My cousin Marc Roach was a kind, gentle, and adventurous man--the kind of person who, after you met him, you'd say, "Damn, I want to get to know that guy better!" Sadly, none of us will have that opportunity. Below is the obituary written by his father LeRoy--with kibitzing/editing from his brother Mike.
- Marc Roach Obituary - Contra Costa Times
- Marc LeRoy Roach (Sept. 13, 1964 - Feb. 24, 2008) Resident of San Ramon. Beloved son of LeRoy and Erma Roach, caring brother of Michael Roach, treasured nephew, cousin and friend. Marc was a gentle and kind man who touched the lives of everyone he met. He was a Rock of Gibraltar to his family and supportive friend to many people.
He was born in Tulare, California and graduated from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, California. Marc earned a Bachelor of Science Degree with an emphasis in Aqua-culture from the University of California at Davis. Immediately following graduation, he worked as a Marine Biologist at the Oceanic Institute in Oahu, Hawaii. He then became an Aquaculture Specialist in Micronesia on Kosrae Island, followed by research and development of giant clam farms in the Marshall Islands on Mili Atoll. His job included daily diving activities in some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs.
Upon returning to the US mainland, he worked for the California Department of Fish and Game prior to entering work in the computer technology field. His recent employment was as a contractor for Computer Sciences Corporation at Washington Mutual in Pleasanton, California.
His greatest love was being in touch with nature as an avid hiker and a traveler. He hiked numerous trails throughout California, and in several US National Parks. He also loved trekking during trips abroad including trips to New Zealand, Tasmania, Australia, Tahiti and Costa Rica. He spent many weekends volunteering for trail restoration and ecology projects throughout the Bay Area.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at 1:00 P.M. in the Inspiration Chapel at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette, CA.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Sierra Club in memory of Marc Roach, a naturalist and environmentalist. Donations can be made to the Sierra Club Foundation, 85 Second Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105."
 | Nature and Walking by Ralph Waldo Emerson |
 | Beyond Backpacking: Ray Jardines Guide to Lightweight Hiking by Ray Jardine |