Passed away peacefully on March 4th at 92 years old. Beloved father to Shirley Burden, Janice (Dan) Ingebrigtson, Denise (Jeff) Leonard, Ellyn (Charlie) Tokarczyk, Cindy Schreiner, and Darryl (the late Tammy) Dam. Cherished grandfather of 10, great-grandfather to 18. Special friend of Carla. Further survived by other relatives and friends. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran of WWII, serving in the Iwo Jima campaign. A visitation will be held on Friday March 9th at Hartson Funeral Home, 11111 W. Janesville Rd. Hales Corners 53130 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made to the Veterans Home at Union Grove, 21425 Spring St, Union Grove, WI 53182. "Forever fishing."The son of a machinist, Royce joined the Marines to keep his twin brother Ralph company at boot camp. PFC Dam, serving as a runner, was attached to HQ Company, 28th Reg., 5th Marine Division when he found himself part of the third wave that landed on Iwo Jima, Green 1, near the base of Mt .Suribachi, on February 19th, 1945. After the Occupation of Japan he came back to the States tired of guns. An avid hunter in his youth, he put away his rifles. He took his comfort in fly fishing, first for pan fish on local lakes and then for trout. He began tying flies for his own use but by the early 1950's he was tying professionally, selling flies to local tackle shops. A consummate fly fisherman he traveled Wisconsin seeking out the waters that held his favorite fish, the trout. Among those waters, were his beloved Wolf and Brule Rivers. Royce's passion for fly tying took him all around this country and to far away places. He participated in many sports shows (including the Milwaukee Sports Show for many years), sports clubs, Federation of Fly Fishers conclaves and to the Fly Fair in Holland. Royce taught fly tiers from many countries including Kenya and spent time in China and Bhutan helping set up fly tying factories. Innovative and imaginative he developed new patterns and put his personal touch on many long established designs. In 1994 Royce's talent and hard work was recognized when he was chosen to be the recipient of the coveted Buz Buszek Award, the highest award for excellence in fly tying by the Federation of Fly Fishers. Royce went on to record several instructional videos demonstrating the tying of a variety of fly patterns. He authored a book entitled "The Practical Fly Tier" which was published in 2002.During his later years he spent much of his time creating a magnificent and colorful array of salmon fly patterns which he then framed so as to be viewed and enjoyed as the beautiful works of Art that they are. Among these patterns were the "Stars and Stripes", the "Dress Blues" and the "Spearhead" by which he memorialized the sacrifice of the men he knew and served with in his youth as a Marine. He spoke little of that period in his life and instead sought the peace of free flowing streams. Semper Fidelis.In the end, Royce will be remembered among the great fly tiers in the world, many of which he knew and called friends. His participation in the many conclaves, shows, fairs and conventions, demonstrating and teaching his art to others will assure that he will live on in and through those who have found themselves captivated by the joy of fly fishing.We would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove (especially the nurses) for the care which our Dad received during the time he was a member at Gates Hall. A special thanks to Harmony.Gone Fishing