Richard Roe

1936 - 2014

BORN

1936

DIED

2014

Richard Roe Obituary

Roe, Richard 03/03/1936 ~ 04/09/2014 SOLANA BEACH, CA -- Dick Roe was one of the most dynamic mayors of the City of Del Mar. In the early 1980s, he was famous for bringing an initiative to the voters to ban smoking in all public places, both inside and out, which brought national attention to the City. Ahead of its time, it is now a cause that many cities have since endorsed. While councilman and mayor, he got Seagrove Park established and brought cable TV service to the city. After his service to Del Mar he ran for California State Assembly, advocated for a bike bridge to Coronado and initiated other ahead of their time causes such as gun show and cigarette sponsorship bans at the fairgrounds. Dick graduated from the University of Michigan in 1958 and had a lifetime career in book publishing. At age 35, he became the youngest editor at Prentiss Hall and later joined Random House. In the early 1970s, he came to Del Mar with CRM to head the Psychology Today book division. Later, he formed Publishers Ink in Solana Beach producing various college level text books. He is survived by his brother David of Chicago, IL, daughter Debbie and grandson Troy of Ann Arbor, MI, and daughter Wesley of Boca Raton, FL. He is also survived by his many friends who remember the gourmet dinner parties, scavenger hunts, softball games and other adventures that he organized regularly. We will all certainly miss his ability to get things done as well as creating fun times for all.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Apr. 12, 2014.
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I was a student at UCSD in 1977-78 and interned with Dick and the gang at Publishers Ink at around that time. I consider that internship the start of my writing career, one that I continue to this day after working as a reporter for the Blade-Tribune (among other papers), in public relations and marketing, as a free-lance writer, and now with my own writing business.

I loved my time at Publishers Ink. It was a great place to work. I'm honored I had such terrific people to work with and learn from.

I've thought of Dick often over the years.
I remember when he ran for mayor, when he worked to ban smoking in the city. I watched his career in public service with interest and have thought of him often over the years.

Dick was always a lot of fun, quite energetic and creative and very supportive. If it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't have had the career I've so enjoyed and I'll be forever grateful to him.

Jean Henshaw

May 16, 2014

I worked for Dick for three years in the 1990's and found him to be a great boss and mentor. He was smart, fun, committed, and courageous. I will always appreciate his contributions to my life and to the San Diego community.

Vasudha Deming

May 4, 2014

Dick made a lasting impression on everyone who met him. He will be missed and remembered.
Lane(UA)

J. Lane Goetsch

May 3, 2014

We will miss you very much Richard. We had lot of fun in Del Mar days. I still remember your campaign for no-smoking in Del Mar. I will miss visiting you.

Mo & Rosemary Husain

April 21, 2014

Dear Debbie and Wesley, so sorry for your loss. I have such fine memories of Uncle Dick over the past 50 years. We look forward to reuniting with you and your family in the coming months. Love, Susan

Susan Kelsey

April 14, 2014

Dear Debbie and Troy,

So sorry for your loss, You are both in my thoughts.

Mary Kirby

April 12, 2014

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