Baruch Dayan Ha Emet Roy Sable
Roy Sable (1926-2020) was the personification of charm, a legend, exceeding expectations: smart, kind, gentle, generous, immaculately groomed, debonair and always a pleasure to talk to, wanting to know more about others, than to talk about himself.
Whenever Roy walked into a room his energy was palpable.  His sparkling eyes and interest drew people to him. He had the ability to make intimate friendships and treasured connections with everyone he met, no matter what age in a Board Room, at a party, having coffee, on the tennis court or golf course.Â
Born in Johannesburg South Africa to Gregory and Sally, Roy was the middle son. Â
He finished high school at the age of 17, urgently needing to join the Air Force to fight the Nazi’s, where he was trained as a Navigator, despite still being a minor and needing his parent’s permission.
After the War, he studied textiles in a war-ravaged UK, where all were limited to rations, such as one teaspoon of jam and one bath a week, strictly enforced by a determined landlady.  He then founded Gregory Knitting Mills in Johannesburg, a successful business for over 50 years. Later his textile and business skills with the Frame Group, established him as a leading light of the textile industry in South Africa. Roy was always a highly regarded, successful and moral leader, always fair. He inspired everyone who worked with him to do better. When he walked into the factory it was believed that the machines turned faster.
His vision in his early 40’s included the importance of Philanthropy with the establishment of the Sable Family Charitable Trust (intended even in those early days to be a perpetual endowment.) His large annual gift to the Chevra Kadisha in South African will continue in perpetuity. His love of Israel and willingness to keep asking the tough questions was renowned even by Rabin who recognized him for repeatedly asking the same question about how Israel planned to resolve the Palestinian problem; a question still relevant today.
11 years ago, Roy and Joan moved to live in San Diego. Roy was a giant in all of our lives, he had a vibrant character, a sharp, creative, profound mind and a great sense of humor often at this own expense. It did not take Roy and Joan long to make wonderful friends. Â
And, of course, he had business interests here too. We watched in awe as he changed the course and future success of a local business, with his clarity, focus and vision. Roy was always loyal, trusted and highly regarded by his many business associates and friends.  He was known to make deals on a handshake, and his word was his bond.
Someone recently asked Roy what was most important to him. His answer, family. He loved the company of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom adored him. Â
Roy knew himself so well, his choices were always elegant, simple, clear; to live every day to the fullest, spending quality time with people he loved and enjoyed. He excelled at whatever he put his mind to. Even at the end, despite his illness, his spirit grew stronger, his light brighter, his essence unchanged.
Roy is survived by his wife Joan of almost 65 years, his daughter Jane married to Colin Scher, his son David, and by his younger brother Stanley and his wife Mina, who live in Johannesburg. His older brother Desmond married to Ann, passed away in San Diego. He is also survived by his grandchildren Nicole and Ari, Mark and Julie and Gabi and Jarrett, and his great grandchildren Noah, Emma, Arden, Benji, Isabella, Sophie and Jonas.
Roy will be lovingly remembered and forever missed. Â
May his memory be a blessing always.
Funeral Information
The Funeral took place on Wednesday, June 24th at El Camino Memorial Park at 3:30pm, all were welcome and encouraged to join the Sable and Scher family to honor Roy. For everyone’s safety, personal masks and social distancing was observed.
Due to Covid, prayers was not held in the Sable or Scher homes. The family joined the Shul Minyan for prayers at 7:45pm Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Friday for Shabbat.
Shiva Information
Joan and Jane were open for Shiva visits in the garden at Colin and Jane’s home (8491 Cliffridge Lane, La Jolla, CA 92037) Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday between 3pm and 5pm. Masks wer required.
An international ZOOM call was organized on Sunday for Roy’s friends from around the world to gather to talk about him. Roy thought it would be a very good way to get his friends together at a time when the world is so crazy.
Joan maybe reached at 858 228-7107, or email her at joan.sable@gmail.com
Jane may be reached on her cell at 858 344-6979 or at janescher@gmail.com