Obituary for Roy Sebastien Bitz
Roy Sebastien Bitz
June 30, 1944 – May 23, 2023
On May 23, 2023 with family by his side, Roy Bitz of Calgary passed away peacefully at the age of 78 years. Roy will be greatly missed by his family; children Brian (Andrea), Dwayne (Agnes), Yvette (Rob) and his grandchildren Bradley, Amanda, Shyla, Brody, Tasha, DJ, Emma, Cole and Sara. He will also be missed by Fran, Kim (Justin), Randy (Cheryl) and Megan. Roy was predeceased by his father Nick, stepfather Niels, brother Baby Nick, his mother Tillie, his sister Laure and wife of 34 years, Margaret.
Roy was born in Lacombe Alberta and grew up in Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, and St. Albert. As a young man, he was a boy scout and helped his father with his family business. He had a favorite dog named Champ. His mother taught and eventually was the principal of the school in which Roy attended. He started dating Margaret at the age of 12 where they would enjoy outings, drive-ins and hall parties. Roy and Margaret would often win the couples dance off competitions…some of their favorites being the Twist, The Stroll and the Jitterbug. When Roy was about 17 years old, one of his jobs was as an Ambulance driver and he made the news as “Local Hero Saves Life” great write up in the Edmonton Journal with his rescue of a man who was stuck in a manhole.
On July 6, 1963, they got married in Edmonton. Roy was selling cars and metal buildings, his other jobs including selling tire patches, fire alarms, Peep Holes for the front doors and even owned his own construction company and built many homes.
They welcomed their first son, Brian, in January 1964. Then second son, Dwayne in May 1967 and in March 1969, their daughter, Yvette.
Roy found his passion in sales and in 1977 received his license with the Edmonton Real Estate Board. In his first year, he accomplished a 1 million dollar sales club, and was rewarded with a signature pin, in which Roy made into his famous ring. As he continued his Real Estate success, he continued to be a multi-entrepreneur; finding opportunities with schools, charities and fundraising campaigns. One of his most popular ventures was his School of Promotions where children would sell Shoelaces as a fundraiser, and Roy would provide the Top Seller Awards. He was always looking for great ideas and even launched his own Spec Pocket for suits. He was the owner of WWL Management where he trained and found employment for very high barrier people, in one year he found jobs for over 1000 people. From 2005 to present, Roy enjoyed contributing in a variety of different roles for B.A.P and the CND/US AVMAX Corporations. There he cultivated many strong and long lasting relationships.
He had a very special devotion for St. Jude, and was committed to him daily, St. Jude is the Patron Saint of Hope and impossible causes. Roy’s devotion to St. Jude will continue with him, even his fingerprint has revealed a symbol of St. Jude. Roy gave to strangers, the homeless and the less fortunate… he made the newspaper once again and was called the “Local Santa Claus'' handing out Boxes of winter jackets at the men’s hostel in Edmonton. He continued to give gifts over the years mittens, toques, socks, water bottles, and these included a St. Jude prayer card with a gift of money from a 20 to 100 dollar bill. Roy had a great sense of humor and would often say he was running away to Halifax and if you needed to call, just call Jack Benny. He loved spending time with family and friends, traveling on the highway, listening to his favorite George Jones. Loved hitting the Casino and his favorite game of Blackjack. Known for his 3-piece suits, gold jewelry, gold rimmed glasses and driving his Lincoln Continental cars. And for anyone that knows he had an appetite for sweets and wee nip of Wiser’s Deluxe....and latest cravings were a Banana Split and good home cooked meals.
Fran was an integral part of Roy’s life. They spent their time together appreciating each other’s company, taking care of one another, watching their favorite movies and shows, going out to dinners, and enjoying the odd night out at the casinos.
Roy was one of the most generous people around, often giving gifts of money to his children, grandchildren (papa’s money), co-workers and to many homeless and people in need. He has touched many people and will be dearly missed. On a scale of 1-10, Roy is a 10 ½
In lieu of flowers, Roy would ask that you help someone in need in honor of St. Jude.
