Dr. William "Bill" Roach Jr.

Bill was a great friend and hiking companion for many decades. I first met Bill on a hike in NC in the late 1980s and after that we spent many a day hiking and botanizing. He taught me a lot about the flora of the Appalachians and he invited me once to spend a week hiking with him in Colorado, where he introduced me to my first (and only) "fourteener." That was a fantastic and challenging experience. Bill was a gifted botanist and mathematician and had so many great stories. I loved hearing him talk about his many native plantings at his cabin in Boone and receiving his long letters each year in which he described his numerous travels and adventures with his family and friends. The last time I visited him in Boone he took me to a new hiking spot in TN where the sourwood trees happened to have the most spectacular fall color, so I decided to plant one in our yard; I will forever remember that particular day and our time together. I will sincerely miss his friendship and our days afield in the mountains, and offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and hiking buddies. R.I.P. Bill.

RIP Uncle Bill

One other great photo of Bill hiking, from 1969, North Mountain summit.

My dear Godfather Bill, rest in peace. I have a lifetime of wonderful memories of hiking and spending time with you. Here's how I will remember you best - doing what you loved to do: Mt. Marcy in 1968 with my dad, and Good Luck Cliffs in 2008.

Bill, Rest in Peace