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David Roth Obituary
May 9, 1959 - July 19, 2015
With deep sorrow we mourn the passing of our beloved, David Roth. David suffered a massive heart attack while driving home to Kentucky after a business trip and spending time with family in Wisconsin. At 56 years old, David lived a full and passionate life filled with humor and great energy. He was a unique individual and held a special place in many hearts. Born in Beloit, WI, David attended grade school in both Westby and Viroqua, WI, where he also helped out on the family farms. In 1977, he graduated from Viroqua High School where he developed an interest in music, performing in many musical productions. This prompted David to major in both music and business in college at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
As his own musical repertoire grew, so did his love for opera. Upon graduation from university, he moved to Minneapolis to work in accounting while pursuing a musical career. During his time in Minnesota, he later worked for the Minnesota Opera and also created Opera 101 to direct and produce operas for the local community. In 2000, he moved to Texas to work for Fort Worth Opera as both the Director of Production and the Director of Finance. In 2006, he took a job as the General Director of the Kentucky Opera in Louisville, Kentucky. His skill for providing high quality productions while also highlighting new and upcoming talent is known around the country and beyond.
In addition to music, David loved hiking, travel, reading, home renovation, and spending time with friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Roth of Viroqua.
He is survived by his partner, Bryce Hudson of Columbus, OH; his mother, Sally Roth from Viroqua; sisters, Karen Roth (Chris Rubio) of Oregon and Janet Vesbach (Paul) of Ohio; brother, Gary Roth of Ohio; four nieces; one nephew; and countless other family members and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy will be held at The Brown Theatre (315 W Broadway, Louisville, KY, 40202) beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday July 30th, 2015.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the David Roth
Memorial Fund through the Kentucky Opera, 323 West Broadway, Louisville KY, 40202.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Roth
Pat Fiorini
August 1, 2015
I'm so saddened by the early passing of such an amazing, totally charming person. David, & his loving partner Bryce & I met briefly one evening last year at a friend's dinner party. I was so surprised & totally thrilled when he sent me a lovely note saying how nice it was to sit with us & talk over dinner, & wanted to get together sometime soon with my husband & I. I'm sorry that never happened, but I would have treasured the time. Bryce, my condolences & may your happy memories see you through these tough times.
Greg Jones
July 28, 2015
I had the great pleasure of working with David as a performer at the Northern Lights Playhouse. We re-connected only last year while I was in Louisville and he remained the same enthusiastic, delightful guy I remembered. He generously and proudly showed me around Louisville and talked about how happy he was with his life. I am so grateful I got to spend time with this special soul. My sincere condolences to those he loved.
Gregory Emanuel Rahming
July 28, 2015
Thank You David for giving me another opportunity to return to Kentucky Opera as Frere Laurent in Romeo et Juliette after a 25 year absence. I enjoyed our friendly exchanges and hoped to make more music together. Wishing You PEACE and Bryce much Comfort!!!
Karl Anderson
July 27, 2015
I met David only three times but we began designing his production Three Decembers. He could not have been more inviting, cordial, inventive, thoughtful or professionally creative. Carrying on his vision to fruition is now our noble and hefty task. We will make proud work in his honor, and it will be heartbreaking as a memorial.
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Daron Hagen
July 27, 2015
Godspeed, my friend, from one Wisconsin-bred opera swashbuckler to another. You lifted up those around you. I'll miss you.
John Wiggins
July 27, 2015
Our city has lost a brilliant, shining star.
Brandy Hawkins-Johnson
July 27, 2015
David thank you for believing in me and my talent. Thank you for your kindness to me. Prayers to Bryce and David's family. Prayers to the Kentucky Opera family as well.
Janet Pinkston
July 27, 2015
David Roth had a lot of elan, particularly for our local scene. I enjoyed being in his force field and will remember him with joy.
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