April 3, 1933 - October 31, 2021
Royal was born in Nelson, BC to parents Wilburn and Charlotte Fetterley. The youngest of three, he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and exploring the Kootenays with his family. He and his father spent countless hours over the years gathering and cataloging artifacts from throughout the Kootenays. He took a special interest in the natural history of BC.
He worked at Fetterley Wood Products in Nelson, making custom cabinets, windows, and doors. Royal served as President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Nelson. As a young adult, he enjoyed playing hockey in the goalie position on teams in Nelson, Terrace, and Salmon Arm. He enjoyed jazz and big band music, and was often heard playing the recorder or harmonica around the home.
On October 26th, 1957, he married Joyce Thomas. They had three children in Nelson: Geoff, Janet, and Russell before moving to Kamloops where Royal would work as a cabinetmaker. In Kamloops, their fourth child was born: Margaret.
In 1970, the family moved to Coquitlam so Royal could attend university for teacher training. His teaching career began in Terrace, BC at Skeena Jr. Secondary School in the woodworking shop. He worked as a teacher while attending university in summer school to complete his degree. While at university, he discovered a love of Geology, which continued through his life. He took his family on camping trips around BC, especially to historical and cultural areas, and even to lava beds. His children learned a lot from him about camping, fishing, building, re-purposing, and repairing. But most importantly, "Don't touch the walls of the tent!"
In 1974, Royal moved his family to Salmon Arm. He worked in the school district building cabinets until a teaching position opened up at A.L. Fortune Secondary School in Enderby. He taught Woodworking there for about 18 years. When he retired, he retired in style! On the first day of school the very next September, Royal set up camp in the parking lot of A.L. Fortune, complete with hammock, Hawaiian shirt, Tilley hat, and a pitcher of a "refreshing adult beverage". He toasted the teachers and students as they arrived. He was known for his sense of humour and his "Monday to Friday jokes".
Royal is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce; sisters Carol Ross (Don) of Kelowna and Sylvia Smith (Ken) of Ardrossan AB; children: Geoff Fetterley of Salmon Arm, Janet Norman of Edmonton AB, Russell Fetterley of Wainwright AB, and Margaret Oxley (Tony) of Salmon Arm; 8 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Shuswap Lake General Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of BC. Celebration of Life to be held in springtime 2022.
Online condolences may be sent to Royal's family through his obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Bowers Funeral Service