It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of Roy Larry Ahopelto on Monday, June 1st, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. To know Roy was to witness a life lived with beauty, wonder, and vivid colour. If his art was any indication, he viewed the world through a lens uniquely his own – one shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the human experience.
Roy was a gifted artist, photographer, musician, and philosopher. His creativity flowed effortlessly through paintbrushes, pencils, guitars, basses and cameras, each medium offering him another way to explore the world he found so endlessly fascinating. He was a lover of nature, science, physics, and history, always researching, always learning, always eager to share what he discovered. His passion for politics often sparked lively conversation, but at the core of every discussion was his unwavering belief that everyone deserved a seat at the table.
He was an extraordinary listener – patient, thoughtful, and generous with his wisdom. If you were fortunate enough to meet him, you felt seen, heard, and loved. Roy had a rare gift for making people feel valued, and he was loved deeply in return.
Roy leaves behind a legacy of love and creativity through his children: Terrence Ahopelto (Lesley Ahopelto), Brian Karl Ahopelto (Anne Ahopelto), and Tina Marion (Pascal Marion). He will be dearly missed by his five grandchildren – Keela, Tristan, Mikko, Audrey, and Oliver – who will continue to carry pieces of him forward in their laughter, their curiosity, and their imaginations. He is survived by his cherished sister, Liisa Ahopelto, and his partner, Shelley Irving, who brought joy and companionship into his later years. He will also be fondly remembered by the Gallagher family, who held a special place in his life.
Roy, we hope you are proud of the legacy you leave behind. You helped raise three wonderful children, and we will forever see glimpses of you in each of our kids. We will miss our conversations, hearing you play the guitar, and having you at our table for family meals. The only solace in your passing is the thought that you and Jane (his loving wife of 45 years – predeceased in 2019) are together again.
You will be missed tremendously by all who loved you, but the heavens got a good one. We love you so much.
Sign the digital guestbook