Royce F. Gildersleeve II

Royce Foltz Gildersleeve II, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, died Sept. 20, 2017.

He was born on April 23, 1947 in Omaha, Neb. to parents Royce and Laura Gildersleeve. As a child, the family moved around a lot until Royce entered high school. Royce graduated from Tennyson High School in Hayward, Calif. where he met his future wife, Jan Evely. The high school sweet hearts were married in 1969.

The couple lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for many years while Royce pursued a career in engineering and Jan worked as an elementary school teacher. Royce and Jan moved to Tempe, Ariz. in 1981 to support Royce’s career. It was in Tempe where Royce and Jan raised their three children; Royce III, Ryan, and Regan.

In 1992, Royce II founded R&R Tire and Auto with his father, Royce Senior, in Fountain Hills. They ran the shop together until Royce Sr’s death in 1997. Royce continued to manage the garage until he retired in 2010.

Royce will be remembered for his love and dedication to his family. He was involved with Royce III’s sports teams, watched every one of Ryan’s plays/musicals, and never missed a single dance recital for his daughter, Regan.

Royce thrived as a grandfather, doting on each of his grandchildren. For a short while he provided childcare services for his oldest grandson, Evan. In the hot Arizona summers, Royce could often be found lounging in the pool with his children and later his grandchildren.

An avid golfer, Royce co-founded the Sandbaggers and Hackers Invitational Tournament with a group of golfing buddies. In 1983, Royce’s foursome won the Phoenix Open Blue Pro Am Tournament. Most of the time, however, Royce hit the links in order to enjoy the camaraderie and competition of his good friends.

Royce passed away in Sept., 20, 2017. He died peacefully with family nearby. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Jan Gildersleeve of Tempe and Chandler; three children, Royce Gildersleeve III and wife, Lindsey of Leesburg, Va., Ryan Gildersleeve and husband, Rod Bugarin of Denver, Colo., and Regan Gildersleeve Barbee and husband, Levi of San Antonio, Texas; and five grandchildren, Avery, Colin, Evan, Michael, and Sloane; his mother, Laura of Fountain Hills; and his brother and sister-in-law, Dana and Nanette Gildersleeve of Whidbey Island, Wash.

A private memorial service has been planned. Royce had many friends and will be greatly missed by friend and family alike. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to Hospice of the Valley.