WSRCA Grieves the Loss of a Founding Member

Remembering Roy Edward Bolt, May 28, 1923 - December 2, 2020.

Roy Edward Bolt was born May 28, 1923 in Glenwood, Washington. He graduated from high school and spent one year at Pacific University, where he played football and basketball. His military service was with the Signal Corps, stationed at SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force). General Eisenhower and General Montgomery were on his watch when the war ended.

Following his war duty, Roy returned to Portland and started his company, ABC Roofing, with his brother Jim joining him in the business. He went on to acquire McDonald & Wetle, Inc. and General Sheet Metal. Later, he and Jim divided the two companies. Roy taught roofing at Portland Community College and at the Roofers Apprenticeship Program. Many of his former students are still working in the roofing business. Roofing was a major part of Roy’s life, and he kept working the trade past 80 years old. 

Roy also served as one of the founding Board Members of the Western States Roofing Contractors Association. He, along with Walt Crow, Johnny Zamerzla, Wayne Mullis, Wayne Vose, Kink Clawson and Lloyd Sankowitz met in Las Vegas at the MGM Hotel and organized what would become the Western States Roofing Contractors Association. WSRCA along with Roy’s help helped contractors in the 1990’s by raising the standards for residential shingles. He was awarded WSRCA Board Member of the Year in 1992 and received the Outstanding Service Award in 1994. Roy was inducted into the WSRCA Hall of Fame in 1989 – the association’s highest honor. He loved roofing, mostly the people and the relationships he made in the roofing industry. 

Former WSRCA President, Travis Nelson from Brown Roofing Company in The Dalles, Oregon remembers Roy fondly. Travis said “Roy is a really big deal in the Pacific Northwest. He was one of the original group that met and formed WSRCA. He was also a major player within the local roofing and waterproofing union and was responsible for their training and apprentice program. He will be missed.” Roy is survived by his wife, Betty, their children Bob and Becky, his son Wayne, brother Jim, sisters Lilivon, Lillian, and Shirley; grandchildren Brad, Jared, Elizabeth and Kurt Johnson; two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He enjoyed fishing, bird hunting, traveling and golfing around Oregon and many far away courses. 

Donations can be made to St. James Lutheran Church, Portland, Oregon or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 

Learn more about WSRCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory.