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1928
2021
ROY JAY BROTHERS
Roy Jay Brothers died Feb. 15, 2021, in Vancouver, WA. He was born in Portland, OR, to parents Roy John Brothers and Marie Alida (Taggart) Brothers, and grew up in Sellwood.
Formative work experiences in his youth included delivering newspapers with his own paper route and as a golf caddy at Waverley Country Club. Golf became a lifelong passion, and later in life he achieved a hole in one on three occasions, at different courses. Roy’s picture was featured in The Oregonian more than once during his childhood because of his uncommon birthday. He graduated from Washington High School in January 1946, joined the Navy, served on the USS New Jersey, and was discharged in 1948. Roy attended the University of Oregon and became a math and P.E. teacher. His first job was in Dayville, OR. He married LaDonna Hinds in 1954.
After earning a Masters degree from the U of O, he taught math, Orientation and Mobility, and P.E., along with coaching duties, at the Oregon State School for the Blind in Salem. In 1966 Roy started doctoral studies in Special Education at George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, TN, completed his Ed.D and moved the family to Louisville, KY, where he worked at the American Printing House for the Blind.
Roy was hired as the Superintendent of the Washington State School for the Blind in Vancouver in 1973, retiring from WSSB in 1990. He was a longtime member of the Fort Vancouver Lions Club and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, participating in volunteer work, including taking on leadership positions in those organizations.
Roy and his wife LaDonna never missed a school play, concert, sports event, or parent-teacher conference of any of their six children. Roy loved babies, candy, going to the movies, the Oregon coast, square dancing, watching TV, and taking care of people. He was generous and kind, and delighted in sharing any leisure activity or hobby with a companion even if it wasn’t golf. He believed in maintaining an upbeat attitude. He was forever interested in unusual stories of personal and career achievement.
Roy was preceded in death by his wife, LaDonna (1996); and longtime partner, Barbara Jagelski (2016). Survivors include his children, Teresa Josanne, Cameron Garth (Nancy), Corey Laing, Damon Keith (Linda), Danielle Marie, and Matthew Roy (Angela); grandchildren, Mandy Derheim (Mat), Breanne Boulette, Alex Brothers, Christopher Brothers, Matthieu Didier; great-grand children, Declan and Dylan; sister-in-law, Jackie Hinds; and brother-in-law, Russell Hinds.
Memorial donations may be made to Clark County Food Bank or the Pacific Foundation for Blind Children. Arrangements are by Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home in Vancouver.
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3 Entries
It was on the mourn
That I saw a ship a sailing
The sea was calm
The winds were fair
Roy was young
And he was at the rail
With shipmates once again.---rs
Roger B. Sheetz, USN
March 22, 2021
Damon, sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I remember him as a kind man who tolerated the neighborhood knuckleheads, like me. May he rest in peace.
John Zimmeht, Oakdale California
John Zimmeht
Friend
March 8, 2021
Dr.Brothers was an amazing man. At the Vancouver School for the blind, he always had students beside him talking and smiling. He was a someone that cared so much for students and staff. He will always be in our Heart's.
Pat Phillips
March 7, 2021
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