John “Dennis” Roach Sr. of Salem, former Hermiston resident, went home to the Lord on March 17, 2024 (as a good Irishman would – St. Patrick’s Day!) in Salem at the age of 90.
He was born on July 29, 1933 in Upton, Wyo.
He graduated from Oregon State University in 1955 with a degree in agriculture. He was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and served three years in the Army Reserve. He met and fell in love with Jean E. Stoltz of Pittsburg, Pa. while at Fort Belvoir, Va. They married on Jan. 31, 1959 at Fort Leonardwood, Mo.
Dennis and Jean began their life together in Joseph, where he was a grade-school teacher. He gave up teaching and pursued a better living in banking. After a lot of moving around in Oregon, he brought the family to Klamath Falls in 1972. He worked as a loan officer for First National Bank, continuing through the transition to First Interstate Bank, then to Wells Fargo, retiring in 1993.
Dennis was very active during those years in the local agriculture, ranching and business community. He was a member of the chamber of commerce and the Rotary Club and believed in the future of Klamath Falls. He loved the community and loved the people. With a toothpick in his mouth, he would say of Klamath Falls, “It is a diamond in the rough. One day we’ll get there, you’ll see.” Tulelake Refuge, Crater Lake, Klamath River, Willamette River and Lake of the Woods were prime show-off spots for family visiting from out of state.
He made his living working in the bank industry, but his first love was to have his own farm. He bought 40 acres on North Poe Valley Road, built a house, and farmed it with alfalfa, potatoes, and barley. The water issue was continually on his mind. To say it weighed heavy on his heart is an understatement. He worked his farm for 20 years before selling and it grieved him to let it go. He played the guitar and once dreamed of being a “western” singer, as he would say. He recorded a record in his 20s hoping to catch a break. He sang and played at the Officers’ Club at Fort Leonardwood while he was there. But mostly he sang and played for his family. He had a beautiful voice!
After selling the farm, he traveled with Mom RV style, went on a few cruises, and pursued as much fishing as possible with fishing buddies that included Oscar Carlson, grandson Aaron and the late Ted Yarosh. He was a good friend with Ted Yarosh who was also very involved with the local Boy Scout and Klamath communities. Both loved the outdoors and would have coffee together with friends to keep up with the politics of Klamath and of the state.
He fished many of Oregon’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs and took all the family camping everywhere he could in the Pacific Northwest, California and across the United States. They are some of the best memories the family has. He loved Oregon with its beauty and resources. He loved Klamath with its agriculture, ranching, camping and fishing. He loved his Irish/Danish roots. He loved singing and playing the guitar. He farmed, traveled and fished this community and never quit talking about it with anyone who would listen. But most of all he loved doing it all with the family and friends he knew.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean; son, Dan and daughters, Melanie and Cathy; seven grandchildren, Eric, Aaron, Allison, Joshua, Rachael, Elizabeth and Andrew; and five great-grandchildren, Alexis, Natalie, Declan, Arwen and Anorah.
He was preceded in death by his second son, Steven.
We will miss you dad – “grandpap”!!
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 565 W. Hermiston Ave.
Burial with military honors will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
If you knew Dennis and would like to attend the funeral and burial, visit www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com for more information and RSVP to Dan Roach, ahroc77@gmail.com. Condolences can be mailed to Jean Roach in care of Cathy Iles, 4725 N.E. Bayne St., Salem, Ore., 97305.
Please share memories of Dennis with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
