Obituary of Matthew Franklin Roach Jr.

August 25, 1957 – Stettler, Alberta

October 21, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

 

Matthew Roach Jr., beloved husband of Joanne Roach (nee Karmarznuk), of Calgary, AB passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the age of 64 years.

 

Matt was born in Stettler, AB, into a large family of seven children. He was predeceased by his parents, Matt Sr. and Ruth Roach, and son Matthew Roach III. Matt is survived by the love of his life, wife Joanne, daughter Kelsey Roach, and four grandchildren, Brandon, Alex, Rowan, and Maia. He is also survived by his six siblings, Mary Desjardins, Linda Thomas, Sharon Page, Sheila Schmidt, Debbie (Les) Orr, and John (Suzanne) Roach; as well as his many nieces and nephews, residing across Canada, West Virginia, USA, and Perth, Australia.

 

Throughout Matt’s life he was very involved in fundraising activities for Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy, the Ride for Life Mane and Tail rodeo event, and for The Danish Canadian Club’s the Great Dames Dinners.

 

Over the past 40 years, Matt was an avid volunteer for the Calgary Stampede. He treasured the time he spent serving on various committees including Park Parade, Downtown Attractions, Square Dance, Caravan, and Parade committees. His passion for volunteering led to one of the highlights of his life, when he was honored to participate in the trail ride which brings the wild horses of Stampede Ranch to the Calgary Stampede Park. Matt was also a member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

 

He enjoyed camping, particularly at Dutch Creek campground, where young Matt, Kelsey, and many of his nieces and nephews were initiated into his nicknamed “Rocky Mountain” swim team. Matt was known for his larger-than-life campfire stories. Nothing made him happier than gathering people together for a laugh and a tall story. Matt loved to dance, he had great rhythm and could lead anyone around the dance floor with grace and savoir-faire. 

Matt touched the lives of countless people and he enjoyed life thoroughly. We thought we would have had a lot more time with him, but it was not meant to be. He will be greatly missed.

 

A Private Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Matt’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to any of the following charitable organizations:

 

Cerebral Palsy Kids & Family, #121 7015 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB, T2H 2K6 Telephone: (403) 205-4935, https://www.calgarycp.org/giving#DonateNow.

 

Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Calgary & Southern Alberta Chapter, 1130F – 44 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 4W6 Telephone: (403) 266-5295, www.cfcalgary.ca.

 

Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Western Canada Regional Office, 7^th Floor, 1401 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1H6 Telephone (toll-free) (1-800) 366-8166, www.muscle.ca. 

 

Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

 

In living memory of Matthew Roach, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

 

Thank you for joining us for the live-streaming of this event

(the event start time on our video player has automatically adjusted to match your time zone)

Our technical team does everything possible to ensure the best quality of the live-stream service.  

Unfortunately there are times when the internet connection at the venue or where you are viewing from may cause interference and buffering.

We apologize if this is the case with today’s live-stream but we want to assure you that this service will be recorded and uploaded following the service.

 

Matthew's Memorial Card can be viewed by clicking here