Roy Erick Dahl

Roy Erick Dahl was born in 1948 to a family of Scandinavian immigrants. When he was a child, the family moved to Collingwood where Roy met Martha Nettleton, the love of his life. Roy and Marti were high school sweethearts, and that has never changed.

Roy graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in physical education which led to a meaningful and fulfilling career in education. He taught phys ed at Cameron Heights Collegiate in Kitchener, where he partnered with Court Heinbuch and fell in love with coaching basketball. After Cameron, Roy had a short stint at Waterloo Collegiate Institute and finished his teaching career as Head of Guidance at Bluevale Collegiate Institute. At each of these schools, Roy was highly respected by students, teachers and administration alike, and acted as a tireless advocate for what was right for kids.

Along with his good friends Al Haehn and Brian Henry, Roy started KW Lightning girls’ basketball program. This opened doors for girls to play competitive basketball in the KW community. What Roy started continues to provide positive basketball experiences to girls in the region through the KW Phoenix.

Always wanting to run a sports camp, Roy joined with Marty Kings to start Naismith Basketball Camp. It was a labour of love. For over 35 years, Roy and Marti created a special place for youth to not only develop their skills as basketball players but build lifelong friendships. Ask anyone who has been there - campers, coaches and counsellors call it, “the best week of the year”.

In recognition of Roy’s commitment to sport, he received a lifetime achievement award for coaching from Ontario Basketball. He was also awarded with the prestigious Syl Apps Volunteer Achievement Award from the Province of Ontario. These awards highlight Roy’s commitment to building strong communities, his love of sport, and his dedication to investing in our youth.

Roy was an outstanding golfer, playing in numerous tournaments and winning more than his share of prizes and trophies along the way. Golf meant creating lifelong friendships, enjoying the camaraderie that comes with competition, and finding satisfaction in his ability to chip cross handed. Anyone who has had “the yips” will understand. Golf brought Roy and Marti to Huntsville. Because of the beauty they saw at the Strathcona golf course during a fall tournament, they bought a cottage on Lake Vernon and eventually retired on Fairy Lake. Being in the Muskoka area brought Roy endless amounts of joy and he always felt extremely fortunate to call it home. It was his happy place; a place that brought inspiration and peace.

Beyond his many lifetime achievements, he was most proud of his girls, Amy and Kirsty. Watching them grow to be loving, strong women gave him incredible joy and pride. Roy later found more entertainment and love with his grandchildren, Carlin and Nate.

Roy will be remembered for his kindness, humility, compassion, generosity, sense of humour, and wisdom. He was all of those things, and more. The impact of his life on his family, friends, and community will be everlasting. The love that has been expressed by those who knew him over the past few weeks has been extraordinary. We can all take comfort in continuing to share our stories and memories of Roy with each other, and appreciating that a legend such as Roy was in our lives.

Roy is predeceased by his mother, Gerda Nyman, his father, Paul Dahl and his brother, Allan Dahl. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Marti, and his daughters, Kirsty Dahl (Tom Robinson), Amy Dahl (Greg Hill) and his grandchildren, Carlin and Nate.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday November 9th at 2pm at Whistle Bear Golf Club. Donations in Roy’s memory can be made to either the Huntsville Hospital Foundation or to the Roy Dahl Memorial Fund. This fund has been set up by the family to provide scholarships to students at Cameron Heights who are in need of support, and who possess the characteristics Roy valued - integrity, hard work, and kindness. If you would like to make a gift towards this fund, please select Cameron Heights Collegiate from the drop down menu and indicate it is a gift in memory of Roy Dahl. The following are links to make a gift. 

https://huntsvillehospitalfoundation.ca/

www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50780