Andrew "Mick" Michael Royka

Andrew Michael “Mick” Royka, 66, passed away January 1, 2021. He was born in Akron on February 22, 1954 to parents Andrew and Helen (Wetzel) Royka. He was a premature baby, weighing only 2 ½ pounds at birth. He survived in an incubator, but the 100% oxygen caused him to be blind. He attended special classes at Dennis R. Smith Elementary in Canton, graduated from Canton Lehman in 1972 and attended Walsh College until he moved with his father to Arizona, where he attended Arizona State University.

Mick attended Guide Dog School in San Rafael, CA and trained with a black lab named Morris. That began a loving, hard-working relationship until Morris developed cancer. While in Arizona, Mick developed Cushings Disease and had his pituitary removed, causing him to have numerous medical issues later in life. In the late 1980’s Mick and his dad moved back to Akron and lived with his sister, Peg. He became a client of S.C.D.D. and lived in two different group homes, working various jobs. He was also an AVID Cleveland sports fan.

Several years ago, he moved to Canton to live with the Gray family. He encountered further medical issues, including a pacemaker and an inability to walk. He was referred to Altercare in Navarre for rehab, where he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Mick is survived by his sister, Margaret “Peg” and Ron Hill and MANY cousins and friends, especially Bridgett and Tom Gray and their family.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and no service is planned. Memorials may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church, 3744 Fohl St. SW, Canton, OH 44706 where he attended with the Gray family, or the charity of your choice.

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