Lee G. Roach passed away Nov. 17, 2012, at Hospice House after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born June 15, 1929, in Bend, Ore., to Vera and Vaughn Roach.

Lee’s birth father passed away from pneumonia when Lee was 6 months old. His mother re-married and he was raised by his stepfather W.E. Cutting. Lee grew up during the Great Depression. He knew right from wrong, the importance of family and adventure. He attended school in Umatilla, Ore., where he played basketball and football, graduating in 1947.

He worked on the McNary and John Day Dams, also at Hanford before moving to Coeur d’Alene in 1949. Lee went to work for Van’s Creamery. He met Audrey McGhan who was working in a coffee shop that was connected to Van’s. They married Feb. 4, 1951. He also went into the Army in 1951 serving in Korea. After the service he returned to work at Van’s until 1976. Lee worked for Coeur d’Alene School District as a bus driver and custodian at Lakes Middle School from 1982-1991. His wife Audrey passed away in 1997 leaving Lee with an emptiness he tried to fill with grandkids and great-grandkids. He loved politics, sports and was an avid reader. His greatest love after family was horses. He was Rodeo Chairman for Coeur d’Alene Rodeo in 1962 and a member of the Saddle Club in the ’60s.

Lee was a hard worker and not a complainer. He felt lucky to have lived on his own with help from family, friends, Comfort Keepers and Hospice. The last five weeks of his life were spent at Bristol Heights and Hospice House. Lee’s family wishes to thank them for the great care and compassion that Lee received.

Lee is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and Dennis Wolfe of Hayden; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Rene Roach of Hayden; grandchildren, Jason Wolf of Grand Forks, Minn., Jill and Greg McCarty of Tualatin, Ore., Army Specialist Joshua Roach of Hayden, Torey Roach of Hayden; and four great-grandchildren. Other survivors include sisters, Genevieve and Bill Clements of Prineville, Ore., Gloria Kirkland of Rainer, Ore.; sister in-law Paula Andrews of Lewiston; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; brother Don Roach and sister Pauline Smith.

A private graveside was held at Riverview Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene. Memorial services will be at a later date. Contributions can be made to Hospice House, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.