Christian Frederick Vaitia Roth

Chris was an incredibly kind and positive presence for youth at the Montlake Community Center. Once he took a group of 4th grade boys to Florida to play at the National AAU Basketball Tournament. Although they were playing boys much bigger and faster, they hung in there, in part because of Chris' pep talks. I still remember one to this day when the team was behind going into the 4th quarter. It is a chant that my son and I still repeat to each other: “Eight minutes! We came these thousands...

On behalf of Spruce Street School, where we were lucky enough to work with Chris, we send our heartfelt condolences. Alumni students remember Chris fondly. Chris always had kind words, friendly comments or encouraging help for his students. He will be missed.

Chris had a kind heart and will be missed by all of us in the neighborhood on Capitol Hill. All of our love and thoughts go out to the Roth family.

Glad I was able to spend time playing music with Chris in the 90's. A truly kind, and unique spirit who made it easy to groove.

I wish I'd known you, Chris; wish I'd been lucky enough to watch you play ball, or to hear you slap that bass, or lead a bunch of enthralled kids in a music jam. But I feel so very blessed to know your family, and I look eagerly forward to that promised day, when, in another realm, we shall finally meet!

May his memory be a blessing to all. He leaves so much behind with his wonderful family and friends.

What a lovely mother you have...loving family and friends...I can still see you bounding up the stairs to your house on Capitol Hill. You touched us with your enthusiasm and warm smile. We miss you, Christian.

My son so looked forward to Chris's baseball camp at Montlake. He attended every session offered. Chris was also his basketball coach when he was 6. Chris obviously loved what he was doing and the kids loved him. (as did the parents) The highlight of the week was when Chris opened the truck of his car and out came the AirHead candy. To my son life could not have been better. Chris and his incomparable smile have a special place in our memories. Our paths had not crossed since the Montlake...

Dear Roth Family,

We write this with very deep Sympathy. Chris was such a great person he leaves a lasting impact on this world on how he touched everyone that had a chance to meet him with his positive and friendly outlook towards life and his fellow human beings. Memories of Chris will last a lifetime and always include a big smile.
Mike & Lisa Woods