Royce was born on May 12, 1963 in Kansas City, MO, moving to Raton, NM in 1964.  He graduated from Raton High School in 1981.  He attended Arizona State University to pursue a degree in aeronautics.  Royce loved flying and started taking lessons as a junior in high school and completed his flying lessons in AZ.

Upon obtaining his commercial pilot's license, he flew sightseeing tours in a 1930 Stinson Detroiter at Cape Cod.  He was a pilot for:  PBA, Bar Harbor, Rocky Mountain Express, Continental Express, and Continental Airlines.  He ended his career as a United 757/767 Captain.

In recent years, Royce was really enthusiastic about taking the family on camping trips, both locally and out of state.  He really enjoyed watching Rylan's Taekwondo Classes, his musical accomplishments, and academic achievements.  Royce watched Ryder play T-Ball and soccer and was looking forward to watching more of Ryder's sports activities.  Royce's family was the center of his life.  In addition to his immediate family, Royce was one of those rare individuals who enjoyed his in-laws: father-in-law Jack, mother-in-law Anne, brother-in-law John (Laurie), and sister-in-law Tricia.

Royce was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Lorene Grob.

He is survived by his wife Jill and Sons Rylan and Ryder; mother Laverne: sister Renell; step-brothers David and Dan: Uncle Rex and Aunt Jackie; cousins: Monica (Alex, Mason, Juliet, and Cameron); Keith, Reece, (daughter Sasha), Bryan, and numerous friends.