Edwin Dale Roach

1938 - 2026

Edwin Dale Roach passed away peacefully at the age of 87 in Gridley, California. Ed was born to parents Oscar and Goldie as their second of five sons. Ed grew up in Chowchilla, California, and attended Ashview Elementary School. While in high school, the Roach family moved, but being the committed man he was, Ed chose to work for a year to pay his grandparents room and board so he could graduate from Chowchilla High School. By the next Monday, Ed had enrolled in the U.S. Navy, starting his lifetime of serving others. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Sperry, where he became known as the softball pitcher no one could hit off of. After four years of dedicated service to the Navy, Ed was honorably discharged and was quickly appointed as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff. Working at the then Wayside Honor Minimum Security Ranch, Ed continued his softball legacy, where they won many championships. At Wayside, Ed met his lifelong friend and beloved fishing partner, Rob Smyth. Rob and his wife Sharon also helped Ed meet the loves of his life. Ed frequently recounted how he first fell in love with Laura and Michael as they ran into the Smyth's living room. He knew Carol was the one the second she followed. On their wedding day, July 28, 1963, three year old Laura said, "Now we are all married." They joyfully welcomed their third child Thomas in 1966. In 1967, Ed became a California Highway Patrol officer assigned to Newhall, California. There, Ed excelled in the California Police Olympics throwing shot put and discus. Ed went on to get his degree at College of the Canyons in criminal justice, was a confident track team captain, and threw shot put, discus, javelin, and hammer. After excitingly welcoming their fourth child Brenda in 1972, the family of six moved to their forever home in Gridley. Wanting to continue his love for track and field, Ed asked the head coach at Gridley High School if he could become a walk-on coach. And with that, Coach Roach was born. He met Leslie Deniz, an incoming freshman, his first year coaching and they made a lifelong connection. Ed would go on to see Leslie win silver for the discus at the 1984 Olympics. Coach Roach mentored generations of throwers, including both of his sons Mike and Tom, and grandson, Ryan. Coach Roach, always looking for ways to participate in GHS sports, volunteered annually for the GIBT MVP selection committee. Outside his love for sports and its community, Ed loved to fish. He fished the Feather River all year long, took annual trips to Baja with Rob, and took a once in a lifetime fishing trip to Alaska with his son, Tom, brother, Phil, nephew, David, and grandson, Steven. Ed was also a kiwi farmer for 32 years, selling locally on Highway 99 to raise money for his beloved church. As a steadfast member of the Grace Lutheran Church, he helped build the current site, served as the president of the church council, and played the guitar for every service he could. Music was a ribbon throughout Ed's life, another way for him to express his joy and love. Though Ed has passed, as his favorite John Denver sang, "Spirit can never be lost. We have and always will be a part of each other." Ed is survived by a large family of love. Foremost, he is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Carol, his four children Laura Rudd (Doug), Michael Engler (Melissa), Thomas Roach, and Brenda Donnahoe (Joe), and his brother Phil Roach. He also lives on in his grandchildren Shelley Sakoda (Clayton), Steven Rudd (Kelly), Julie Travioli (Curtis), Nathan Engler (Lindsay), Taber Engler, Ryan Donnahoe (Slavena) and Ashlyn Gale (Andrew), as well as his great grandchildren Sophie and Theo Sakoda, Quinn, Myer and Hank Travioli, and Lina Donnahoe. His Celebration of Life will begin at 9:00 am, February 21st, at Grace Lutheran Church, 150 Ford Ave, Gridley. A continental breakfast will be followed by a church service at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Grace Lutheran Church or Gridley High School Track and Field.