Arthur L. Roy, a longtime resident of Bayou Vista, passed away at the age of 74 at Southwest Louisiana Veteran’s Home in Jennings following a lengthy illness.
Arthur, affectionately known as Bowie, was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps having served two tours during the Vietnam War, receiving numerous medals, including the Purple Heart. Upon his return from the war he married the love of his life, Gloria Bourque, settling in Patterson and began to raise their family. They moved to Bayou Vista in 1972 and have resided there since.
Arthur worked in the Maritime industry for Survey Boats until his early retirement due to health concerns. Some of his favorite pastimes included sharing stories with others of his time in the Marines, getting together for family gatherings, and enjoying a good meal. Though his true passion was woodworking and burning, of which he was a bit of a perfectionist. He had the honor of designing the logo for Patterson’s Cypress Sawmill Festival as well as making the Queen’s Crown and Scepter out of Cypress Wood, which can be seen in the Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum. Though he will be immensely missed, his family takes great comfort in knowing that he fought the good fight, kept the faith, finished the race, and is now in peace.
Bowie’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family: his wife of 53 years, Gloria Bourque Roy; his twin daughters, Rosalind Roy Rhodes and her husband Hilton and Rebecca Roy Richard and her husband Joey; grandchildren, Brooke Roy Girard and her husband Zac, Hannah Roy, Kate Hicks, Gabe Bourgeois and his wife Veronica, Tiffany Rhodes Garrett and her spouse Paige, Hunter Rhodes and his girlfriend Ashlee Meyerholtz, Kenny Rhodes, Brittani Moreau and her husband Jeremy, Brennan Tabor, Jordan Richard Morvant and her husband Justin, and Dawson Richard; great grandchildren, Easton and Emma Girard, Chance and Claire Marcel, Evelyn Lopez, Tralin, Eli, Brilee, and River Moreau, Owen and Finn Tabor, and Grayson Morvant; his sisters, Barbara LaCoste and Ann Murray; his sisters-in-law, Judy Roy and Debra Roy; his daughter-in-law, Christel Roy Hicks and her husband Tripp; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Kennith John Roy; his parents, Wilson Roy Sr. and Rita Comeaux Roy; his grandson, Tyler Rhodes (infant); his siblings, Wilson Roy Jr., Allen Roy, Numa Roy, Jeanie Roy Suire, and Ronald James Roy.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall in Patterson from 11:30 AM until 1:20 PM at which time all will process to the church for the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 1:30 PM. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM, with Deacon Shannon Freeman officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Southwest Louisiana Veteran’s Home in Jennings for the loving and compassionate care given to Arthur during his time of need; to Audrey Stelly for being Gloria’s forever friend and support and being her home away from home; as well as to all of their family and friends for their many prayers and support.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc. of Patterson.