Roy Moore Jr., Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret), a long time resident of Lopez Island passed away May 10, 2012 in his home at the age of 90 years.

Roy was born on October 29,1921, in Grand Junction, Colo., where he was instilled with the values and convictions that served to build his self-reliant, highly ethical and moral behavior over nine decades.

He was a genuine World War II hero who fought with valor for his beloved country. As a young officer in the 735th Tank Battalion and part of Patton’s 3rd Army, he engaged in battles across Europe. His unit fought through the Normandy breakout, the battle of Metz, Battle of the Bulge and the crossing of the Rhine River into Germany. Over the ensuing three decades he went on to achieve a distinguished military career. During his years of service he earned the Silver Star and Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, a Joint Services Commendation Medal and the Belgian Fourragere.

He was also awarded the French Legion of Honor in February 2012 during a ceremony on Lopez Island.

Roy married his beloved wife Eleanor in 1949 several years after her first husband was killed during the Anzio landings in Italy. They went on to travel the world throughout Roy’s military career and continued to travel extensively after his retirement.

Roy and Eleanor bought property on Lopez Island in the early 60’s and built and lived there beginning in 1972. He was one of the founders of the Lopez Lions Club. Roy has supported the local medical clinic and EMT program, The Thrift Shop, Lopez School, the Historical Society and Woodmen Hall amongst other community organizations and services. He has always responded with good works and generosity. For years his name was synonymous with Hunters Education. An avid outdoorsman Roy was a master fisherman with membership in the prestigious Tyee Club.

A bona ?de “Man for all Ages,” Roy was also an artist, skilled engraver and an accomplished author.

Roy rarely missed a chance to support his island neighbors and no community project was too small. Many residents and visitors alike are indebted to him for his arrangement of the annual spring stocking of rainbow trout in Hummel Lake. He hoped that starting the program would give young and old alike a chance to practice good sportsmanship while becoming avid fishermen. Lopez has been greatly enriched by his presence and he will be missed by the many people he touched.

Roy was buried with full military honors at Lopez Island Union Cemetery after a service in Center Church on May 19, 2012.