I first met Roy 28 years ago while a student at Mona Shores High School. Roy was my U.S. History teacher. I can still picture the classroom and all of the notes he would write on the chalkboard in perfect penmanship. The chalk board ran across the entire front of the classroom and it was filled everyday with new notes. Roy or Mr. Burch as I knew him then always had a cup of coffee and smelled of cigarette smoke. The school at that time still had smoking lounges for the teachers.
For some reason Roy took an interest in me. I was very shy and not the typical shores student who came from money. I’m sure I stood out from all of the other students for all of the wrong reasons. Roy was able to make learning fun and interesting bringing history to life. I learned a tremendous amount of information being in his class. He had a passion for all things especially history. I think his passion for history and his thirst for learning rubbed off on me. I was influenced so much by his teaching, his passion and knowledge of history that I eventually became a teacher majoring in History and even landing a job at Mona Shores.
I haven’t met many people as generous as Roy was. Growing up my family only had one vehicle which wasn’t always the best looking or most reliable. Most students at Shores would have found it embarrassing to ride in. Our Christmas dance was coming up and Roy knew my family situation so he did what no one else would think of, he insisted that I take my date in his new Monte Carlo. That car was fast. I don’t know too many teachers that would loan their car to a student. Roy was that kind of guy (generous and caring). Roy came to my rescue again in my junior year and helped pay for my trip to the DECA national convention in California.
Roy was always there even after graduation. Roy helped me with student teaching and my lesson plans on numerous occasions. He possessed a wealth of knowledge and experience and was always willing to share it with you. Roy was kind enough to give me all of his lesson plans and notes for the 30 years he taught. Those notes and lesson plans made my student Teaching a breeze. Thanks for that Roy.
As most people know Roy Lived on Hendrick Road for quite a few years before moving into his mom and dad’s house on Mona Lake. If you drove by Roy’s house at night you could see him in his living room with the TV on (history channel), a cup of coffee and a book nearby. To those that knew Roy this meant you could stop by and shoot the shit, or have a beer even if it was in the middle of the night. I personally had many late night stops to visit with Roy. He was always took the time to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Roy was also a great listener if you had problems and needed to vent he was there. After venting came the valuable advice and wisdom he was eager to share with you. Everyone needs a friend like Roy.
As an adult our friendship grew even closer. I will cherish his friendship and support he showed me over the years. I was there for the maiden voyage of the House boat he built. I can clearly see his smile and shit ass grin. He was pleased that all of his hard work had paid off. Several weeks later we took the house boat down the river to Hardy Damn. He was very proud of the boat he had built and rightfully so. He was standing at the helm of the house boat with one hand on the wheel and a beer in the other hand. Such a fun guy to be around.
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