Kenneth Murray Roy
2005
Born in 1933 on the family farm, the only child of Gerald Roy and Addie Robertson, Ken Roy grew up with Ayrshires. One of his greatest pleasures as a child was to visit his grandparents at their general store in Riverfield always full of stories about cows and curling. Ken attended school in Howick, graduating in 1950. During his final year he was President of the Student Council.
After High School Ken went on to Macdonald College to take the diploma in Agriculture course.
He was always a very active member of the Howick Calf Club and became a very proficient showman winning many honours including Showmanship at the College Royal. He also enjoyed a few years on the show circuit fitting for Alderwood Farm, especially the trips, by train, to Toronto for the Royal.
After graduating from Macdonald, in 1952, Ken returned home to farm, with his father.
During the next several years Ken became very active on the farm and in the community. He continued his enjoyment of curling, became a 4H leader, and became Secretary Treasurer for his church. He traveled to the states to take a course in artificial insemination and then worked on week-ends for Oakley McRae breeding Holsteins.
In 1960 a young teacher arrived in Howick. Jean, who grew up in Arvida knew absolutely nothing about farming. In fact she tells the story that on her first day in school in Howick one of her grade 5 class (Gordie Chisholm) asked her if she liked Ayrshires or Holsteins. Her answer was Ayrshire or Holstein what? However this did not deter Ken and he asked her out. They were married a year and a half later.
Soon two children, Grant and Sandra, arrived to complete the family.
In 1965 Ken’s father died. Ken continued on doing all the work alone, only hiring a young neighbour to help in the summer. His days were long, often during seeding and ploughing seasons, working well into the night.
During the next few years Ken worked hard to build up the Oakburn herd.
Over time selling animals that went on to be champions at Chicago and Kentucky.
Ken was always active in the Howick Huntingdon Ayrshire Club and served as President two different times.
The Howick Curling Club continued to be an important part of the family life.
Ken spent several years on the executive ending up as President. As Grant and Sandra grew older and able to assume more of the chores he was able to take part in more bonspiels and always enjoyed the roaring game.
Ken was elected to be an elder in Riverfield Presbyterian Church, a position he still holds today. He also served a few years on the board of the Barrie Memorial Hospital.
With more help on the farm Ken was able to get away more often and was asked to join the breed improvement committee at Ayrshire Canada. He later became a member of the board and then the executive for several years. He always enjoyed the camaraderie with other Ayrshire breeders from across Canada, returning from the annual meeting with great stories every year.
In 1990 Sandra married Dean Williams they later had two sons Logan, and Tanner. Being a Grandpa became very special.
That same year, Grant decided that he would farm and he and Ken formed a partnership. In 1996, Grant and Caroline were engaged and Sandra and Dean moved back to the farm. Dean became a partner with Ken and Grant. Grant and Caroline now live at Oakburn with their three little daughters, Bailey, Shannon and Lindsay.
Ken continues to work on the farm and enjoys seeing the changes and is very happy that Oakburn lives.