Obituary of Dennis Roach

 

 In his 20’s Dennis travelled the world soaking up the sun, experiencing other cultures and doing odd jobs from bike mechanic to those in oil and gas eventually leading him to the resource districts in government. Road cycling was a passion well into his 30’s and is where Dennis met the love of his life, Mary Lou. After many years of riding together; Dennis in his highest gear, Mary Lou grinding in the lowest, they decided to settle down on a piece of land in Wardner, got married and had 2 wonderful children, Lucas and Maryn. Lucas adopting his quick wit with humour, social nature with friends and love of storytelling. Maryn her dedication to fitness, the speed of road cycling, and a passion towards interests. 

 

The Roach’s were a compassionate family that were active foster parents until last year when they reluctantly had to accept that fostering was a younger couples endeavour. Dennis and Mary Lou starting building their log castle in the 90’s; a life long project. Dennis upsizing every piece of wood, heightened every fence and insisted every joint be nailed, screwed and finished with a massive bolt for good measure. If you were lucky to run into him at the ski trails or in town he’d be quick with a raunchy joke or a passionately told story that might have ended up with an unexpected punch line, always bring a large smile to a friendly face. Dennis beat cancer in his 50’s and continued a very healthy lifestyle of lifting weights, cycling in the summer and endless circuits cross-country skiing in the winter.  

 

The Wardner house has recently been passed on to Dennis’ daughter and her husband. Dennis was always willing to lend a hand, be it heavy lifting resulting in an injury or an off putting plumbing fix; huge smile on his face, supplying endless humour and an array of knowledge. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. His greatest message in his later years was simple: “live a healthy life and enjoy the little things.”