- View Cart (0 item, $0.00)
Quick Search
Ken Roy
MONTREAL, Quebec – Ken Roy, Montreal, Quebec passed away on January 28, 2012 surrounded by his family and closest friends, after a courageous year long battle with cancer.
Kenneth David Alexander Roy was born in New Glasgow, NS, March 24, 1963 the son of Elva Roy and the late Jack Roy.
After graduating from New Glasgow High School Ken went on to study at Dalhousie University’s Theatre Department. Ken became one of Canada’s premier contemporary dancers performing in over 30 productions and six films. He worked with many of our country’s finest choreographers. Ken started his career with Le Groupe de la Place Royale in Ottawa under the direction of artistic director Peter Boneham. He later joined his mentor Jean-Pierre Perreault in Montreal, for whom he danced for over ten years. Ken performed throughout Canada, Scotland, Europe and Australia. In addition to performing Ken was involved in the direction of a number of productions. Ken taught contemporary dance for almost 20 years, the last seven years at Concordia University.
Ken tackled his illness with courage, dignity and determination. He remained a powerful force until his death. He never lost his sense of humour nor his fondness for Chopin, Montreal’s famous Orange Julep, or trash TV.
Ken is survived by his partner Louis-Elyan Martin, Montreal; his mother Elva, Kings Head, NS; brothers: John (Maxine), Perth Australia; Terry, Edmonton; Richard, Calgary; Rob (Liz Van den Eynden), Kings Head, NS; and sisters, Linda Fox, Toronto and Katie (Sandy) MacDonald, Black Point, NS; and his seven nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father Jack.
Ken’s family will be forever grateful to his close friends in Montreal who we came to know as our own family over this past year. Your friendship and support of Ken through his illness was incredibly important to him, and brought a sense of comfort to our family. The importance of this is not possible to fully express. We are also grateful to all members of the dance community in Montreal and beyond who provided their support to Ken and to those who opened their homes for us during our weekly visits.
A service in Ken’s honour will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday February 11, 2012 at Glasgow Square Theatre, New Glasgow.
A visitation with family and friends will immediately follow, until 4 p.m. A Tribute to Ken’s career is being organized by members of the Montreal dance community and will be held this spring in Montreal.
Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Ken’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a worthwhile performing arts initiative.
Condolences
-
Ken
“Ken faisait partie de la famille Perreault à laquelle j'ai été si attachée. Année après année, au travers des projets avec Jean-Pierre ou Louise, j'ai appris à lire au-delà de ses silences qui m'intimidaient tant au départ... Petit à petit j'ai découvert sa douceur, son ouverture, son esprit pointu, sa force de caractère, son humour bien-sûr... et aussi cette réserve noble qui le caractérisait si bien. Ken, ta danse et toi allez me manquer... Mes plus sincères condoléances aux membres de sa famille et à ses proches.”
-
Ken
“Ken was a very special man to me. I admire his powerfull presence on stage and his giving and sharing through movement. I know Ken from dancing with him for Jean-Pierre Perreault's choreographic world, when Ken first arrive in Montreal. One day he asked me to create a solo for him, a solo to be part of his 'Projet Roy'. Through that experience where solo brings you to an intimate sharing and collaboration, I saw a fully mature artist at the top of his dance career. He was absolutely fabulous. For me he will always be an inspiring dancer so eloquent and gracefull . We shall go on thinking about him as a private and sensitive man who fought with dignity against cancer. On behalf my personal name and also on behalf all members of my company, I would like to offer my condolences to Louis-Elyan and Ken's family. ”
-
“C'était toujours un bonheur de voir Ken danser, de le croiser sur Mont-Royal ou de discuter de ses projets. Je salue son courage, son humanité, sa sensibilité et j'offre mes plus sincères condoléances à sa famille et ses proches. ”
-
Ken Roy
“Roy was a formidable stage presence. I saw his work with Gwen Noah and he lent the work gravity and passion. Our dance world will miss him. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
-
Dance Nova Scotia
“On behalf of the Nova Scotia dance community, please let me express our heartfelt condolences to Ken's family and to his dancing family as well. He was a trailblazer showing that a young talented Maritimer could do great things, and we always loved it when he came home to dance. He will be deeply missed.”
-
Kathy & family
“So sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. My condolences to you and your family.”
-
“I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Ken at Concordia University. We had an immediate kinship and shared our love of trash tv and a quirky sense of humor. His dedication to the students was ever present and they are all devastated by his passing. My deepest condolences to Louis and to Ken's family.”
-
Condolences
“Ken weaved in and out of my dancing life for over 20 years; as emerging dancers in Toronto, as a frequent viewer of his powerful presence on stage, as a performer under his guidance for Perreault's last remount of Eironos. He was a quiet, sensitive, giving, caring artist. Please accept the fullest measure of my sympathies.”
-
“Mes plus sincères condoléances aux proches de l'ami Ken.”
-
“Ken was one of my dearest friends in high school. We spent many hours hanging out doing nothing and chatting about everything. My deepest condolences to Louis-Elyan and the Roy family. ”
-
“Je me souviendrai de Ken comme d’un GRAND partenaire. Dans le travail de Jean-Pierre Perreault, nous communiquions par le mouvement, par nos échanges de regards et par nos étreintes. Les mots devenaient alors superflus.
Mes condoléances à tout ceux qui l’on côtoyé et à sa famille.
” -
“What I most remember about Ken was his smile and laughter.
He will be missed.
My condolences to Louis-Elyan and Ken's family.” -
“Ken brought fun everywhere he went. From 'hanging out' in New Glasgow as teens, then finding a new world of excitement and experience at Dalhousie as young adults - still wondering where we would go in life. You will be fondly remembered and missed. Condolences to your family and all of those whose lives you touched sharing your talents in more recent years.”
-
“Ken was a bright light amongst us in his life. His love, creativity, and teachings remain as a marvellous legacy. Condolences to Louis-Elyan and all of Ken's family.”
Leave a condolence
Advertisement
