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Southfield, Mich. -- I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow. I learn by going where I have to go. God bless the ground, for I shall walk softly there, and learn by going where I have to go.
Roy Irving Albert passed away on Feb. 9, 2021, at the age of 96, surrounded by family.
He was born in Norway, where he spent his childhood years nurturing his love of nature in this bucolic setting. He would always reminisce about his days down on the river fishing and camping, as well as his time on the farm. He worked at his father's one-room grocery store for "one dollar a day" as a teen.
Fate and World War II would collide for Roy at the young age of 18, where he would enter into the war, an event that would forever shape his life. He landed on Omaha Beach, crossed France, and was captured at Germany's Blies River. He survived as a POW for six months, eventually returning home to Michigan to marry his beloved Marianne Hoener in 1946. They moved to Ann Arbor, where he entered into the architecture program.
At the University of Michigan, to pay their way, Marianne worked as a secretary; while he spent nights at the A & P, bussing tables at the Student Union; and together as "houseparents" at a girl's rooming house, as well as ushers at Michigan Stadium. Roy worked initially with Buckminster Fuller on the geodesic dome and other projects. LIFE captured him at work on the dome, his second appearance in that magazine, with the first during his Ranger training.
As his independent nature would inevitably dictate, he eventually branched out to establish his own architecture firm, working "for himself" on hundreds of projects throughout the years.
His life was not, however, defined completely by his lovely design work. It was instead defined by his dedication to Marianne, his children, grandchildren, and recent great-grandchild!
His selfless love of neighbor and friends touched many untold lives.
He shared his love of nature and gardening with his family and those around him, this love providing him a personal respite from his tragic memories of war. In the end, he would embrace humility, never wanting his life to be defined by his earthly accomplishments; but rather his generous, gentle personality which transcended through his smile.
This is a link to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project which details his war experience; https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.38807/
Here is a link to the article published by the Birmingham Senior Men's Club, written by Roy, about his experience in World War II. Scroll down to the Wars of our Generation link and his story begins on page 103; https://www.communityhouse.com/supported-groups-nonprofits/senior-mens-club/
He now joins his wife Marianne in heaven.
He leaves behind his children, Joanne Walle, and her husband Jim; Peter Albert, and his wife Mary Jo, Paul Albert, and his wife Gina. Grandchildren include Patrick Walle and his wife Asako, with new great-grandchild Kaito; Michael Walle, Peter Walle, Mary Walle, Theresa Walle, Anna Albert, and Steven Roy Albert.
Funeral services were held Thursday at St. Hugo of the Hills.
Mass at the St. Hugo website was livestreamed.
A Celebration of Life will take place in mid-August.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mother and Unborn Baby Care or Covenant House.
A.J. Desmond & Sons, is in charge of arrangements, 248-362-2500.
View obituary and sign tribute wall at AJDesmond.com