Roy William Midgley

MIDGLEY, Roy William; beloved resident of Grand Blanc and formerly of Rochester and Clarkston; born November 15, 1932, in Detroit, MI, to Frank and Charlotte Midgley, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at the age of 92 years young.

Roy's childhood sounds like something out of a heartwarming storybook, brimming with love, laughter, and a whole lot of family! He grew up in a lively household that wasn't just his immediate family, but also his beloved aunt, uncle, and cousins. Roy, his sister &  cousins and their offspring are still all intertwined and considered "family" to this day.

Imagine this: Roy, his sister, and their parents on the main floor, while his aunt, uncle, and three cousins (the wonderful Blacks – Jean Singley, Marilyn Kettlehut, Barb Connors) lived just upstairs! It meant Roy was often happily spoiled as the only boy amongst them, though he carried that privilege with such grace, remaining the most humble and selfless person you could meet, never uttering an unkind word about anyone. And let's not forget his five lifelong best friends from Yorkshire Street in Detroit, who spent their days playing baseball right there in the streets, famously calling themselves the "Yorkshire Worms". The five remained lifelong friends. What a childhood!

Roy's love story began beautifully when he met his first wife, Jessie, at Barb Black's wedding, and the rest, as they say, was history. They married in 1960, building a truly lovely marriage and raising three wonderful children: Mark, Faye, and Lynne. The family memories doubled with the addition of Jessie's which included the McLennan's, Weber's & Coughlin's. The Midgley families summers were legendary, spending 30 cherished years at White Birch Lodge, alongside Roy's closest friends and their families (Mahoney's, Tomlinson's, Burns etc). Tragically, Jessie passed away from cancer in 1990.

Roy earned a bachelor's degree from GMI, graduating at the top of his class in 1955. Fresh out of graduation, he drove in his convertible off to sunny San Diego for his unwanted required stint with the US Navy. Even though he was enlisted at the lowest grade, Roy's legendary tennis skills and that charming, sly smile somehow landed him an officer's uniform for home and away matches at the officers' club where the courts and restaurants were located. His only time aboard a naval ship he actually had to pay for via a tour even though he tried to unsuccessfully "con" his way past in uniform! After about six months, it seems the Navy had had enough of his unique charm and gracefully let him return to General Motors, where he dove headfirst into engine design.

Roy had a remarkable ascent through numerous engineering positions at General Motors, where he worked or led in pretty much every engine group. He was revered as one of the premier engine designers in the world. Roy's illustrious career culminated in 1995 with his retirement as Director of Engine Engineering at General Motors, a tenure most famously highlighted by his role as the chief engineer for the legendary ZR1 Corvette engine.

Roy embraced life with passion, finding joy in tennis, golfing, skiing, traveling, and woodworking. He cherished the countless hours spent with family and friends on ski trips across the world and Northern Michigan. His love for tennis was so profound that in 1969, he founded one of Michigan's first and most successful indoor tennis facilities, the Rochester Hills Tennis and Swim Club, which remarkably thrives to this day.

Roy was fortunate to find the second love of his life, Diane Iras, in 1991. Recognizing she was an absolute catch, he swiftly put a ring on it, marrying her in 1992. Together, Roy and Diane seamlessly blended their families, creating their own "Brady Bunch" with a grand total of three boys and three girls. Their marriage flourished for 33 marvelous years, a testament to a love so profound it touched everyone they encountered.

Prioritizing family above all, Roy and Diane made it a point to travel and spend invaluable time with all their kids and grandkids across Colorado, Washington D.C., Michigan, and various cherished vacation spots. Their kids fondly recall the "free vacations" at their Mexico retreat, while the grandkids were even more enchanted by "grandma's lollipop Tree" at their house! It's safe to say that the cherished summers spent with Roy at White Birch Lodge will forever be treasured by everyone.

Roy Midgley leaves behind a legacy of unfinished woodshop projects, the elusive dream of shooting his age in golf, and, humorously, a notoriously crummy second serve.

But far more profoundly, Roy Midgley leaves behind his unconditional love for Diane, his cherished kids, his adored grandkids, and all his dear friends and their families. Roy was deeply respected and profoundly loved by everyone fortunate enough to know him. We are truly blessed to have had our Roy for 92 impeccable years. Roy Midgley, you will never be forgotten and will forever remain in our hearts. We love you.

Husband to Diane for 33 years;

Father to Mark (Molly) Midgley, Faye (Dan) Woodley and Lynne (Terry) Ott;

Bonus father to Jennifer (Gary) Helminski, Jason (Christy) Iras and Jonathon (Carolyn) Iras;

Grandpa to Poff (Ciara), Drake, Macaira, Grant, the late Cale, Shane, Avery, Holden, Hudson, Mackenzie, John-Roy, and Paige (Drew);

Also survived by three great-grandsons: Avery, Waylon, Rowan

Preceded in death by his first wife Jessie;

Brother of Faye (Karl) Anderson;

Brother-in-law to Bill ("Snooze") Britt ,Bob Britt, Norman ( Marilyn) McLennan, the late Doreen (Jim) Weber;

Friends may visit Lewis E. Wint &  Son Funeral Home, Clarkston, on Friday, June 20th, from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm.

Memorial Service Saturday, June 21st at 11:00 am at Calvary Lutheran Church, Clarkston, with Pastor Jonathan Heierman officiating. Visiting at 10:00 am at the church. Fellowship at the church social hall following the service.

Private Inurnment at a later date Van Hoosen Jones Stoney Creek Cemetery, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to share a memory and a favorite story of Roy.

Please leave a memory or condolence on the online guestbook below