John Reid Roy (JR)

A San Francisco native, JR was born October 20, 1934. JR grew up in the Mission District of SF and played football at Mission High. Some of his fondest memories were playing at Kezar Stadium. JR was “All City” in high school and earned Outstanding Lineman in 1951. Upon graduating from Mission High in 1952, he attended San Francisco City College where he played offensive guard for the Rams, earning the Block SF Outstanding Player Award in 1953. His love of football shined, but he walked away from the game to start his family and career.

JR met the love of his life, Sylvia, at Mission High School. They were married July 3, 1954 and had one son, James Rob Roy, in 1955. They settled in Daly City. In 1974 JR and Sylvia purchased a home in the Russian River Valley, known to him as “God’s Country.” They enjoyed their animals, gardening, swimming and BBQs with family and friends. They rarely missed their grandsons’ games and usually ended up at Joe’s of Westlake afterwards. Growing up, JR always wanted to be a Fireman, he would see the big red truck and knew this was his calling. His dream came true in 1959 with the Daly City Fire Department and he was promoted to Captain within 4 years on the job. He took pride in the role of Captain and was later promoted to Battalion Chief in 1972. JR was a natural born leader, with an Air Force reserve background that paved the way for how he led his battalion. He always made the right call with the safety of his crew being the utmost of importance. He could be tough at times, yet softhearted and funny. He was an old-fashioned gentleman with a distinct crewcut and laughed like nobody else. JR had a true passion for serving others and loved the camaraderie the fire service bestows. Some of his fondest memories and stories took place with his crew usually called “Roy’s Boys B-shift” and coworkers of the DCFD. JR was humbled and proud that his son Rob and his grandson Jeff were inspired to follow him into the fire service; Rob with CCCFPD for 32 years and Jeff currently on his 7th year with the SFFD.

We are comforted in knowing that he is now reunited with the love of his life, Sylvia. JR is survived by his son Rob, grandsons Jeff and Joel (Lauren) and greatgranddaughter Riley.

In-lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in JR’s name to Operation Santa Claus, c/o Fire Administration, 10 Wembley Dr., Daly City, CA 94015 or San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, 1139 Mission Street., SF, CA 94103