Roll Call Tribute

Roy James Fitzwater
December 10, 1957 – October 30, 2021

Roy James Fitzwater 63, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on October 30, 2021, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Roy was born on December 10, 1957 in Hammond, Indiana to Martane and Georgia Fitzwater. The fourth of five children, he grew up in Indiana and attended Purdue University, where he pursued his degree in Food Science later receiving a Master of Food Science from Texas A&M and an MBA from SMU.

While Roy pursued his graduate degree at Texas A&M, he met Margaret, and they married on June 21, 1980. This was the beginning of 41 great of years of marriage. Roy worked for two companies in the food industry, ending his corporate career at Frito Lay, where his claim to fame was leading the new product team in developing such products as the famous Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

Roy and Margaret left corporate to follow a clear call from Jesus to enter into full-time vocational ministry. They moved from Dallas, TX to Colorado. There, they helped found and lead SonScape, a Christian ministry dedicated to helping pastors and missionaries prevent burnout. A few years later, they began working with The Navigators based out of Colorado Springs, serving in various leadership roles until Roy’s death.

Roy, a devoted follower of Jesus, dedicated his life to helping others and sharing the Word of God in the US, Canada, Honduras, and several countries in Africa. One of his personal passions was life and leadership coaching. He poured his life into countless people as a true role model who impacted many. He made a point to ensure that people felt seen and heard, always with grace, humor, and kindness. He constantly lived out his life verse, 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well.” He truly "walked the walk," making it always about serving others—never himself.

Roy is survived by his loving wife Margaret '79 and his sons, Chris (Melissa) and Stephen. Next to Jesus, his family was always his passion and priority. He also leaves behind his brother Bill Fitzwater, his sisters Ruth Fitzwater and Lori (Mike) Silhagi, and his brother-in-law Gary Reinhardt.

A memorial service will be held and livestreamed at Woodland Park Community Church (800 Valley View Dr., Woodland Park, CO) at 3:00 pm on November 12, 2021. The family is most grateful for the prayers, love, support, and encouragement provided by all his dear friends and family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to two funds near and dear to Roy’s heart. Visit his CaringBridge for more information.