The family of Milton Patrick “Paddy” Roach sadly announces his passing on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Dad was born and raised in Garden River First Nation, Ont. and at the early age of 14, he left home and went on to begin a life-long career in logging: cutting trees with two-man saws, using horse teams for skidding, and working on the river drives during spring break-up.
Dad had truly represented the traditional ideals of a hard-working man. His work would take him throughout Canada, and into the United States, before he retired out of the logging industry. In the following years, he maintained a career “in the bush” and would go on to work in a tourist camp.
Dad is remembered by many family and friends as a story-teller; he always could keep those around him listening as he recollected on his memories and experiences. He also had enjoyed old country music, and even was known to sing a song or two on occasion.
In his later years, you could find Dad having his coffee with the McDonald’s crew or taking his regular drive around town.
He took great pride in all of his grandchildren and always was eager to hear what they were up to. His greatest love in life was his beloved wife, Delores “Dolly.” The family takes comfort in knowing they have been united together once again.
Patrick was predeceased by his wife, Delores “Dolly”; children, Milton “Rocky,” Pamela “Elaine,” Michael “Blackie,” Karen Lynn, and Allyson; grandchildren, Patrick, Jonas, Angela, and Michael; daughter-in-law, Kim; his parents, William and Clara; and siblings, James, Gladys, Chuck, John, Maurice, Joe, and Mike.
Patrick is survived by his sister, Elaine. Also surviving are his children, Deborah (Don), Patrick (friend, Fern), Gail (Ron), Dennis (Meg), Bonnie, Jon, and Terril (David).
He leaves 19 grandchildren, Toby Alleman and Darcy Sullivan, Cherity and Jesse Calder, Marle LeForte, Elissa Kixen, Samuel, Benjamin “Deeds,” and Isaac LeForte, John and Sally Roach, Alana Stewart, Sara, Courtney, and Cassidy Roach, and Jeremy, Joshua, Mary, and Sarah Strain; 21 great-grandchildren, Nora and Joseph Sullivan, Claire Alleman, Jaxon, Dawson, and Anelynn Calder, Calleigh, Max, Jesse, and Martin Calder, Rianna, Abby and Johnny Roach, Audrie Roach, Patrick, Toby, and Teddy LeForte, Alfie and Ronnie Kixen and Arianna Vivian and Colby Windigo; as well as numerous in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Please join our family as we honour Patrick’s life.
A visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018 at 7 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
Parish prayers will be offered at 7:30 p.m.
A funeral mass, celebrating his life, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church at Couchiching First Nation.
The pallbearers will be Toby Alleman, Jesse Calder, John Roach, Sam and Isaac LeForte, Jeremy and Joshua Strain, and Jaxon Calder.
The honourary pallbearers will be Don Alleman, David Strain, Ron LeForte, Lynn Norris, Willy Yerxa, Jack Kendall, and Keith Bruyere.
Should anyone wish, in memoriam donations may be made to the Tamarack House, 984 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7B 7C7.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
MILTON PATRICK ‘PADDY’ ROACH
