Remembering Roy Fielding
On Friday, May 15, 2020, Roy Fielding, loving husband and professor, passed away unexpectedly at age 68 when his big, beautiful heart stopped at his beloved home, Westfield Lodge, in the North Carolina mountains.Roy was born on June 2, 1951 in Cedar Falls, Iowa to Rusty and Jennie (Cummings) Fielding. He received his Bachelor and Master degrees at the University of Northern Iowa, where he was part of the swim team. Roy was a professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte for 41 years and volunteered for the American Red Cross for over 50 years. Roy married Mary Gaye Westbrook in 1988 and they created homes for themselves in Mint Hill, West Jefferson, and Oak Island, NC.
Roy's legacy cannot be done justice in words- his awards and achievements too numerous to list. He was most proud of his impact on his students that loved him and looked up to him as a mentor. Everyone who knew Roy knew of his quiet, peaceful nature, his dry, brilliant humor, and his passionate dedication to his work. Roy was The Pool Professor, The Defender of his family, and a true superhero to all.
Roy was appointed to the Mint Hill Planning Board in 2006. He was well respected by his colleagues.
"I truly enjoyed serving with Roy on the Planning Board. His love of Mint Hill, it's citizens and "Trees", was evident at every meeting. He had a wonderful sense of humor and will be greatly missed."
-Scott Fandal, Mint Hill Planning Board
"It was quite a shock for me to hear of Roy's death. I really only knew Roy through the Mint Hill Planning board. I had the privilege of joining the board 4 years and that's when I first met Roy. I was struck his passion for the town of Mint Hill and his desire to preserve it's beauty during it's growth over the past few years. I always enjoyed his sense of humor. The past year I got to know Roy a little better and we would spend a little time after our meetings talking. He would always ask about my daughter that was in college. Roy will certainly be missed not only by me but our board and the Town of Mint Hill."
-Chip Todd, Mint Hill Planning Board
"I served on the Planning Board with Roy for many years and always enjoyed his levity, sincerity and insights. Roy will be missed in Mint Hill."
-Tony Long, Mint Hill Commissioner
Donations can be made to the pre-existing Mary Gaye & Roy Fielding Athletics Development Fund and the Roy and Mary Gaye Fielding Scholarship for UNCC students at crowdfund.uncc.edu/RoyFielding. Roy will be honored with the Roy R. Fielding Aquatics Center at UNCC. The dedication will be combined with his celebration of life to honor Roy's legacy at a date to be announced.