Michael Roth

1983 - 2015

Mike Roth deeply loved many people: family, friends he grew up with, friends he served with in the Army and friends he made along the road of life. Most of all, he loved his wife, Jyoti, and 1-year-old daughter, Ivy. He also loved music and could make the violin dance. He loved talking about computers, science and other small stuff like the universe. Though not apparent to others, Mike had deep personal struggles - especially since returning from an Army tour in Iraq as a medic. He was diagnosed with PTSD and, while we thought he was getting better, he chose instead to end the pain, and took his own life. His family is heartbroken. His wife, Jyoti, generously gifted Mike's organs and tissues, bringing life to others and comfort to his family. Mike will continue to live in our hearts and in the lives of the many recipients of his precious donation. Jyoti captured all our feelings so eloquently, "We said our goodbyes to Michael, well, at least to his body. His organs were donated tonight at 9 p.m. My sister and I agreed that we just have this feeling, that he is either on to better things and true awareness or at least commencing his journey towards them: the answers he so much wanted for himself. Amidst his joker persona, my husband was a man searching, searching so desperately, for answers to deep questions that he couldn't even formulate sometimes and didn't always have the ears for the answer. He was hardly comfortable in his skin, which he referred to as 'just a suit of clothes.' Now that he is out of it, though regrettably in many ways, the love planted in his life will always stay with him and guide him no matter what. We'll have bad days still and miss him so awfully, but I know God loves him more than even me. I love you, sweetheart. I always have and I always will, unconditionally." Mike is survived by his wife, Jyoti Roth; and daughter, Ivy; his parents, Mary Jane and Jim Smith (mother and step-father) and Pat and Karen Roth (father and step-mother); his sister, Jackie and her husband, Paul and their son, Patrick; his sister, Susie and her son, Izek; his step-brother, Ryan and his wife, Tomoko; and his step-brother, John; his in-laws, Jay and Rebecca Jennings (Jyoti's parents); and brother- and sister-in-law, Janaki and Jhulana; as well as many aunts; uncles; cousins; grandparents; and many dear friends. There will be a celebration held in Mike's honor on Jan, 31, 2015. For more information, email Pat at mikerothmemorial@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted at AlaskaUSA's Mike Roth Memorial Fund to help provide for his family.