ROBERT ROACH

1941 - 2023

ROBERT ROACH
AUGUST 9, 1941 - JANUARY 3, 2023
Robert H. Roach passed away on Tuesday, January 3, after a relatively short battle with Mantel Cell Lymphoma. He was surrounded by his husband and his two beloved daughters.
Bob was born on August 9, 1941, in Ft. Collins, CO, to Laverne M. Roach and Margaret Hopkins Roach. At the time of his birth, his father was studying to become an equine veterinarian and upon his graduation, the young family moved to Frankfort, Kentucky, where his father set up practice.
Bob was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and received a master's degree in communications from American University in Washington, D.C. In 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Brawner. That marriage produced his two wonderful daughters. Bob and Barbara remained lifelong friends and partners in raising their daughters.
His first professional job was as a public information officer with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. His thirty-five-year career in corporate communications, public relations and marketing included management positions at American Air Filter and Brown & Williamson in Louisville, KY, American Hospital Supply Corp and the American Dental Association in Chicago, Hill & Knowlton in New York and Johnson & Johnson in New Jersey
Upon retirement, Bob and his husband moved to Palm Springs, CA, where Bob pursued his lifelong interest in art by studying painting, printmaking and ceramics. His work, while primarily abstract, was heavily influenced by the landscapes of northern New Mexico and southern California. In a statement for one of his gallery shows, Bob said: "I do not paint representation or reality - I like to think my work is an excursion into creating a work that expresses whatever unique vision I may possess." Bob's compositions communicate his recurring view of life's experiences via gesture, texture, color and contrast.
In addition to his painting and printmaking, Bob's love of art led him to hold positions as president of the Artists' Council of the Palm Spring Museum and chairman of the Foundation Council at SITE Santa Fe.
The following are quotes from friends that capture what Bob was all about: "I noticed since the day I met him, his heart-felt adherence to an unspoken code, or obligation, to search for the best in life with enthusiasm and alacrity. His zest in its finer expressions had also a rare form of selflessness."
"With his Southern geniality, interest in others, and sweeping sense of humor, he had a knack for making friends of all ages, professions and backgrounds."
"And the stories… They are always a catalyst for happy, laugh-inducing tears: I'll remember them forever."
"He lit up every social event like fireworks. He radiated the joys of life and friendship,"
Bob is survived by his husband and partner of 32 years, Patrick Carr; his daughters, Blaine Hicks of Louisville, KY, and Claire Lessinger of Tampa, Fl; his beloved grandchildren: Molly and Jake Hicks and Tyler and Tanner Lessinger and his three sisters: Barby Tincher, Beverly Rice and Beth Sandidge, all of Kentucky.
His family would like to extend its sincere thanks to the entire staff at New Mexico Cancer Care Associates, particularly Dr. Fei Gu, for the wonderful care he received there, and to the staff at Christus St. Vincent, particularly Dr. Christiana Rea, who provided such great care and guidance during his final days.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held at a date, still to be determined.
Contributions in Bob's memory can be sent to:
Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe 6401 Richard Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87508 www.lvsf.org
robert roach August 9, 1941 - January 3, 2023