Roy Blue

Roy T.G. Blue, 103, of Toquerville, Utah, passed away Feb. 22, 2012. He was born Oct. 25, 1908. Roy was active in high school sports. He remained in high school for five years so he could play an extra year of sports (no age limit at that time). He attended college in Omaha and again excelled in sports. He was the captain of the football team, and also played basketball and baseball. He played minor league baseball and played against such luminaries as Satchel Page (if you haven't heard of Satchel Page, it is because you are too young). Roy kept himself in good physical shape and became a boxer before there was a weight class. He won most of his fights, but decided to hang up his gloves after he was beaten by a man who outweighed him by 40 pounds. In 1933, he saved two people who were stranded on an island when the river flooded. A third person who could swim made it to shore and called on Roy for help. With a 140-foot rope tied on shore, he swam 75 feet (with the rope) to the island and tied the rope to a tree. Although all three, due to their weight and the slack in the rope, went under several times, he was still able to help the two people safely ashore. But, the story doesn't end there. Roy went back to the island to get the rope. When asked why he would do such a risky thing, he replied, "it was a NEW rope." Roy and Lolita Gillaspie were married March 4, 1933. Lolita passed away Sept. 4, 1989. They were married 56 years. They moved to Henderson in 1942 and became an important part of the Henderson School Boosters. Basic High was in their hearts and souls. He was a member of the Scottish Rite since April 1969. Past Master Lander #8 and Mt. Moriah #39. Member of the Sheetmetal Union Local 88 for 72 years. He is survived by two sons, Ted and Rod; and daughter, Lynne; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 3, at Zelzah Shrine, 2222 W. Mesquite. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zelzah Transportation Fund, 2222 W. Mesquite Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106.

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