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Lewis Roach Obituary
84, of Dunedin, FL, formerly from Phoenix, Az, passed away at home on Nov. 29 following a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer. Lewis is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy, 5 loving daughters, Kathleen Roach (Paul Detmer) Seattle, WA, Megan Koenig, Leigh Virgil (Ozzie) both from Glendale, AZ, Leslie Doessel (David) Littleton, CO, Andrea Asel (Kyle) Peoria, AZ, 9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and a sister, Mary Kaestner, Ft. Collins, CO. He is preceded in death by a brother, William Roach. Lew loved to sail and had spent many wonderful hours sailing off the coast of San Diego, Dana Point, Catalina, the San Juan Islands and Dunedin. He also enjoyed tent camping in the great outdoors and was an avid reader, and sports buff. Lew proudly served his country in the Navy during the Korean conflict. He was a wonderfully devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be missed so much. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lewis Roach
Cindy Roach
November 8, 2015
I light a candle in honor of your birthday....and of your light within me that warms my heart everyday.
Love forever, Cindy
Cindy Roach
November 7, 2015
November 8, 2015
Happy Birthday, my darling. My thoughts today are of all the wonderful memories we made together. Those memories make my days brighter and my nights more comforting. I know you are not only looking down and protecting me, but your loving angel wings envelop all of your loved ones that you always held so close to your heart. I miss you so very much, sweetheart. Happy Birthday, my love. All my love, Cindy
January 16, 2015
Spanning two oceans, becoming one with the sea, we have our last beach day together. All my love forever more---Nov. 8, 2014--Honeymoon Island, Dunedin, Florida
January 12, 2015
December 27, 2014
November 29, 2013 Dad embarked on a sail to check out the stars, the moon, and the heavens.
July 17, 2014
The Roach girls met at the Santa Clara Sports Marina, San Diego, California at 6:00pm, and met up with Dad one more time to say our fond farewells.
Present were the following members of Lew's Crew.
Kathy Roach Detmer and Jessica Roach
Megan Roach-Koenig and Matthew Coronado
Leigh Ann Roach-Virgil, Ozzie Virgil, Jr., Jake and Caudia Virgil, Isabella and Victoria Virgil
Leslie Roach-Doessel, David Doessel, and Allison Claire Doessel
Andrea Roach-Asel, Kyle Asel, Trevor Asel and Sarah Bailey
6:00 pm, a chartered fishing boat left the marina heading out to the Pacific Ocean. It was a lovely 30 minute cruise through the bay and waterway to the Pacific Ocean. Dad's favorite music in the background.
Our celebration commenced with Leslie stating our purpose in celebrating our Dad, Lewis Judson Roach (11/8/29-11/29/13), father of 5 daughters, grandfather (9), and great grandfather (6).
The grand kids popped the corks and poured champagne and orange juice mimosa's, and all toasted "cheers" to Lew.
Leigh Ann then read a portion of JFK's 1962 America's Cup speech referencing our desire to return to the sea and the salt in our tears.
??Cheers
Leslie read from Dad's Bible, 2 scriptures John and Ecclesiastics ~ for every season there is a time.
??Cheers
Andi- read a beautiful poem leading us toward Dad's love.
??Cheers
Megan signed a fond farewell, with her son Mathew interpreting, to include his beloved grandchildren in Maryland.
??Cheers
Kathy spoke of Dad's love and pride in his girls, and the family he so cherished.
??Cheers
Others were invited to share. Ozzie spoke of Dad's "patio" presence (he carried a big stick) and basketball skills. Allison shared his infectious laugh. Jessica shared his all encompassing hugs. Claudia shared a story about Dad, Jake and Hugh Hefner. We all debated about which actor Dad looked like.
??Cheers
The captain lowered a Tiger Shark Victoria RC Sloop, carrying Dad's ashes, off the stern and onto the sea. The mainsail caught the wind and rode the swells all around us.
Yellow roses (joy) and colored rose petals trailed the little sloop. Two great grand daughters tossed red rose pedals (love).
Megan presented the remaining ashes and two children's yellow sand shovels representing our love of the beach, sand and Dad's desire to one day dig a whole to China. Lew's crew spread his ashes into the sea.
As the little sailboat jibed and tacked and caught the eastern winds. David read from Hospice passages of what is dying, referencing the sea and sailing.
Lew's Crew joined hands as Jake Lewis Virgil closed the ceremony with a prayer.
"Sailing" by Christopher Cross played.
The Victoria sailed and sailed, in spite of efforts to retrieve it, the Tiger Shark sailed out onto the great pacific with our captain at the helm.
Upon returning to the Marina, the crew disembarked and hurried home to create the most amazing surf and turf dinner ever!
The Roach girls walked back to the bay where Dad first learned to sail.
On the beach, under the stars, with the love and support of our family, the Roach girls bid a sweet goodnight and fare-the-well to our beloved Captain.
