Roy B. Chisholm

January 26, 1932 - December 1, 2024

Roy B. Chisholm passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 1, 2024, at
the age of 92. Roy was born in Stoneham, Massachusetts, on January 26, 1932, and grew up in
Somerville, Massachusetts. He was the fourth of four sons of the late Herbert and Doris
Chisholm both originally from New Brunswick Canada. His family attended Grace Baptist
Church where he said that his mother marched them all to church and home again all clad in
white clothes! Many of his fondest childhood memories were spent with his large extended
family of aunts, uncles and cousins.
After graduating from Somerville High School in 1949, Roy enlisted in the Air Force where he
specialized in radar (1949-1953). He was stationed in Japan during the Korean War as part of
the 613th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron at Misawa Air Force Base in northern Honshu,
and received several medals. Upon returning to Boston, he worked nights at US Gypsum
loading and unloading freight cars for 6 years including the four years while he earned his
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Boston University, graduating in June 1959. He
followed his brother Herbert to Washington, D.C., and was hired by the General Services
Administration (GSA) in January 1961 as a Procurement Intern. Roy proceeded to work for GSA
throughout his career. When he retired in January 2005 with 47 years of government service
(including 4 years in the Air Force), he was Director of the IT Acquisitions Center Federal
Supply Service in GSA.
Roy met his wife, Janice, in early 1961, as they rode the same Metro bus and worked in the
same building. They married on December 30, 1961, in Janice’s hometown of Gaylord,
Minnesota, where temperatures were a frigid 32 below zero. Despite the cold start, their 62-year
marriage was filled with warmth and cherished memories. Together, they raised their family first
in Alexandria and then in Annandale, Virginia. Roy loved his home, and with Janice, they hosted
countless family and friend gatherings. He was the biggest fan of his children and grandchildren,
always supporting all their endeavors and accomplishments. His grandchildren enjoyed Papa
Roy’s special songs and can still sing them today. Roy unwaveringly supported Janice
throughout her battle with MS.
Roy is survived by his beloved wife, Janice D. (Flantz) Chisholm; a son, Scott B Chisholm and
his wife Linda J. (Larson); a son, John D.Chisholm and his wife Stacey L. (Martens); a daughter
Julie I. (Chisholm) Crowley and her husband Timothy J. Crowley; and a son, Steven R.
Chisholm and his wife Veronica C. (Siqueira); eight grandchildren Matthew (Grace), Benjamin,
Megan (Jason), Daniel (Isabella), Jack, Kathleen, Ayla, and Zelia; and two great grandchildren
Mason and Riley. He also leaves behind several first cousins and nephews and nieces and his
many friends from church, work and the neighborhood. Roy was preceded in death by his
parents, Herbert and Doris I. (Bonness) Chisholm, and brothers Herbert B. Chisholm and wife
Norma, John E. Chisholm, and Alvah D. Chisholm and wife Pam.
Roy loved history, storytelling, and faithfully sending out cards for special occasions. He enjoyed
recounting his family’s Scottish heritage and treasured the bonds with his extended family.
Known for his quick wit, Boston accent, and special sayings, Roy will be remembered for his big heart and kind and generous nature.

A longtime member of Truro Anglican Church in Fairfax,
Virginia, he lived out his faith with a lifelong commitment to the Lord.
Services will be held on December 17, 2024, at 12:30 pm at Truro Anglican Church, 10520 Main
Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. Memorial donations may be made to Truro Anglican Church.

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We love you and your dear family, Roy, and we will cherish our memories of you. You were the kindest, strongest man and you will be so missed.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Roy Chisholm . Plant a Tree

Uncle Roy was a joy to us all. He will forever live on in our memories.

In memory of a wonderful man and great uncle

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Roy Chisholm . Plant a Tree

Thinking of you, Julie and family. Sending you hugs and prayers for peace and comfort. With love, Alana

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Thank you Roy for being a caring mentor to so many of us at GSA. Thank you also for your service to this great nation. May you rest in peace.

Remembering you and Roy in our minds and in our hearts.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Roy Chisholm . Plant a Tree

Dear Julie and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear dad. I know what a special place he held in your heart and how much you will miss him! I’m glad you were able to be with him during these last few months. I’m sure he was greatly comforted by you and enjoyed singing all those songs with you! May his memory be a blessing to you and may you cherish all of the good and wonderful times you shared! There’s a prayer by Henry Scott Holland I found, that is apparently said in Ireland at funerals. I found it comforting and read it at my dad’s funeral last month. I’m hoping that sharing it with you will provide a small measure of comfort. “Death is Nothing At All” Death is nothing at all I have only slipped away to the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other That, we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put the difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed At the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect. Without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same that it ever was. There is absolute unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you. For an interval. Somewhere. Very near. Just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before only better, infinitely happier and forever we will all be one together with Christ. Sending my condolences, sympathy, love and prayer to you and your family, ‘Becca Z.

With heartfelt condolences,

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Roy Chisholm . Plant a Tree

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.