and Carmen MacAlpine, Roy was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Roy is lovingly remembered by his sons, Chris (Anita) and Scott; his grandchildren, Paxton, Zoe, and Angus; his siblings Bob, Wayne, Helen MacAlpine and brother-in-law, William Hall. His niece, Krystal (Andrew), and nephew, David (Richelle); and his great-niece and great-nephew, Aurora and Clark have many fond memories of their uncle Roy. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sandra, in 2022, and his brothers Keith, Donald and Glen MacAlpine.
A man of deep faith, Roy will be forever remembered by his family at Kortright Presbyterian Church. Roy enjoyed bible studies and took part in weekly celebrations of the Lord. In 1986, he and Sandra explored the promised land of Israel, which provided them with extraordinary moments connecting with the Lord and his Son.
He drove over 2 million miles in his career as a truck driver for Mackinnon Transport. He loved his job and met many friends during his time on the road. He delivered various products across North America, one of his most memorable being delivering metal structures for the TD Gardens arena in Boston Massachusetts, where the Boston Bruins play. His sons also worked at Mackinnon with him for several years in the early 2000s.
His grandchildren enjoyed road trips to Shakespeare to get a pie, or two, or three, music festivals or just to get out of the house. On the way, they were treated to stories of his time as a trucker, a little family history lesson or some of his grandfatherly wisdom too.
Roy was also an avid bowler, taking up the sport back in 1960. He introduced his son, Chris, to the sport of bowling about 40 years ago. They’ve played together every week in leagues at Bowlerama, Woodlawn Bowling Centre (Splitsville) and in Kitchener at Fredrick lanes (AMF). He will be dearly missed by the bowling community, especially by long-time family friend Kathleen MacKenzie.
Golf and fishing were two of his other passions he enjoyed. His endless search for the best golf-club set left him with at least a half-dozen sets to choose from when playing in his men’s senior’s league and the Spark league. His favourite courses were Turtle Creek, Pineland Greens and Merry-Hill Golf Club. Fishing on the Trent River and Rice Lake gave Roy great pleasure, especially when he caught a large-mouth bass. He enjoyed many fishing trips with his wife, sons and grandchildren over the years…memories that will be cherished always.
Roy made friends with everyone he met, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. Roy made some strong and lasting friendships within the Bluegrass community. The Spinney Brothers, Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, The Roys, Munroe Crossing, Jerry Butler and the Blu Js, Kevin Richardson and Cutting Edge, Smokey Greene, Wally, Danny and The Ryders, The Larry Stephenson Band, Ernie Evan’s and the Florida State Bluegrass band, just to name a few. He recently took Danny Stewart’s Bluegrass cruise with his two sons in January.
A dedicated Toronto Maple Leafs fan, Roy lived to see their last Stanley Cup Final win in 1967, firsthand, at the old Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. No matter where he was or what he was doing, Roy’s remarkable sense of humor and quick wit always made those around him smile. His presence will be missed by many, but his kindness and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Friends and relatives are invited to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home – Hart Chapel (1099, Gordon St. Guelph) for a Memorial Visitation on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 1 – 2 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 pm. Cremation has taken place.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Special thanks to Roy's friends, neighbors at Greenwin Apartments, and the Guelph Police Service for their support during this time.
Rest in peace, Roy. You will be greatly missed.