June 7, 1943 — September 12, 2025

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Harold Roger Dayton—beloved son, friend, mentor, and Kamloops business pioneer—on September 12, 2025. Born in Kamloops to Harold Edward Dayton and Ruth Butterworth (Saxton) of Chase, both predeceased him, Roger was their only child.

From an early age, his curiosity for how things worked was evident—his first pinball machine at age 10 sparked a lifelong passion that would shape his remarkable career. Roger attended St. Ann’s Academy and Kamloops High before studying electronics at UBC and SAIT. His early career took him from maintaining Cold War radar on the Arctic DEW Line to tropical Eleuthera, Bahamas, where he kept the island’s Batelco phone system running. Returning to BC in the early 1970s, Roger co-founded Cotton Coin Co. Ltd. with his lifelong friend John Cottrell, pioneering the amusement industry across the Interior. In 1990, he brought a bigger vision to life by founding The Fun Factor Fun Centre, which remains a Kamloops landmark and testament to his technical brilliance and kind spirit.

Roger retired in 2014 to enjoy more time with his many interests—animals, movies, and of course, pinball. Known for his wit, humility, and generosity, he lived by quiet integrity and compassion, touching countless lives. Fondly remembered as one of Kamloops’ original pinball wizards, his initials HRD will forever light up the scoreboards he once mastered. In recent years, Roger resided at The Shores and Pinegrove Seniors Community. Sincere thanks to all those who cared for him with kindness and compassion—he was truly well looked after.

An informal Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Fun Factor, 910 Tranquille Rd., Kamloops, with refreshments, free pinball, and stories shared in his honour. Friends are encouraged to share memories, stories, and photos on his permanent memorial page at everloved.com/life-of/harold-dayton , or by emailing info@thefunfactor.ca for inclusion in an ongoing tribute at http://www.thefunfactor.ca and on YouTube (@HaroldRogerDayton). In lieu of flowers, please honour Roger by being kind, helping others, and living with the same warmth and decency he shared with everyone he met.

• Date : 2025-09-12
• Location : Kamloops