June 30, 1944 – May 23, 2023
On May 23, 2023 with family by his side, Roy Bitz of Calgary passed away peacefully at the age of 78 years. Roy will be greatly missed by his family; children Brian (Andrea), Dwayne (Agnes), Yvette (Rob) and his grandchildren Bradley, Amanda, Shyla, Brody, Tasha, DJ, Emma, Cole and Sara. He will also be missed by Fran, Kim (Justin), Randy (Cheryl) and Megan. Roy was predeceased by his father Nick, stepfather Niels, brother Baby Nick, his mother Tillie, his sister Laure and wife of 34 years, Margaret.
Roy was born in Lacombe Alberta and grew up in Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, and St. Albert. As a young man, he was a boy scout and helped his father with his family business. He had a favorite dog named Champ. His mother taught and eventually was the principal of the school in which Roy attended. He started dating Margaret at the age of 12 where they would enjoy outings, drive-ins and hall parties. Roy and Margaret would often win the couples dance off competitions…some of their favorites being the Twist, The Stroll and the Jitterbug. When Roy was about 17 years old, one of his jobs was as an Ambulance driver and he made the news as “Local Hero Saves Life” great write up in the Edmonton Journal with his rescue of a man who was stuck in a manhole.
On July 6, 1963, they got married in Edmonton. Roy was selling cars and metal buildings, his other jobs including selling tire patches, fire alarms, Peep Holes for the front doors and even owned his own construction company and built many homes.
They welcomed their first son, Brian, in January 1964. Then second son, Dwayne in May 1967 and in March 1969, their daughter, Yvette.
Roy found his passion in sales and in 1977 received his license with the Edmonton Real Estate Board. In his first year, he accomplished a 1 million dollar sales club, and was rewarded with a signature pin, in which Roy made into his famous ring. As he continued his Real Estate success, he continued to be a multi-entrepreneur; finding opportunities with schools, charities and fundraising campaigns. One of his most popular ventures was his School of Promotions where children would sell Shoelaces as a fundraiser, and Roy would provide the Top Seller Awards. He was always looking for great ideas and even launched his own Spec Pocket for suits. He was the owner of WWL Management where he trained and found employment for very high barrier people, in one year he found jobs for over 1000 people. From 2005 to present, Roy enjoyed contributing in a variety of different roles for B.A.P and the CND/US AVMAX Corporations. There he cultivated many strong and long lasting relationships.
He had a very special devotion for St. Jude, and was committed to him daily, St. Jude is the Patron Saint of Hope and impossible causes. Roy’s devotion to St. Jude will continue with him, even his fingerprint has revealed a symbol of St. Jude. Roy gave to strangers, the homeless and the less fortunate… he made the newspaper once again and was called the “Local Santa Claus'' handing out Boxes of winter jackets at the men’s hostel in Edmonton. He continued to give gifts over the years mittens, toques, socks, water bottles, and these included a St. Jude prayer card with a gift of money from a 20 to 100 dollar bill. Roy had a great sense of humor and would often say he was running away to Halifax and if you needed to call, just call Jack Benny. He loved spending time with family and friends, traveling on the highway, listening to his favorite George Jones. Loved hitting the Casino and his favorite game of Blackjack. Known for his 3-piece suits, gold jewelry, gold rimmed glasses and driving his Lincoln Continental cars. And for anyone that knows he had an appetite for sweets and wee nip of Wiser’s Deluxe....and latest cravings were a Banana Split and good home cooked meals.
Fran was an integral part of Roy’s life. They spent their time together appreciating each other’s company, taking care of one another, watching their favorite movies and shows, going out to dinners, and enjoying the odd night out at the casinos.
Roy was one of the most generous people around, often giving gifts of money to his children, grandchildren (papa’s money), co-workers and to many homeless and people in need. He has touched many people and will be dearly missed. On a scale of 1-10, Roy is a 10 ½
In lieu of flowers, Roy would ask that you help someone in need in honor of St. Jude.