November 7, 2014
Nov. 8---Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. Remembering all the fun birthdays we celebrated together. Loving you and missing you so much everyday. My love forever, Cindy
Peggy Olin
July 25, 2014
Cindy, we are so sorry for your loss! I know he was the love of your life and we have very special memories of Lew that we will cherish forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always to get you through this difficult time of sorrow. Love, peggy
July 17, 2014
To the love of my life, A candle burns brightly in your honor on this very special day. I miss you so much. Hearing you speak to me warms my heart and helps me through the loneliness. Have a wonderful sail, my love. ? My love forever more, Cindy
May 28, 2014
Thinking of you Dad!! Miss you!! Love #5
Janet Vogan
May 27, 2014
Dearest Cindi, So sorry to hear of the passing of Lew. Oh so many fun memories at SCFNB and the Wednesday Night Beer Can races in San Diego. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones.
Janet Vogan (Williams)
[email protected]
Kellie Richard
December 8, 2013
Sorry Andi, just saw this on your Facebook page. You Kyle and Trevor are in our thoughts!
Saving the best for last ??
Andi Roach-Asel
December 8, 2013
Veronica Leroux
December 4, 2013
Andi- I never met your father, but if he was anything like you I know he was a very kind, generous, helpful and supportive person. Veronica
Family is forever!
December 4, 2013
Lewis! my middle name, given to me to carry on the name of this awesome man, my grandfather! What an honor to be named after such an amazing father, husband and grandfather! He lived a long, fulfilled life of character and charm! He brought so much joy and happiness to others enriching their lives as well as own! This page should be a celebration and extension of his life through the people he touched and held dearest in his heart! We will live with his spirit in us thus carrying on his great name as I luckily can do literally, which I will do proudly and with honor in his favorite city... San Diego :) Thank you Lew for showing us what it means to live righteously and always with the best intentions at heart. You will be missed but more so remembered, for the greatness you personified throughout your life! Love your proud grandson, Jake! <3
December 2, 2013
With 1 and 2
December 2, 2013
Suprise!
December 2, 2013
Lew's Crew 1999; 70th Birthday Surprise Party
December 2, 2013
Jean Asel
December 2, 2013
Andi, Kyle and Trevor,
Thinking of you all at this sad time. You all are in our caring thoughts. Love, Aunt Jean & Uncle Dale
December 2, 2013
I can't begin to express my deepest gratitude for the kind words & loving support. It makes my heart happy to know that most of you knew him, even if ya just thought he waz a 'hunka-hunka' man"!
Although I will miss him dearly, I am at peace knowing he is sailing the universe with a strong body & a spirited soul. I know memories will be sweet & his beautiful face is etched forever in my mind and heart. I might even start to like my wrinkles, cuz after all ~ they came from him! ("might") is the operative word there tho!
I am the woman, friend, Mother & wife today because I was loved by my Father.
With all the gratitude my heart has, Thank you. Leslie #4
Until we meet again~??
In his favorite place!
December 2, 2013
December 2, 2013
Bruce Fraizer
December 2, 2013
Roach Family,
I was a class mate of Lew's in grade school (Kenilworth Class of '43). Lew was always "in the game", with determination and a smile. Please accept my condolences.
Kyle Asel
December 1, 2013
Lew raised five wonderful daughters, and he will be missed by all that were privileged to know and love him.
Megan #2
December 1, 2013
For your love, laughter, and teaching us the word ratzerfratzer, you will always be in my heart. ILY!
Florida 2013... One of the smartest guys I know.
Leigh Ann Roach Virgil
December 1, 2013
Leigh Ann Virgil
December 1, 2013
All my love to Cindy, my Dad and Lew's Crew. My heart is full of all the joy, laughter, songs, hugs and love I received from this sweet and strong father. His wit and intelligence live in my sisters, sons, and grandchildren. Always and forever, your adoring daughter #3.
Cindy Roach
December 1, 2013
You know, you were my GP S and I know you are looking down and saying " where I the hell is she going". Love you, baby
David McCune
December 1, 2013
Blessings to your family.
Todd Heath
December 1, 2013
I regret that i never had a chance to meet your dad.
I am sure he was a great man.
So sorry for your loss
kathy McNeill
December 1, 2013
Andi
I am sorry for the loss of your father. You are in my prayers.
Cindy Roach
December 1, 2013
To the light of my life, our love will warm my heart forever. Love forever more, Cindy
Cindy Roach
December 1, 2013
To the light of my life, our love will continue to warm my heart forever. All my love, Cindy
Grandpa Lew and I in San Diego
Shelly McCully
December 1, 2013
Sun, Sand, Surf, and white masts are what I remember about you, Grandpa. Memories of visiting you in San Diego, taking rides on the sailboat, going to Sea World, learning about the sea life bonfires on the beach, finding starfish and begging to take them home to AZ, and just enjoying being engulfed by those strong arms of yours as a child. Growing up, I thought you were a movie star because you lived in California and you were so tall, rugged, and handsome with that big smile. Thank you for being a great dad to my mom and her sisters. They adore you and it gave me comfort knowing that this family will always be cherished. I will miss you and I will share the stories I have with you with my children so your legacy can live on. Love you always, your first grandchild...Shelly
Andrea Asel
December 1, 2013
His legacy lives on in all of us and those yet to come. Sail on Captain!! Love you forever, #5
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