Roy Williams (Grangeville ’60)
Posted: May 24, 2026
Roy was born on October 7, 1935, in Hamilton, MT, to Walter Williams and Lena Powers Williams. He passed away at age 90 on May 14, 2026.
Raised in the Bitterroot Valley, Roy developed the strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and deep love for the outdoors that would define his life. As a boy, he spent time in the Boy Scouts and explored the mountains and rivers surrounding Hamilton. At age 16, he began traveling to Fairbanks, AK, during the summers to work alongside his brother, Ralph, beginning a lifelong passion for adventure and hard work.
After graduating from Hamilton HS, Roy joined the Marine Corps.
Following his military service, he pursued higher education, attending the University of Montana and the University of Idaho. In 1966, he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR.
While attending college, Roy became a Missoula smokejumper. He jumped out of Grangeville (1960-61 and 1965) and Missoula (1962-64), using his wages to help pay for school.
It was in Grangeville, ID, where he met his future wife, Suzanne Best, on a blind date. They were married in 1963. They later moved to Forest Grove while Roy completed his optometry degree. Their relationship grew through years of hard work, adventure, and shared dreams.
In 1966, they returned to Missoula, where Roy opened his optometric practice. For more than three decades, he cared for generations of patients with dedication, compassion, and professionalism. He remained a respected optometrist in the community until retiring from practice in 2000.
Retirement gave Roy even more time to pursue the passions that had always defined him. An avid outdoorsman, he loved elk hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, biking, and kayaking rivers throughout the West. Roy spent countless days exploring the mountains, trails, and wilderness areas of Western Montana, often sharing those adventures with family and friends. Some of his happiest moments were spent hiking mountain trails, camping under the stars, and teaching his children and grandchildren to appreciate the beauty and peace of the outdoors.
Roy and Suzanne shared a deep love of travel. They created lasting memories traveling throughout the world, with adventures to Europe, New Zealand, China, Nepal, Thailand, and Africa.
He lived a life marked by resilience, curiosity, humor, humility, and quiet strength. Whether on a mountain trail, floating down a river, helping a patient, or spending time with those he loved, Roy embraced life fully and inspired others to do the same.
