Donald Roesch

Donald Roesch

Resident of Woodside

March 29, 1940-September 19, 2010

Husband, Dad, Father-In-Law, "Grumps", Friend, and Humanitarian.

Died peacefully in his home in Woodside surrounded by family and care givers.

Don was born in Kansas City, MI to George and Dorothy Roesch. He grew up in the Midwest and lived in many different states and cities. Despite the frequent moves in his early life, he made friends easily and excelled in his school work.

His parents settled down in the San Francisco Bay Area where he graduated from Sequoia High School, RWC in 1957. He developed a love for the outdoors as a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He participated in many humanitarian endeavors with the Scouts, and learned the value of giving back at an early age. His belief in leaving the world a better place was solidified at Columbia University, NY where he received a BA in 1961.

Being an academic, loving to socialize and help people made for any easy decision to choose a career in law. He received a Bachelor of Law Degree from Hastings University Berkeley in 1965 and became an attorney in 1966. He was in practice for more than 40 years.

In between his studies he met the love of his life, Kari. They were married in British Columbia in 1963. Their family grew with the births of their two daughters. When asked the secret to a successful marriage he often said "in the worst of times we are always the best of friends".

Over the course of his life he served on the County's Public Defender program, was temporarily a judge and taught a law class at the College of San Mateo. He was a long time member of Kiwanis International, San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, Kings Mountain Art Fair Board of Directors, and the Kings Mountain Association (KMA). He served as Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis International 1995-1996 and was president and legal counsel for the KMA.

Don loved to share a good joke, a funny story and to give advice. He was a positive person and always looked for the silver lining behind every cloud. He enjoyed cooking, restaurants and entertaining guests at his home amongst the redwoods. His favorite hobbies were reading and home projects.

A special thanks to all the nurses and doctors, caregivers Siva, Siosi and Eleanor, legal professionals Kitty and Kathy, Kiwanians, friends and family who were with Don and family throughout his illness. You were a blessing.

He is survived by wife Kari, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter: Anna, Alan, and Emily Tubbs, brother, sister-in- law, and nephew: Warren, Peggy and Whit Roesch. Uncles and Aunts: Claude, Marsha, and Pearl.

Predeceased by beautiful daughter Lisa Marie.

Viewing from 4 pm - 8 pm on Oct 6, 2010 and Memorial Services: 10 am on Oct 7, 2010 at the Lifemark Center at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Kings Mountain Elementary School KMAP (211 Swett Road, Woodside CA 94062) or a favorite charity, in his honor.