When I was young, I made it a point to always bother my older sister Pat whenever she brought a friend to the house. From the start Roy was one I approved of immediately. He had a love for fast cars. I heard many stories about a 1962 Chevy bubble top with a 348 big block and 4speed transmission.( He sort of guided me into my future motorhead ways. )
My Dad also took to Roy quickly as they both shared a love for animals specially birds. Many times when he did come over he spent more time with Dad in the aviary than with Pat
in the house.
I could say so many things.
He was my best man at our wedding.
Later in life we would go for rides on our motorcycles. (Life was so great back then. )
We would talk about cars and bikes. I remember one conversation about the type of bearing in a hot wheels car’s wheels. If we could figure that out we could reduce friction in real car’s bearings. You know what I’m talking about, motorhead stuff.
When Pat told us of his illness it broke our hearts. Roy was so into many different things. He had MANY animals some of whom only took to Roy and saw everyone else as dangerous. (One crazy Chinese goose is on my mind right now.) He was a very good wood carver. The snakes, the fish, the turtles all had his attention. It is hard to imagine someone with so many diverse interests being so disabled. As time went on Roy seemed to accept his condition. We were all holding onto the belief of a cure.
There are no worries now however. At the very least we have our memories.
Rest In Peace our Brother.
Bill and Debbie Perri and family
