Obituary of Matthew ROACH

January 26, 1927 – December 28, 2011 Matt Roach Sr. of Calgary passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at the age of 84. He lived his life with great purpose and dignity. His strong belief in family, God and people comforted him in his last moments. He was surrounded by his children on his final journey to join his beloved Ruth. Matt is survived by seven children, Mary Desjardins, Linda Thomas, Sharon Page, Sheila Schmidt, Matthew Roach Jr. (Joanne), Debbie Orr (Les), John Roach (Suzanne); seventeen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers, three sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews. Matt was predeceased by his wife of fifty-nine years (Ruth); grandson Matthew Roach III; and three brothers and three sisters. Matt travelled from Cape Breton to the Prairies in 1948 where he started a fulfilling career in the oil and gas industry. His early years were in project management (which included building sections of the Dew Line). He was involved in projects in many parts of the world with the Mannix Group and Monenco companies. Matt excelled in engineering procurement and construction management where he retired as Senior Vice-President. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to staff and volunteers at the Rosedale Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception. Graveside Services at Queen’s Park Cemetery to follow. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Rosedale Hospice #1245 – 70 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2X8 Telephone: (403) 284 – 5195 or directly to Cystic Fibrosis Canada – Calgary & Southern AB Chapter 1130F – 44 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB. T2G 4W6 Telephone: (403) 266-5295, www.cfcalgary.ca. In living memory of Matt Roach, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.