Born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, John’s remarkable odyssey came to a peaceful close in Victoria, British Columbia, where the ocean meets the sky.
He was a devoted husband to his beloved Diane, with whom he shared fifty-two wonderful years – a partnership of laughter, love, and unwavering devotion. Cherished father to Cara Lee and Gregory John, and treasured bonus Dad to Sabrina and Melissa. He was dearly loved by his nieces and nephew, and his siblings, Robert Paul (Cynthia) and Kitty Jean (Jim).
After high school, John joined the U.S. Navy, where he was educated as an accountant and became a seafarer. He immigrated to Toronto, Ontario in 1966, and after a successful business career, found his home and haven in the Pacific Northwest.
John will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, generosity, and compassion. He found joy in long hikes with his beloved dogs, and in quiet nights beneath the stars, camping in his RV – Chateau Wildness. Above all, John was – and will always be – a sailor.
WE WISH HIM FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS as he sets sail once more – beer in hand, surrounded by his dearly departed pets, singing “Me and Bobby McGee”.
Lasting legacy donations could be made to Parkinson Wellness Projects
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Roth” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
-
Jan Neugebauer
-
Mike Neugebauer Dear Diane and Family,
Karen and I were deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
We have such fond memories of the kindness and support you both showed us when we first moved from Ontario to BC. Your friendship and generosity helped us feel welcome and settled, and we will always be grateful for that.
John was a wonderful person—kind, genuine, and always willing to lend a hand. We will remember him warmly and with great respect.
Our thoughts are with you and your family as you navigate this sorrowful time. We wish you comfort, peace, and strength in the days ahead.
With our deepest sympathy,
Mike and Karen Neugebauer
-
Joe Sabella To the family of John Edward Roth: It is with much sadness that I learn of of John’s passing. John and I were childhood friends, having lived just two blocks from each other as we were growing up in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. We attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School together for eight years and were classmates at New Brighton High School, Class of 1961. As children, we spent almost everyday at the “Third Ward School Playground” with our other school pals, engaging in everything from wiffle ball tournaments to asphalt basketball. We went to school dances together, hiked the “third Hollow” cliffs often, put out windows with John’s brand new bow & arrow (Oh, his Mom & Dad were so angry with us!!!). We played on St. Joe’s football team together, both of us on the offensive and defensive line. And, John’s Dad was one of our coaches. We laughed and cried together, got into fights together, and, yes, drank our first beer together. High school graduation saw us go in different directions, but I’ll always cherish the youth I spent with John. I will say special prayers for John tomorrow morning at Mass (I still attend the same church in which we both grew up, the former St. Joseph’s, now called Our Lady of the Valley).
Dear Diane and family,
Those we love are never forgotten.
Praying you’ll have the peace of God,
The comfort of his Spirit,
The hope of his promises—-
Now and always.
Thinking Of You At This Time
John will be remembered by living well, and enjoying the journey with his family and pets.❤️