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BORN
1951
DIED
2024
Roger Roach Obituary
Born in Evanston, Illinois, on April 8, 1951, he and his wife Sarah and two daughters lived in Washington, Virginia, where he served as Chief of the Washington Volunteer Fire Department from 1978-2004. Chief Roach was respected for his many innovative and progressive approaches in improving the department's effectiveness and efficiency as well as his training and mentoring many future EMS providers.
Roger was also a paramedic by profession for Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue for 25 years during which an award was created in his name for his outstanding training techniques. Upon his retirement he and his wife relocated to McCall, Idaho, in 2016.
Roger is survived by his wife Sarah and two daughters, Morgan Viña, her husband Stephen, of Alexandria, Virginia, and Ryan Parrish, her husband Max, of Richmond, Virginia, and two granddaughters, Dylan Viña and Evan Parrish.
A memorial mass will be held in August at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in McCall, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Donnelly Public Library Building Fund, PO Box 403, Donnelly, Idaho 83615.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Roach
6 Entries
David Howard Benner
May 17, 2025
Roger was the best in everything he did. I worked with Roger, on and off, most of his 25 years. His wife, daughters and "Little" Washington (Virginia) Volunteer Fire Department were just about everything he talked about in admiration. Rest in peace. Respect.
Chaplain Jim Wehrheim
October 1, 2024
I was saddened and surprised to read about Rogers passing.
I grew up with Roger when we both attended Junior High and High School together in Glenview, Illinois.
I was happy to read about the success he had as a fire chief helping other people, his earned retirement in Idaho, and most importantly, the love he experienced as a husband and father.
Roger had a significant and positive impact on my life which I will not forget.
May God bless and care for his family.
Chaplain Jim Wehrheim
Susan Durst
July 8, 2024
I will always think of Roger on his snowblower! He loved helping neighbors and was a very kind man. We are so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Jim and Susan Durst
R cayer
July 4, 2024
Roger was a great guy, liked by everyone. He had an excellent talent for teaching and sharing his knowledge with other. RIP Roger you will be missed by more than you ever knew.
Tim Melton
July 4, 2024
Roger and I didn't see eye to eye on some things. Yet I still had a great deal of respect for him. He was a mentor for so many new medics through his teachings.
RIP Brother, we've got it from here.
Doug Snably
July 1, 2024
I was stationed with Roger in Woodbridge and totally enjoyed working with him , he was a great guy , a lot of fun , and a very competent firefighter.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
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