Roy Patrick Kemp passed away at his home on December 22, 2024 of Metastatic Lung Cancer.
He was born at Kingston on Thames, Surry England on July 11, 1949. He immigrated to London, MN with his family in 1957 at the age of 8 years old and became a U.S. citizen on April 10, 1963.
Roy had a very interesting life, which he enjoyed very much. He managed Rock and Roll bands in his 20s. He worked at Green Giant processing plant in Blue Earth MN. He made his way to Montana with a friend in 1972 and he worked at Saint Mary’s Village doing Maintenance. He worked maintenance at Big Mountain Ski Resort and was later hired at North Valley Hospital as the Maintenance Supervisor, working his way up to the position of Director of Support Services.
While working at North Valley Hospital, he met his adorable wife, Denise. They were married in 1989, quit their jobs and traveled around the world for 7 months. They returned to Kalispell, MT for a couple of years.
Roy and Denise moved to Helena, MT in 1991 where Roy took a job with DPHHS as the Building Planner, and eventually worked his way up to being Acting Administrator for the Licensure Bureau of DPHHS. He retired from the State in 2016.
Roy’s interests included sailing, camping, golfing, diving, hiking and cooking. He was a staunch advocate for the elderly, animals, and the safety of children in Day Care Centers. He was an active member of New Life Lutheran Church.
Roy was a gentle, caring, fun and honest soul who stood by his convictions and was always the same, no matter who he was around. He will be sorely missed.
Roy is survived by his wife, Denise, sister Shirley Slowinski, brother John (Barb) Lawrence and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Paul Kemp, and his parents Reginald and Dorothy Kemp.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bigger, the staff at Saint Peter’s hospital and Saint Peter’s Hospice for his care.
Roy’s funeral will be held at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home, located at 3750 N. Montana Avenue in Helena, MT, on Saturday, January 11 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Saturday January 11, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday January 11, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Saturday January 11, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday January 11, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Share
Joe Merrill says
I worked for Roy at the state for 17 years. I have never met a finer man. So intelligent. Rip Roy.
Vonnie Jenkins says
I’m sure sorry for your loss. I got to work with Roy for a very long time thru the State Motor Pool. He had an amazing sense of humor and was such a joy to visit with. The world lost a great man! Rip Roy!!
Nan LeFebvre says
I am extremely saddened by Roy’s passing. He was such a wonderful guy! I had the privilege of working with him at DPHHS years ago. He was so competent and so easy to work with. Always a pleasure to be around. My condolences to his family.
Diana Piccono says
I was lucky to have worked with Roy while employed at the state. Roy had a great sense of humor.
You will be missed. RIP Roy.
Laurie Ekanger says
I am very, very sorry to learn about Roy passing. I was lucky enough to work with him at DPHHS where he had challenging jobs! He handled them so well, with grace and good humor. It was a privilege to work with him. He will be missed.
Sherri Lynn Anderson says
I had the pleasure of working with Roy through our agencies at the State of Montana for many years. I always found Roy to be very kind. I send my love and condolences to his family. Rest in peace Roy you will be missed
LaDawn says
Every time I see a yellow truck, I will think of Roy fondly. My heart goes out to Denise and their friends and family.
Carol Ann says
What a guy, what a great loss! Roy was fun to work with and so easygoing, so funny and so kind! He will surly be missed…my thoughts and prayers are with Denise and family, Carol Ann
Anita Buchanan says
So sorry Denise to hear of Roy passing so early in life. He will be missed in our circle of church family.
Anita
Beth McLaughlin says
I had the pleasure of working with Roy years ago. I recall talking to him when he was stuck out of state during 9-11 and was yet, so calm. He was such a decent and funny guy. My sympathies to his family and friends.
Bob Fischer says
Although I met Roy through church only a couple of years ago, I know that I’ve lost a friend. Roy and I connected on many issues. He was a peace-loving guy…a pacifist in his own words. He spoke his mind quietly and clearly, and I’m fortunate to have known him. God’s peace, Roy.
Vicki Turner says
I worked with Roy at DPHHS for many years, and he was always a great support, friend, and someone to would give it to you straight when having to make tough decisions. He was a man of integrity, a keen sense of humor and always thinking about how rules and regulations impact the end customer, recipients of services. I will never forget the orientation to the Colonial Building when our group moved in when he went over the rules of engagement, the main rule, and emphatically stated, do not cook broccoli in the microwave! Albeit funny, he was absolutely serious! My sincere condolences to Roy’s family. His smile, Hawaiian shirts, and his yellow truck will be missed.
Patti Russ says
Dear Kemp Family
I was so sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. I worked with him at DPHHS for several years one early childhood projects. He was fun to work with and his no nonsense approach resulted in a lot being accomplished. I will miss him. Prayers of peace and consolation for all of you.
Terry Robinson says
Roy was a great guy! RIP
Marilyn Kelly-Clark says
Godspeed Roy! I worked with Roy on several projects that were intertwined with DPHHS and the Dept of Labor & Industry, focused on health care licensing. Roy always offered a steady opinion and great advice. He was never one to bend and was willing to wait out a situation to the end. Whenever I attended a meeting with Roy, he always had a newspaper, ready to read at any break in the agenda. He was a great guy; wonderful wit and dry humor. He was a man of substance. My condolences to his wife and family on his passing, may your memories be a blessing.
Janice Hull says
I worked at North Valley Hospital with Denise and Roy. I was very sad to hear the news of his death.
RIP
Jan