Donald F. Roach

Donald F. Roach February 3, 1946 - August 22, 2011 Don Roach of Arroyo de Agua passed away peacefully on Monday August 22nd in Santa Fe, with four generations of family and close friends present during his final days. Through his life, Don gave us the gift of his unbridled wonder for the magic and mystery of the world. Fittingly, he spent his last days outside under his daughter's portal, surrounded by things he appreciated in life: the laughter of his grandsons, bird song, cricket chirp, powerful lightening storms, and the moon's wax and wane. During his life, we saw Don marvel at the hugeness of the cosmos, and during his passing we have been held by the constellation of friends and family that came together to shine light on us as he moved from this world. Don was an artist and musician, a builder, a voracious reader and researcher, and a traveler to territories unmapped and remote. He chose to live his life deliberately; he pioneered a lifestyle on the land in the pursuit of daily creativity and adventure, seeking beauty, and utilizing every medium he encountered to create form. As his best friend describes, "Don didn't just sip - he gulped life." Born in New Hampshire, Don moved to Pakistan with his parents at the age of 10, beginning a lifetime of travel and appreciation of local cultures that spanned several continents and dozens of countries. Don attended St. Paul's School and graduated Cum Laude from Harvard University. He moved to New Mexico in 1970 with his bride, Katy Power, and homesteaded on Mesa Poleo. He lived and worked in Santa Fe from the mid 70s through the early 90s. Don savored his final twenty years on Resolana Farm in Arroyo de Agua. There he built his home, planted gardens, and worked the acequias to green fields for his horses. Don's passion was painting the landscapes of northern New Mexico, especially Resolana Farm, Chama Canyon, and Chaco country. He enjoyed winters in Mexico on the Tenacatita Bay where he built two houses and introduced friends and family to the beauty of the tropics. Don was preceded in death by his father and firstborn infant daughter. He leaves behind his partner, Abigail von Schlegell, who cared for him devotedly to the end. Don is also survived by his mother, Marjorie Roach of Santa Fe; his son Jesse Roach and wife Lisa of Albuquerque; his daughter Adelma Hnasko and husband Tom of Santa Fe; his son Taylor Meier of Fort Collins, Colorado; and grandsons Xander and Cyrus Hnasko, and Coulter Roach. We ache that Don didn't live to meet his granddaughter, whose arrival to Jesse and Lisa we eagerly await in September. Don's family also includes his oldest friend, Katy Power of Santa Fe, mother of Jesse and Adelma, and Abigail's two daughters, Pace Henry of Santa Fe and Vaughan Henry of New York City. We will remember Don for his artistic mind, curious spirit, astute intellect and deep passion for life. We will continue exploring new territories in memory of the man who showed us how, savoring the exquisiteness of discovery. A memorial celebration is planned for September 4th at 4 p.m. See www.studioresolana.com for more information. An exhibition of Don's recent paintings will take place on September 30th at The Fisher Press in Santa Fe.Contributions in honor of Don Roach can be made to New Mexico School for the Arts. We are grateful to Cloud Hall and Jeannie, Archie, and Marsha of Ambercare Hospice for their gentle care of Don during the last weeks of his life. The Roach family has entrusted their loved one to: The Rivera Family of Santa Fe Funeral Options 417 East Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Santafefuneraloption.com (505)989-7032