Roy Cunningham, 1930 - 2007

Roy Cunningham, longtime resident of Girouxville, Alberta, passed away August 11, 2007 at 77 years of age. He was born June 17, 1930 in St. Albert, Alberta, the sixth child of Berl and Ella (Peron) Cunningham, and arrived in the Girouxville area in 1950. Served as Girouxville mayor for 15 years Cunningham served as Girouxville mayor from 1974 to 1989 and on council for a total of 22 years, from 1967 until 1989. He also served as fire chief from the mid-1960s to 1980. Arriving in Girouxville in 1950, Cunningham also operated his own small trucking business for many years. Serving as mayor, the village roads were paved and emergency lights were installed at the railway crossing. He is predeceased by his wife Jeanne, parents Berl and Ella Cunningham, brothers Norm and Bill, and sisters Vi Duguid and Edith Dumont. He is survived by four daughters; Connie Bedard of Watino, Donna (Albert) Blanchette of Girouxville, Judy (Robert) Gosselin of Swan Hills, and Penny (Gabriel) Gagnon of Guy; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother Richard Cunningham of Sexsmith; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral servces for Cunningham were held Aug. 16 in Girouxville at Notre Dame de Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Boniface N’Kulu Lupitishi OSB and Deacon Reg Bouchard officiating. Organist was Ginette Aubin and Sue Lamoureux was soloist. Pallbearers were Judy Gosselin, Penny Gagnon, Donna Blanchette, Connie Bedard, Jenifer Miller, and Jackie Stern. Honourary pallbearers were Emile Pizycki, Jean Dumont, Claude Ouellette, Bud Caron, Guy Gosselin, and Ray Cunningham. Cross bearer was Josee Blanchette. Interment followed at Notre Dame de Lourdes Cemetery in Girouxville. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories in Peace River.