Howard Leland Roquet

1944 - 2024

Howard Leland Roquet

May 2, 1944 - October 21, 2024

Howard Leland Roquet, 80, passed away October 21, 2024, He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Dorothy Roquet, and his brother, John Roquet.

"Howie", as he was known to his friends, was born in Troy, New York, on May 2, 1944, to Howard and Dorothy Roquet. He was the third child in his family and his mild-mannered parents were surprised to find, in contrast to his older siblings who were on the quiet side and well behaved, they had a feisty, fun-loving son who was always getting into mischief. He graduated from Troy High School in 1962 and Babson College in 1965 with a business degree and worked all his life in the abrasives industry for Norton Company, and as President of Radiac Abrasives and Virginia Abrasives. He also served as President of the Central Virginia Trail Riders and as President of the Woodland Pond Lakefront Association.

Howie met his wife Barbara in high School when they were sophomores, were married in 1965, and spent the next 59 years together. Together, they enjoyed moving around the country for his career, traveling on their Goldwing in the Western US and taking cruises and trips around the world.

In 1968, Howie was drafted and spent the next three years in the US Army, graduating from OCS Ft. Sill, OK, becoming a 1st lieutenant and serving a year in Vietnam in the artillery as a forward observer. He was particularly proud of his service and remained a great supporter of the military the rest of his life.

Howie enjoyed anything that had to do with guns and motorcycles. Shooting and riding dirt bikes on his property in Cumberland County with friends was a weekly activity in the last 20 years. Racing dirt bikes was his passion and he couldn't be happier when watching his grandson, Ryan, take up the sport. He enjoyed shooting trap with his friends and neighbors and riding street bikes with the retired guys on Tuesdays.

Everyone in the Roquet family was known as a "favorite". Howie is survived by his "favorite" wife, Barbara; "favorite" son and daughter Brad and Nicole, along with "favorite" son-in-law Brian Smith. Then there were the "very favorite" grandchildren Sierra Nicole and Ryan Howard Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Suzanne O'Dell; four nieces and one nephew.

Howie was definitely not only a "favorite" but the "fun" person in the family, always active, kidding, joking, laughing, and a joy to have around. He was a great friend and touched the lives of many people. He will be missed by his family and friends.

A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, October 29th, at the Chesterfield Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 14301 Ashbrook Parkway. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 30th, in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.