Roy Edgar Cawley Jr.

Roy Edgar Cawley, Jr, age 87, passed away on July 7, 2026 after a remarkable life marked by humor, adventure and devotion to the people and animals that he loved. Roy was born on October 17, 1937 in Ogden, Utah to Roy E. Cawley, Sr and Libbie (Twitchell)Cawley, both of whom predeceased him. As an only child, his early years helped shape the independent spirit and determined character that would guide him throughout his life. In 1942,his family moved to Long Beach, California. Roy grew up shaped by the events of WWII. Roy graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1955 where he played football and was selected for the all-city team. He attended the University of Utah where he also played football and earned a civil engineering degree in 1962. He later earned his MBA from UCLA preparing him for a career that would take him into leadership roles and major development projects. Roy's life was also defined by love. It was love at first site when he met Barbara Ruth(Henderson) Cawley. They were married in 1985. Barbara remained a cherished partner for 41years. Their adventures together are legendary. Roy was a devoted father to his six children, Nena Alexander (Stan), Roy E. Cawley III (Lori), Todd Cawley (Denora), Trace Cawley (Kelly), Kelcey Cawley, and Christine Townshend (Mike). He was blessed with 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was so proud of each one and loved spending time boating, snow skiing, talking about cars and eating chocolate with them. Roy's professional career included many impressive positions. He worked as an engineer as ayoung man but his talent led him to become President of the Petrolane Petroleum division in Puerto Rico. He then went on to work for the Urban Land Development Company in North Carolina and the Arvida Company in Florida. From there he became CEO of Collier Enterprises and then the Barron Collier Company where he managed land development, agricultural production, and oil and gas development. One of his most interesting and difficult achievements was the largest interstate land exchange in US History where the right of way was obtained along Alligator Alley by the Federal Government in exchange for property in Phoenix Arizona for the Collier Family. This required Federal legislation that was signed by President Reagan. I75 across that part of Florida would not exist without this exchange. Roy's hobby life was as dynamic and diverse as his professional life. While in college, he worked as a snow ski instructor at Alta Utah. He loved skiing so much that he did it for the remainder of his life even into his 80's. Roy loved speed and raced drag cars and flat bottom V-drive boats and always had at least one Porsche. His love of the water showed in his scuba diving and always owning a boat. He and Barbara cruised aboard their Grand Banks for many years. They also raised Portuguese Water Dogs for show and performance and bred and raced thoroughbred horses. Roy particularly loved animals. He helped found the local dog rescue, the Williston Anima lGroup. He also supported the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, the Horse Protection Association and the Best Friends Animal Society. He leaves behind his dogs Brandy, Stanley andMr. Big and his horses Cat and Tripper. He should be with his heart dog, Brice, now in heaven. Roy's life was one of motion, ambition, loyalty, and joy. He lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy that is impressive and heartfelt. His family and friends will remember his wit,his boldness, his kindness and particularly his determination. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote,"It's not the length of life, but the depth of life." Roy's life had both. Roy will be buried at the Beaver Dam Cemetery in Utah in a family plot.

Roy Edgar Cawley Jr.

October 17, 1937 - July 7, 2026