Roy (Speedo) Wilson
Bellingham, Washington – On January 21st, Roy passed away unexpectedly in his Bellingham home. He was born in Seattle, WA on November 13, 1943.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Victoria Wilson, sisters Jean, Pat, Barbara, Sharon, and brother Dave.
Roy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn Wilson and daughter, Kimberly Coulthurst (Wilson), son-in-law, Robert Coulthurst, two grandchildren, Reilly Benjestorf and Cameron Benjestorf, brother Jim Wilson, sisters Marg (Margie) Olsen and Judy Wilson.
Third in line of nine children, Roy spent his childhood years in Mountlake Terrace, Washington and graduated from Mountlake Terrace High school. In June of 1961, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve. In 1963, Roy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps., where after boot camp, went to communications and electronics school in San Diego. In 1966, Roy was stationed in Iwakuni, Japan.
After returning to the U.S. in 1967, he was stationed in Denver Colorado where he met the love of his life, Marilyn (Zierden). They were married on April 19, 1969.
Roy continued his electronics education in 1970, while stationed in San Diego. In 1974, Roy and Marilyn welcomed their daughter Kimberly to the world, and in 1975, moved to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he completed his master diver certification.
Roy continued his military career, moving from Camp Lejune, St Louis, and Denver where he retired from active duty in 1982 as a US Marine Master Seargent.
In 1986, Roy and his family moved to Bellingham, WA where they purchased a home in Sudden Valley. During his life as a civilian, Roy worked for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s office, Sudden Valley Association, and Mt Baker Plywood.
In 2004, Roy retired to spend time with his grandchildren, explore his love of photography, SCUBA diving, fly fishing, archery and riding motorcycles.
Roy had been a loyal member for 20 years of the American Legion Post 7 Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion, Marine Corp. League and Legion Riders. Every other Saturday night, you would be sure to hear Roy sing karaoke. He volunteered a lot especially cutting, stacking and delivering wood for Veterans in need. You would see him in the parades with his Viking helmet on, just to get a laugh. You never knew quite what to expect with Roy, but you can be sure he was going to put a smile on your face.
