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Nicholas Blair "Nick" Roach

Nicholas Blair "Nick" Roach obituary

Nicholas Roach Obituary

Nicholas Blair Nick Roach Nicholas Blair Nick Roach passed away on June 23rd, 2013 in Topeka, Kansas, at the age of 77. Nick was the son of Eugene and Mary Kittle Roach, and was born in Oceanside, New York on January 13, 1936. The family moved to Kansas City in 1945, and to Excelsior Springs, Missouri in 1947, and then to Topeka, Kansas in 1953, where Nick spent much of his life. Nick was a graduate of Excelsior Springs High School, and Washburn University, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1958. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Nick married Carol Zeller in August, 1958, and they had three daughters, Cindy, Colleen and Connie. Nick worked in the family commercial laundry, dry cleaning and linen supply businesses from 1948 until 1961, when he began a 35 year public service career, with the State of Kansas Department of Post-Audit. From that position, he moved to the University of Kansas Athletic Department, Johnson County Community College, University of Kansas Medical Center and Kansas Division of Purchases, where he was Director of Purchases from 1982 until 1992. He was appointed Director of Purchasing at Florida Atlantic University in 1992. In 1994, he became the Director of Procurement at Missouri State University. He retired in 2003 and returned to Topeka. He attained lifetime memberships in NIGP, NAEB, and NASPO, the only lifetime member of all three public purchasing organizations. Nick was active in the JCGAA and the SCGSA, coaching girl s fastpitch softball for over 20 years. He was also very active in Arab Shrine, currently serving as the treasurer, a position he had held since 2006. He was a member of the Arab Shrine Clowns, the Order of Quetzalcoatl, and the Royal Order of Jesters, as well as a member of Siloam Lodge #225, and the Valley of Topeka Scottish Rite. Additionally, he served as Associate Bethel Guardian of Job's Daughters, Bethel #1, and was a member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor. Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Gene Roach, and his wife Carol. Nick is survived by his daughters, Cindy Roach, Colleen (Joe) Gadwood, and Connie Roach; his grandchildren Tyler and Bailey Gadwood, his sisters, Mary Ellen Mayberry, and Kathleen (John) Lake, brother-in-law, Bill Quick, many nephews, nieces, cousins, and a special lady, Janet Whitaker. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shriners Children's Travel Fund c/o Arab Shriners, 1305 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1332 or the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66604. Services will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 27, 2013, at First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Road, Topeka. Masonic services will be at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 3616 SW Sixth. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, at First Lutheran Church. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. Nicholas Blair Nick Roach

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Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Jun. 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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Leo Vogel

June 26, 2013

I worked for Nick for 10 years during his tenure at the Kansas Division of Purchases. We would go to lunch together almost every day, work with vendors, “party” after work, and play bridge each week with our bridge group. Carol and Nick were so much fun to be with. My wife and Nick would start telling jokes during our get togethers, and it would go on forever. Those were great times, and I will always remember my friends the Roach's. You both will be missed by all.

Glen Diehl

June 26, 2013

Nick and I are Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brothers and Nick was my Pledge Son. I was shocked to learn of his death and will remember him in my prayers.

Pat Fitz

June 25, 2013

A fine man that raised a fine family that will enjoy memories of Nick and Carol for the rest of their lives

June 25, 2013

A truly generous, loving, and Noble man in all respects. Many lives were enriched by his.
Tommy Jamrozek

June 25, 2013

Sympathy to the family.Nick always had a friendly smile no matter what.Very good friend and a tremendous loss to tha ArabShrine.....Bob Provo

David Parks

June 25, 2013

We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Nick and Carol were some of the true treasures of our Temple and they will both be sorely missed. May God bless you all. David, Debbie, Cassidy and Tyson Parks (Arab Temple)

Beth Jantsch

June 25, 2013

Although I never met your father--he sounds like an amazing man. This is no surprise because he raised an amazing daughter. I will be thinking of you and your family in the days to come.

Audra and Tom McPeak

June 25, 2013

I am a loss for words at this moment in time. I had not seen Nick in some time; we had corresponded by email. Recently it was Brother Bob Reed, and now Brother Nick.

We will remember Nick and your mom in our thoughts and prayersl

God Bless everyone!

Julie Vodehnal

June 25, 2013

Cindy & family-- We are so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Mike, Julie, Brett, Luke, & Molly

Cheryl Bird Gross

June 25, 2013

Connie,
I was sorry to hear of your dad's passing. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during the coming days.

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