HOGGARD, Royce Hoggard

Passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Born in Oshawa on December 6, 1952, Royce Andrew Hoggard of Charlotte, Michigan, was in his 74th year.

Beloved husband of Margaret Hoggard (nee MacNeill) of Charlotte, Michigan. Loving father of Andrew Hoggard (Shannon Vanderhorst) of Edmonton. Grandpa of 3 cherished grandchildren. Dear brother of Marilynn Hoggard of Stratford, brother-in-law of Neil MacNeill (Gillian) of Owen Sound, and Heather MacNeill-Pennacchio (Laurent) of Regina. Royce will also be missed by his aunts Fern Johnston and Lynda Barney, cousins Marie (Ron), Ed (Carolyn), Lori (Sam), and Melanie (Paul), and by his much-loved nieces, nephews and friends.

Predeceased by his parents Maurice and Ellouise (nee Johnston) Hoggard, and by his uncles Len Johnston and Wallace Johnston, all originally of Meaford.

Royce grew up in the Port Perry and Oshawa area, but the family maintained their close ties to the Meaford and Thornbury areas. He particularly loved visiting his grandparents, Walter and Sarah (nee McVittie) Johnston of Meaford, and helping on their apple orchard in Thornbury as he was growing up. It was always his hope to settle in this area, but the economy of the times did not make it possible. Throughout his life, he cherished his visits to “God’s country.” In his later years, his visits to the First Baptist Church of Owen Sound transitioned to regular “virtual” attendance during COVID restrictions and for the rest of his life.

In 1972, Royce began studying manufacturing engineering and metallurgy at Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology. It was there that he met his wife Margaret through mutual friends at a Valentine’s Day dance, which she took as a sign their union was meant to be. Somehow, a decision was made that they would marry, though it was never clear which one proposed. Their union was solidified in July 1975 to coincide with Margaret’s graduation from Fanshawe. She supported Royce through his final year of college, and she often commented, “He’s been paying me back ever since.” Their greatest blessing was the birth of their son, Andrew Hoggard, in 1977. The young family soon settled in Strathroy, Ontario, where their family was greatly enhanced when Margaret’s teenage sister Heather joined them during her high school years.

Royce started his career in manufacturing engineering in Southwestern Ontario, transitioning to his calling of “quality guy” in 1980. Like many young men of his era, he was bedeviled by the double-digit interest rates, workplace instability, and runaway inflation of the times. With quiet determination and hard work, he not only advanced in his career but also managed to earn post-masters status through part time studies. Between 1980 and 1992, he completed the joint Business and Administration program through the Canadian Institute of Management/University of Western Ontario, and earned numerous credentials, including every certification offered by the American Quality Society at the time up to Certified Quality Manager.

Between 1992 and 1994, Royce was chosen to be Quality Director on a start-up team charged with establishing an American branch of a Canadian company. Royce moved to the Eaton County region of Michigan in 1993 with his wife and son. When his commitment to the project ended, he was offered an opportunity to work for an international accrediting body, SGS, as a lead auditor. This also necessitated continuous education, and his particular focus became manufacturing and environmental systems QS and ISO auditing. He traveled extensively, doing audits primarily in North America and Mexico, but also in South America, Europe, and Asia during these years.

Royce lived by humble and deep Christian beliefs. Being an auditor was his vocation: upholding standards that would ensure products were safe for consumers using secure environmental practices fulfilled him spiritually as well as professionally. Although almost perfect, Royce’s most serious fault was that he was a workaholic. In fact, his wife said on their 50th anniversary that they had actually only been married for 20 years because of his frequent travel.

After his retirement in 2018, this fault turned into a serious addiction to model trains. However, this addiction also led him to meet many new friends. Working (or was that playing?) on model train activities with Andy Keeney’s Nashville Road group brought him his greatest joy. During his final illness, this incredible group of men supported and encouraged him and gave him the strength and hope to keep fighting to the very end. Royce’s family is very grateful to them for all they did to help them during this difficult time and their continued support of the family after his death.

The family feels truly blessed by many people for their kindness and prayers throughout Royce’s courageous battle with cancer. At this time, they offer thanks to those who, along with members of the Nashville Road, helped make it possible for him to have a peaceful transition at home. These include Jamie Curtis, Sarah Weild, Adam Hitchens, Rev. Susan Sparks, the Sparrow Hospice at Home, Royce’s cousin Marie Wilson and her praying friends, and Rev. Dr. Keith Sweeting for his prayers and counsel.

A memorial service to celebrate Royce’s life will be held at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 14th St. W., Owen Sound, 519-376-7492, on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Keith Sweeting officiating. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed. Interment will take place in Thornbury Clarksburg Union Cemetery.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to First Baptist Church of Owen Sound or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to Royce’s family by visiting his memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.