Eric R. Royston, Died March 29, 2019

Eric Richard Royston

Eric Richard Royston - (December 15, 1971 - March  29, 2019 ) - son of Richard Royston and Luana Kay Sovereign, died after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.  Eric graduated from Holt High School in 1990 and entered the U.S. Marine Corps, serving for 6 years.

Although a long time U of M fan, he graduated from Michigan State University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in child development.  When he accepted his diploma, he wore a Maize and Blue necktie under his Spartan green graduation gown.

Following graduation he began his career as a kindergarten teacher at Walter French Academy in Lansing, while also a graduate student at MSU, earning a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching in 2003. 

Shortly thereafter, Eric continued his career at Lansing Public Schools as an early childhood teacher at the Wexford Montessori Magnet School.  In 2008, Eric obtained his 2nd Master’s Degree in Education with a focus on Montessori Early Childhood and Elementary 1 Components from Saint Catherine’s in Minnesota.  In 2011 he completed his Junior and Senior High Credentialing in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In 2016, Eric accepted the job of Head of Schools of the Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy in Suttons Bay.  Under Eric’s leadership, the LMPSA negotiated a new 8 year school charter for the school along with purchasing property to relocate the school facilities.

In addition to his full-time teaching responsibilities, Eric also was an Adjunct Instructor at Lansing Community College and Baker College.  He also was an active referee for youth sports in both the Lansing and Leelanau communities. 

Eric is survived by his loving wife Rachel, his sons Maison, Braden, Keegen, and Gavin, his daughter Emmersyn, his father Richard, step-mother Susan; his mother Luana Sovereign; his brothers John (Bridget) , Joe (Sara), Brian Graves (Greg) and sister Christine McCallister (Lee).  Also surviving are nephews Tyler, Declan, Dominic, Jameson, Barrett and Max and one niece, Nora.

Eric also leaves behind a community of people that love him and will miss him beyond description.  In true form to Eric’s love of education, his body has been willed to Wayne State University.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay on Friday, April 5, 2019.  The memorial services will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Leland Public High School with visitation 1 hour prior to the service.  Fellowship and celebration of life will follow the memorial service in the school cafeteria. 

Donations in Eric’s memory may be sent to Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy, 7401 E. Duck Lake Road, Lake Leelanau, MI, 49653 and/or to the Royston Children Education Fund, c/o Royston Family  P.O. Box 321, Lake Leelanau, MI  49653

While we continue to honor Eric, take a moment to hug a child and pay it forward with a smile today.

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