Roach, William Richard Sr.
(A.K.A. Papa Elvis)
June 6th, 1952 - December 16th, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Richard announce his passing after a courageous battle with cancer. Richard, in his 70th year, grew his Angel Wings on December 16th, 2022 after a short stay in Hospice Simcoe, Barrie Ontario.
Richard lived the majority of his life in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This is where he met the love of his life Louise, and together had three wonderful children. Richard was a hardworking man, providing for his family. He spent 25 years working at the Algoma Steel before retiring and moving to different cities with Louise to be closer to his grandchildren. Finally, residing in Barrie, near his only son Richard Jr. and his family.
Richard, known to many as a joker, was a simple man who had a passion for model cars and anything Harley Davidson. He also enjoyed watching horror movies and listening to music, especially the Willie Nelson Roadhouse channel. Some of his favorite artists were: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. If he wasn’t listening to them, he would be singing their songs doing Karaoke with his loved ones. Any family night wouldn’t be complete without a game or two of cards and listening to his eldest grandson and son play the guitar. Another pass time he loved was going to the local pool hall and shooting pool.
Time spent with family was Richard's greatest joy. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 49 years, Louise (nee Joseph) his cherished children: Monique Rowe (Andrew), Melanie Tobias (Mark) and Richard Roach Jr. (Christine). He was the proudest Papa to: Taylor Rowe (Chris), Brendan Rowe (Kayla), Hunter Tobias (Emily), Braiden Roach, Carsyn Roach, Austin Dodge (Alyssa), Kaiden Dodge and Mikayla Dodge. He will be missed by his sisters: Bernice Roach (Pat), Rita Husband (David), Shirley Barrow (Billy), Sandra Pitaro (Nick), Barbara Hill (George) and brother Robert Roach Jr. (late Diane), along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He will “furever” be missed by his dog, Lexy.
Richard is predeceased by his parents, Robert Roach Sr. and Clara Roach, brothers Clarence Roach and Amey Roach (Joan) and sisters Viola Roach and Jacqueline Hill (Wayne). As well as fur babies: Floyd 1 and Floyd 2.
The family would like to thank Heather Porter and the health care providers from Bayshore Home Health, along with Dr. Emerson and the nursing staff at Hospice Simcoe for their exceptional care they provided. A big thank you to Garrett Lambert, his PSW who went above and beyond to make Richards final days a little brighter, you truly are an Earth Angel.
As per Richards request, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. Richard to remain with Louise until they can be laid to rest together at Greenwood Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St. Barrie, Ontario. Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated by his family. Online condolences and memories can be left via: www.steckleygooderham.com