Mr. Roy Allen Canier

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Roy Allen Canier, a devoted father, loving husband, brother, and cherished friend. Roy was born on October 19th, 1956, in Lansing, MI. He passed peacefully on June 6th, 2024 in Spring Valley, MN.

Roy was the third child of Robert Heaps and Theresa Marie (Allen) Canier, Sr. He spent his youth growing up alongside his siblings Rob, Cheri, Charlene, and John. The Canier's moved several times throughout Roy’s childhood, undoubtedly influencing his love for hitchhiking and traveling the open road. Roy graduated from Savanna High School in Savanna, IL in 1974.

After high school, Roy earned an Associates Degree in Automotive Machining from Ferris State in Big Rapids, MI. While in college, he had an interest in flying. He worked the overnight shift as a janitor in trade for flying lessons. Roy had logged all the required solo runs for his pilots license and had also learned to operate a Bell Flight helicopter.

Some years later, he was living and working in Galesburg at the Galesburg Machine Shop. Owner of the machine shop and mutual friend, Wayne Palmer, introduced him to the love of his life, his “Queenie”, Debbie Nichols. The two were married on October 26th, 1985. The Canier family made their home in rural Knoxville, where Roy and Debbie established themselves and raised their 3 children with love and unwavering support.

Roy’s professional life was characterized by his incredible dedication and meticulous work ethic. Roy owned RODECA Transports, Inc., a fuel and liquid petroleum transport operation. He was the sole driver and heart of the company. Roy had over 4 million safe driving miles under his belt when he stopped working. During the years of his children’s adolescence, Roy worked for Riverland FS as a fuel salesman and fuel delivery driver. He was loyal to Riverland FS for 10 years. After his children were out of school, Roy went back to the semi and fully dedicated himself to his own company. His commitment to his work and his customers was unparalleled; Roy truly believed that the day wasn’t over until the work was done right.

Roy was an N.R.A. member and a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association. He found a second home with the Galesburg Motorcycle Club and was a passionate and active member for nearly 30 years, many which he acted as president. Roy’s leadership shone brightly as he established the “Bob Walters Memorial Short Track Race,” an annual event that stands as a testament to his dedication and love for the sport. He tirelessly contributed to numerous club projects, garnering the respect and admiration of his fellow members.

Roy was known to most as a stern and quiet man. He was known for his “peer over the glasses” that could stop you in your tracks. You always knew where you stood with Roy, his brutal honesty was guaranteed. So was his handshake. He used to say you could tell more about a man by his handshake than by anything else. Roy always wore a hat and his ever-present pipe was either nested in his breast pocket or in his hand.

Outside of his professional and club commitments, Roy was a family man at heart who relished life’s simple pleasures. Sometimes it was a cold beer in the recliner watching the supercross races. Others it was helping his grandkids fly kites in the corn field and teaching them to ride dirt bikes. Teaching his grandkids how to ride and how to care for and maintain their dirt bikes was very important to Roy. He knew the value of taking care of your things and tried hard to make sure his grandkids understood that.

Roy enjoyed bringing his family together and was the host of many bonfires and cookouts. He enjoyed teaching the grandkids how to build a fire and maintain it. He always toasted the most perfect golden brown marshmallows.

Roy enjoyed being in the kitchen every day of the week, but especially on Sundays. Sundays were always a day for him to showcase his skills for the whole family. Roy enjoyed cooking large skillet breakfasts with all the meats and veggies he could fit in the pan. Homemade pancakes and biscuits & gravy were two other favorites of his grandkids. His adult children can remember “Animal Pancakes” which were awesomely crude ‘animals’ that he poured from the batter bowl and griddle cooked. He could fry the perfect over medium eggs. Roy could eat breakfast any time of the day, and was rarely seen without coffee in hand.

Roy enjoyed playing board games and card games. Rummy 500 was one of his favorites. He passed on his joy of chess, checkers, Yahtzee, Jenga, and Parcheesi to his children and grandchildren. On occasion, Roy would show off his basketball skills for a great game of HORSE.

Roy never missed an opportunity to teach or to help guide someone to solution. His punctilious nature and insistence on “doing it right the first time” extended to every aspect of his life. He always took the opportunity to educate and show others how to do things properly, whether it was fixing things around the house or playing a game.

Roy leaves behind his loving wife, Debbie(Nichols) Canier of Knoxville, IL, three children: Ryan (and Emily Young) Canier of Galesburg, IL, Bradley Canier of Knoxville, IL, and Neely (and Levi) Carr of Yates City, IL and seven grandchildren: Lyla (11), Judson (10), Dexton (8), Avenelle (5), Lexington (4), Hank (9), and Bowie (5), brothers Robert (and Carol) Canier, Jr. of Savanna, IL and John Canier of Des Moines, IA, sisters Cheri (and Patrick Johnson) Canier of Clinton, IA, Charlene (and Mark) Herring of Stockton, IL, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Though he has left this world, Roy’s spirit lives on in the countless memories shared with his family and friends. His indomitable spirit will never be forgotten. As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that Roy is now at peace, looking down on us with love from heaven.

Rest in peace, Roy Allen Canier. You were a man respected and loved by all who knew you. Your lessons of life, work ethic, and dedication will continue to inspire us all.

Per Roy’s wishes, all memorials can be made to the family and will then be donated to Hope Lodge in Rochester, MN. Hope Lodge offers free room and board to cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Services
Private family graveside service

Yates City Cemetery, Yates City, Illinois

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