M’CHIGEENG—In the heart of M’Chigeeng First Nation, a somber cloud settled as the community came together to bid farewell to a beloved centenarian and war veteran, Justin Roy, who passed away recently at the remarkable age of 100. The life of this extraordinary man, who bore witness to both the atrocities of war and the resilience of his people, was celebrated in a heartfelt funeral service that echoed with stories of valor, friendship, and unwavering spirit. Mr. Roy was, in fact, Manitoulin’s last Word War II veteran and was a survivor, although wounded, of the D-Day landing at Juno Beach.
The Expositor spoke with great-great grand nephew Ray Corbiere of M’Chigeeng on the kind of man his uncle was. “He was always so proud to wear his military beret and was neat and tidy in his appearance. I didn’t meet Justin until the mid ‘70s when he’d come every few years to the family camp. He adored his wife Joyce, and always treated her with respect. He had quite the sense of humour also. And always was a family man. In his later years he would call me and other family members just to keep in touch.”
Mr. Corbiere went on to say that during their last visit in August of 2024, he had the privilege of taking Mr. Roy on a boat ride on Lake Manitou. “Justin said to me, ‘don’t take for granted what you have here—being surrounded by greenery and water — this is the most beautiful place on the world.’”
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Great-great grandniece Pam Roy also said that she spoke on the phone regularly with her uncle, and that those phone calls helped to keep Mr. Roy connected to the home he loved so much.
Margaret Simon and her daughter, Gina Gasongi Simon, embarked on a 14-hour journey from Wawa to honour Justin, a man who had touched their lives in profound ways. “It was important to me; he was an old friend of my late husband, Max Simon, back in residential school,” said Margaret. “I enjoyed reading about him in The Manitoulin Expositor. The stories he shared made me realize what he went through and what he stood for. A proud man from this little place called M’Chigeeng, and look what he accomplished. I never heard anyone share their stories like him.”
Gina recalled her first encounter with Justin at the 2022 M’Chigeeng Powwow. “There he was, sitting near the arbor, all by himself. I took the liberty to introduce myself, and he was so delighted. He began to share stories and memories of my father, his brothers, and the other boys back in the ‘good ole hockey days’ at the Spanish Residential School.” Her eyes sparkled as she recounted Justin’s laughter, ‘I told your dad and a few of the younger boys who would listen, it’s all in the past,’ he chuckled, his twinkling eyes reflecting a lifetime of joy.
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Justin’s humour and warmth left a lasting impression on Gina. “I noted he was very observant and a keen listener,” she said. “Many of his funny stories began with something he overheard someone say.” One memory that stood out was when he recounted overhearing boys who had buried fresh potatoes and carrots in the garden. ‘Well, by the time they came to gather the goods, I was sitting there by their little pile of dirt. They had no choice. We all shared in a good lil feast,’ he recalled, laughter bubbling up as he reminisced
“He began to share stories and memories of my father, his brothers and the other boys back in the ‘good ole hockey days’ at the Spanish Residential School,” Gina shared. ‘The boys were competitive and younger; everyone was trying to be the faster skater. I told your dad and few of the younger boys who would listen, it’s all in the past,’ he chuckled.
But it was Justin’s wisdom and humility that resonated most deeply.
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“I told him I did not feel worthy to carry the veteran flag during grand entry at the powwow, as I hadn’t seen any military action,” Gina shared, reflecting on their conversation.
“He smiled, looked me straight in the eye, and said, ‘It’s the intent. You signed up to serve your country, and your intent was honourable. Not everyone is prepared to do that, so you go and carry that flag for me, for you, and everyone who was wounded. Hold your head up high,’” he told her.
Justin Roy was more than just a war veteran. Born on August 19, 1924, in West Bay Reserve, he endured the challenges of residential school and the traumas of war, yet emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience for his community. His life story intertwined with the history of his people, reflecting a journey marked by sacrifice and strength.
As a soldier in World War II, Justin served with the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, playing a crucial role during the D-Day invasion. His bravery on the battlefield was matched only by his commitment to his community in Arizona, where he lived for many years. “He was a pillar of our community,” remarked Armindo Castelhano, a dear friend and fellow veteran who delivered a moving eulogy at the service in Mesa, Arizona. “Always willing to help those in need, he loved animals and made many financial contributions to feeding the hungry.”
Justin’s legacy is one of compassion and selflessness. His remarkable talent in metalwork ensured that members of his community had proper air conditioning, regardless of their ability to pay. How many lives the centenarian has saved is incalculable, both through his generosity and military service.
As family and friends gathered to remember Justin Roy, they celebrated not only a life well-lived but also the indelible mark he left on their hearts. “He was a proud man,” Margaret reflected, “who shared his experiences and encouraged others. I wanted to pay my respect and honour him for his service.”
Justin was brought home to M’Chigeeng and laid to rest alongside the love of his life, Joyce. Many loved ones, veterans and admirers of Justin’s attended services in the community to honour and pay their respect.
Justin was given a full military ceremony by fellow veterans at the service at Immaculate Conception Church in M’Chigeeng and buried in the M’Chigeeng cemetery.
In a world that often forgets the sacrifices of its heroes, Justin’s spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.
By Jacqueline M. St. Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative reporter, in collaboration with Gina Simon Gasgoni and files from Cole Nolan
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