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Clifford Arthur Roche
1926 - 2017
Clifford Arthur Roche
1926 - 2017
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Clifford Roche Obituary
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Gerd Boehmer
January 18, 2023
Only now that I learned about Mr. Roche passing away. He was one of the very few teachers who really taught me things I could use all my life long and who always respected us and encouraged us to try new ways like he himself always did.
I will always remember him.
Gerd Boehmer, AFS at OHS '64
Rachel D. White
July 30, 2022
You were and will always be the BEST Speech and Debate Coach ever! Everything, I am started with you as my coach.
Michael T
February 13, 2020
I heard Cliff speak in upstate NY and it help to change my life and my view of my past and more importantly my Future
February 19, 2019
Cliff was my grandsponsor. He was the first "circuit speaker" I ever heard, and his talk (early in my recovery) made me think that I truly belonged here and that things were gonna be all right. I now belong to a sponsorial legacy group started by my sponsor Bob, who was one of many of Cliff's sponsees. I'm now 81 yrs old and have 34 years clean and sober. Thanks, Cliff! Ken P, Eugene, OR
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Gail Davis
January 10, 2018
I was fortunate to hear this man speak at Founder's Day in Akron many years ago and his story made such a lasting impression on me that to this day I still listen to the tape from time to time. His words about the bond we share and about how that extends to people who will come after us are what brought me back to AA after I had drifted away for a time. He changed my life and countless others. He gave hope where there had been none. He lit the path ahead and made this world a better place. Thanks so much Cliff....you left a true legacy.
Sian Spurgeon
November 28, 2017
I was a student of El Camino High,
Class of '83'. I was a shy student who
took a Drama class that Mr. Roche
was teaching. He said I should take
Speech too. I said 'No way'! Mr. Roche
wouldn't take no for an answer. He
saw something in me that I didn't
see in myself. Coach Roche took this
shy student all the way to State
Championships! Mr. Roche was
quite simply the greatest teacher
I've ever had in school! I'm still
speaking at work and at church.
Every time before I speak to a group,
I say thank you to God for blessing
me with Mr. Roche. We, his students,
are a part of his living legacy. I'll
always be grateful that he gave so
much of himself to help us be the
best that we could be. My deepest
condolences to the entire Roche Family.
Mrs. Sian (Yarbrough) Spurgeon
Kevin Landreth
August 17, 2017
I just heard of Cliff's passing today. I am SO grateful I called him on January 25th of this year and we spoke for a few minutes on the phone. At the Lake Murray Men's Conference in March of 2007, Cliff saved my life. Ten years later, I wanted to thank him for that. So glad I did! My sincerest sympathy to the family.
Eric O.
August 15, 2017
My condolences to the entire Roche family. I would have loved to have heard him speak although I have listened to him on CD for the past 12 year. I never met Mr. Roche but through his speeches, he made me laugh and continues to give me experience, strength and hope in so many ways! What a blessing to so many people, myself included!
Marcia
June 5, 2017
I was sober about four months when I saw Cliff R. speak at a Saturday night speakers meeting at the South Bay Pioneers Club in Chula Vista, CA. He made me laugh; he made me cry; he helped me along my path to recovery. Because of Cliff and his tapes I have been able to pass his words to other folks in and outside of AA. I am sorry for your loss and for AA's loss.
Lib
May 6, 2017
My clearest vision of Mayree's father, Mr. Clifford Roche has never left my mind after all of these years. He was a surfer, like me. He had back pain then. I remember him doing yoga stretches in his wetsuit on their living room floor...with Maggie and us watching. Nothing could stop his desire to be in the line-up....in the mother Ocean.
The healing ocean giving to the healing man.
And then he gave that love to us. He was generous and kind to me when I needed it most.
After 35+ years, I still think of him when my back hurts so bad and I'm contemplating going into the mother ocean.
From now on I will always go.
Because Cliff would Go.
Love, Lib.
Ryland Root
April 29, 2017
Gramps. Forever your Lil Pal.
Mark Silke
April 22, 2017
The first time I met Cliff in 1995 was something I will never forget. I was on the host committee for an international meeting for a business related non-profit organizattion. It was Saturday, the night of our dinner dance when I pulled into the downtown hotel to park my car and saw signs for committee member parking and a committee member entrance. I thought it was nice that they gave us special parking. When I walked in the entrance, I could tell by the park benches and peanut shells on the floor that this might not be quite right, but I walked up to four people that were there talking and told them I wasn't sure that I was in the right place. That's when Cliff replied "Are you here for the AA International Convention?" I was truly surprised and embarrassed as I stepped back and said no. I apologized for bothering him and turned to walk away. His reply was "That's okay, I'll see you another time." I smiled as I walked away.
I went to my first meeting about 2 weeks later. Six weeks after that I went to a meeting on Saturday up in the LA area in Covina and Cliff R was the speaker. It was special to shake his hand that night, and many other times through the years. I will always be grateful.
