Douglas Dale Roy's Obituary
Douglas Dale Roy was born in Hamilton, Montana in May 1958. After moving to Salt Lake City in 1984, he worked in information technology for the State of Utah for more than twenty-five years, until medical conditions forced an early retirement. He died at the Huntsman Cancer Institute on September 1, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.
Doug had a joy for daily living that was evident to everyone with whom he came into contact. He spent much of his time helping others overcome challenges with addiction and develop new ways of living on a daily basis. With 39 years of recovery, Doug served as a sponsor, working with hundreds of individuals in recovery and with their families. He helped start the first LGBTQ+ special-interest meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous in Utah; and volunteered for many staffing positions at AA Central Office in Salt Lake City. He was a longtime, active participant in the Course In Miracles and other self-study programs.
Despite the physical challenges of his last seventeen years, Doug refused to be labeled as ‘disabled.’ He took up piano lessons; and enjoyed international travel with his lifelong partner Chip, and with many other friends after Chip’s passing.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters who passed in infancy. He is survived by brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Kim Roy, from Spokane, Washington, and will be remembered by hundreds of people grateful to have shared a path with him on his journey. A celebration of life was held at Doug’s home with family and close friends.
Anyone who would like to honor Doug with a charitable donation should consider Alcoholic’s Anonymous or The Huntsman Cancer Institute, whose dedicated staff provided Doug with outstanding and loving care during his illness.
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