A Tribute to Roy Alan Brockbank: A Tapestry of Adventures, Family, and Endless Curiosity

Early Beginnings

Born on December 19, 1944, in the picturesque town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Roy Alan Brockbank was a man whose life would span diverse landscapes—both literally and metaphorically. As the youngest child of Byron Andrus Brockbank and Luella Mae Nettles Brockbank, Roy carried with him a unique blend of his parents’ values: resilience from his father and a nurturing spirit from his mother.

The Floridian Years

Roy spent his formative years in Orlando, Florida, a place vastly different from his Idaho birthplace. The Sunshine State’s warm clime and vibrant culture left an indelible mark on him. He graduated from Oakridge High School in 1963, where he not only excelled academically but also began to show an affinity for outdoor activities—a passion that would last a lifetime.

The Journey Westward

After high school, Roy set his sights on the American West. He moved to Provo, Utah, to attend Brigham Young University (BYU). Graduating in 1968, Roy’s years at BYU were transformative. Not only did they provide him with a solid educational foundation, but they also instilled in him a sense of community and belonging. A few years later, Roy further sharpened his skills by graduating from Utah Technical College in 1976.

Professional Milestones

Roy’s professional life was as fulfilling as his academic journey. He landed a role as a plant electrician at FMC, a job that combined his technical acumen with a hands-on approach. Roy was the kind of man who found satisfaction in the intricacies of circuits and wires, viewing each day as a new puzzle to solve.

Partnerships and Love

Love entered Roy’s life more than once. He married Sandra McCurdy in 1965, and although the couple parted ways in 1970, the years spent together were part of his life mosaic. Love blossomed again when he met Deborah Y. Thayne, whom he married on April 8, 1977, in Evanston. Together, they navigated the ups and downs of life, their partnership serving as a cornerstone for Roy’s later years.

An Outdoor Enthusiast

Roy was a man who thrived in the embrace of nature. Whether hiking the rugged terrains of the Rocky Mountains or exploring lesser-known trails, he was in his element outdoors. His summer passion was riding motorcycles—an activity that he approached with the same enthusiasm and gusto that characterized every other aspect of his life. The wind against his face and the roar of the engine beneath him were not just sensory experiences for Roy; they were a form of liberation.

The Family Man

Roy’s treasure was, without a doubt, his family. He leaves behind three children: Cristalle Joy Carey and her husband Aaron, based in St. George, Utah; Brandon Joel Brockbank and his wife Timaree, who live in Salt Lake City; and Candace Caryn Toman, also of St. George, Utah. But the family extends beyond his children. Roy was a doting grandfather to six grandchildren: Celina Yvonne Brockbank, Aaron Carey Jr, Felicity Anne Brockbank, Ashlynn Olivia Brockbank, Brooklyn Skjai Toman, and Boston Paige Toman. Each one held a special place in his heart, and it was evident that Roy’s love for adventure and the great outdoors was being passed down to the next generation.

A Legacy in Values

While Roy has departed from this world, his essence lives on through the values he instilled in his family. His work ethic, sense of adventure, and unquenchable curiosity are not just memories—they are living attributes seen in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Personal Anecdotes

Those who knew Roy can readily share stories that capture his spirit. Whether it was his knack for fixing things around the house, his inexhaustible repertoire of jokes that could lighten any mood, or his uncanny ability to make friends wherever he went, Roy was a man of many talents and even more stories. His life was not a mere sequence of events but a rich tapestry woven with experiences that made him the man he was.

Final Reflections

Roy Alan Brockbank was not just a resident of Coeur d’Alene, Orlando, or Utah. He was a citizen of the world, open to its varied experiences and eager to explore its endless possibilities. His physical presence may no longer be with us, but the impact he made on those fortunate enough to know him will forever be felt.

In remembering Roy, we don’t just reminisce about the milestones of his life; we celebrate a phenomenal individual whose impact reached far beyond the years he spent on this earth. As we move forward, we do so with the collective memory of a man whose life was nothing short of extraordinary. Roy Alan Brockbank, you may be gone, but you are, without a doubt, unforgettable.