April 17, 2017
Dear Roche Family and those that loved Mr. Clifford Roche...I was on vacation, with little to no internet connection, when your beloved husband, father, grandfather (etc) passed to his rest... What a great tribute shared here, abbreviated for sure! but what a legacy he's left behind in the lives of his children, grandchildren, students and friends... May each day be filled with precious memories bringing smiles, laughter, and warmth to help offset the deep void, as you adjust to the days, weeks, months and years going forward. Bless your hearts, you're a strong family: maybe the best part of his life is yet to come, as you show the facets of his life in yours... It's been many, many years, but heartfelt hugs to each of you, especially at this time. With the warmth of special memories and affection, Caryn (Thompson) Jordan
Marc Newman
April 17, 2017
I would not be able to do what I do today were it not for the way Cliff Roche mentored me in high school. In 1973 I joined the Forensics Team at Oceanside High School as a freshmen. Cliff got me started in HI with "No Time for Sergeants." I cannot tell you how many events I did that year, but I never, not once, broke to a final round. Cliff put together a "special award" and named me Novice of the Year. Yes, that novice who never broke to finals. I recall getting off a bus at the end of the year, and Cliff telling me to hang in there, stick with it, I would improve. And under his guidance, I did. His coaching led to a college scholarship at Biola, and then to a graduate internship at LSU. I became a speech professor and the director of forensics at a number of colleges and universities. Eventually I completed a Ph.D. in Communication and then our paths went full circle. I was chair of the department at Palomar and when Cliff was retired, he worked part time at the college. He volunteered to judge at our high school tournament. I remember him coming up for a ballot and I bragged to the coaches and students about his exploits in the field. He later sent me a cartoon from the newspaper called Pluggers. It said, "You know you're a plugger when your former student becomes your boss." All of the teaching I have ever done, every training session I have ever conducted, every presentation I have delivered all across this country would never have been possible without Cliff Roche deciding to pour his time and talent into a geeky little freshman. I am indebted to him, and I pray he rests in peace.
Tim Lucey
April 14, 2017
Happy, joyous and free!
Karl M
April 13, 2017
My earliest memory of Cliff Roche was sitting in an audience listening to him speak. I laughed so hard I almost threw up. I had a profound feeling that while Cliff had me laughing God was solving my problems! He was a true messenger. A life very well lived!
Nancy Sewell-Walwick
April 10, 2017
I have such fond memories of Mr Roche. All those speech tournaments, bus rides and fun times. It sounds like I am one of many who treasure their time with the coach.
A life fully lived is something to be very thankful for. Mr Roche must be extremely thankful.
Diane Gruner
April 8, 2017
I think I am one of very few that never had the pleasure of meeting your sweet & lovable daddy, but I know how great he was through all the comments. May he R.I.P. He will live on in your hearts & memories Much love to you & yours.
Charlie Carney
April 8, 2017
Cliff touched and inspired so many people in all the areas of his life that it's impossible to calculate the reach of his tireless journey through life. I'm grateful to have known him, and will miss him dearly. But no one with this kind of presence, humor, and joy for living is ever really gone. He was a gem, and I will always think of him when I look at the glint of diamonds sparkling on the Pacific in the late afternoon. Love to Pat and the kids--I hope their grief is relieved by the knowledge of how much he, and they, are loved.
Susan Mitchell
April 8, 2017
Mr. Roche was a great speech teacher. I was only recently telling my nephew about some of the things I learned from him in that class so many years ago. My condolences to his family, and especially to his daughter, Kitty, my classmate... class of "70.
Carolin Lhamon
April 8, 2017
Mr. Roche was one of my favorite teachers at Oceanside High. He has always been in a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Patricia Burger
April 8, 2017
In 1982, Cliff sidled up to me at Rossi's Pizza in San Marcos after a meeting and said to me: "Some of us carry the disease instead of the message". This was my introduction to this remarkable man, whom I grew to love and respect. One day, several years later, he directed his daughter towards me after a meeting when she was newly sober and needed a sponsor and I knew then Cliff no longer believed I carried the disease, but the message. I feel honored to have known him; my favourite story of his is the kumquat daiquari story with the Al-Anons. Say hi to Jack and Ted, Cliff.
Eileen Root
April 8, 2017
Know that Cliff and all your family are in my love, thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry I did not know him. He was a wonderful man. Nina Root
Denise Loury
April 7, 2017
Dear Pat, Jan, Kitty and the rest of the Roche Clan,
I loved your dad very much - his passion for life, family, friends and his program was always mentioned when he spoke - I loved his laugh, his heartfelt tears and his smile and kindness to those he sponsored, taught and guided through life - hope your enjoying the big meeting in the sky Cliff
Hugs, Denise
Michael Ware
April 7, 2017
Cliff was a beacon of joy in the recovery community and emulated the mantra we are not a glum lot. The way he infused the word FUN when he spoke it would explain its meaning to people who couldn't even speak English. The world was a better place and my life was a happier one because Cliff passed threw it. Innumerable thanks to his family for sharing him with all of us. Those who say there are no heroes just don't know where to look...vaya con Dios!
Robin Prestwood
April 7, 2017
Speaking for decades of grateful students the OHS Class of '63 acknowledges the contributions Mr. Roche made to the community, to our schools and our lives. What good man, a great example and a wonderful mentor. He will be missed by all Pirates and Wildcats.
"Oceanside, Oceanside. Hail, Hail, HAIL!"
Kerry
April 7, 2017
Rest in peace, Cliff and my sincere condolences to your family and to your very large community of those other friends of your's. Thank you for your example ;-)
Gary Randall
April 7, 2017
William Nitka
April 7, 2017
My heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies for the Roche family. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kevin Bender
April 7, 2017
RIP, Mr Roche. And condolences to the entire family. He positively influenced several generations of students, friends and community members. A local hero!
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