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  ROY KISSACK 

It was with much sadness that we announced the death of Roy at age 75. A much loved husband of Rita, dad, brother, granddad, great-granddad, uncle and friend.

Roy's funeral service was held at Ruskington Parish church on Thursday 26th November 2009. This was followed by cremation and then a reception at Potters. Roy's ashes will be scattered on the Isle of Man, in accordance with his wishes, in 2010

The church was full and we are grateful to those who took time out to pay their respects to Roy and at the same time supported us, his family. We tried to talk to you all at Potters but there would have been some we missed and some that were unable to join us there - we are sorry if we were unable to extend our personal thanks to you, but we are truly grateful. It was great to meet with colleagues of Dad's from as far back as 1962;  to meet people who served with Dad in the RAF; to put faces to names of many athletic officials from around the country;  to reunite with family and to meet his local friends. It was a sad day, but one that we feel paid justice to a wonderful man and to do that took all of us that where there - thank you.

Someone asked me about the flag on Dad's coffin - it is the Manx flag
The music played in church was the Bee Gees rendition of Ellan Vannin (meaning Isle of Man in Manx) - an alternative version can be heard here.

Family flowers only were requested - Donations in-lieu of flowers were invited to  Disability Sport Events. Cheques can be made payable to "Disability Sport Events" sent direct (see here) .  After the funeral service £300.00 was sent to aid the work of Disability Sports Events - thank you.

Funeral Director: Colin Ward of 14 Boston Rd, Sleaford

Roy and behind him. the town of his birth Douglas, Isle of Man.

ex-Warrant Officer Edward Roy Kissack MSM GSM LSGCM

Roy was a proud Manxman - born and raised in Douglas, Isle of Man he continued to visit the Island whenever possible and remained fiercely Manx despite his long periods away from 'home'.

Leaving the Island for national service in 1956 he continued serving with the Royal Air Force until 1989 retiring as a Warrant Officer. During his service as a Radio Operator Telegraphist he served in Hong Kong, Australia, Aden, Bahrain, Berlin and England. In addition to three Air Officer Commanding commendations, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1982, the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal in 1974 and the General Service Medal (Saudi Arabia) in 1961. On leaving the RAF, the Air Force Board commented "Thank you for your excellent work in support of communications analysis, in particular the outstanding contribution you have made in the field of military intelligence."  - of course unless you worked with Roy, you'd  know little of his RAF work because of it's classified nature - he didn't say a lot about it!

Roy took up a civil service post at 399 Signals Unit, RAF Digby (now JSSU) on his retirement from the RAF at age 55, allowing him to continue to work within the specialist military communications world that he knew so well.

For many years Roy was actively involved in officiating at field athletics competitions. Beginning whilst he was serving in the RAF and continuing right up to his death. Gaining Grade 1 International AAA Official status he could even be spotted on TV - however not one for the limelight he equally, and especially, enjoyed his work with disabled and young peoples events. Athletics was Roy's prime interest after retirement, travelling the country during the warmer months and braving the winter cold, locally, at cross country events.  He made many friends pursing this love of his life.

Roy was also a keen sportsman himself in earlier years, he loved playing badminton especially and before that anything to do with fishing.

Despite being in poor health since 2005 he has continued to live life to the full and we are sure he will be missed by many in addition to us, his family.