Roy E. Hivala

ESCANABA — Roy E. Hivala, 95, of Escanaba passed away Saturday, August 17, 2024, after a brief stay at Christian Park Village in Escanaba and under the compassionate care of OSF Hospice He was born June 26, 1929, in Lake Linden, Mich. and was the son of August Peter and Lydia J. (Oja) Hivala. Roy grew up in the Copper Country in Tamarack Mills, Mich. and attended school in Dollar Bay through the 11th grade when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served for two years in Japan with the military police until he was honorably discharged. He returned to high school and graduated from Dollar Bay High School in 1949. Roy then attended Suomi College/Finlandia University for two years and then graduated from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in education. He continued his education at the University of Michigan receiving his master’s degree, and then he earned an educational specialist degree from Michigan State University. In the fall of 1953 Roy started his teaching career in the Garden School District. After four years he was hired by the Escanaba Public School District and taught at Lemmer School. He then served as principal for Lemmer and Washington Schools. Next Roy was named the principal of the junior high where he served for five years. Subsequently moving to the Escanaba Senior High School as principal for 13 years. He retired from the Escanaba School District in 1991 as the assistant superintendent. During his retirement he became known as the chauffeur and gofer for The Canterbury Book Store which was owned by his wife, Shirley