Robbie Roach’s Obituary!

Here is the original article as it appeared in Glenville State College’s newspaper, The Mercury.

R. Roach Succumbs

He was a renowned Gilmer Coun­ty traveler, educator and mascot for the Dolly Sods Outdoor Educational Workshops,. He was well loved and widely respected in the Foundations Department of Glenville State Col­lege. He was Robbie Roach, owned by Mr. James Meads of the Founda­tions Divisions.

Robbie passed away after a brief illness Oct. 1, at 4:13 p.m. The exo­skeleton lay in state in room 300 of the Administration Building and Rob­bie was buried in the Flower Bed of the Robert F. Kidd Library.

Mr. Roach is survived by his wife, Ladybug, and seven-thousand-two - hundred - forty - three child­ren. Mrs. Roach resides in Glen­ville and the children reside in the surrounding states of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Pickle Street.

A long time friend and colleague of Robbie’s, Mr. Joseph Hickman said of his passing, “Glenville State College has lost a true friend. Mil­lions of students’ lives have been dramatically changed and uplifted because he touched the moral fiber of each individual and gave guidance in time of need.”


Included with this obituary was the wonderful poem written by our secretary and best friend, Bea Brown, of Burnsville, WV.

Ode To A Roach

Love thy neighbor as thyself,
Was how he lived each day.
Compassionate and considerate,
As he went along life’s way.

He loved the flowers and the fields,
Ore’ which he liked to roam,
But the administration building,
Was the place that he called home.

We are born and we will die.
Robbie Roach—like all the rest,
Has joined the many wanderers,
On his last and final quest.

But, when his master called him,
He didn’t stop—and say,
Walt awhile — it’s early yet,
Can I not live another day?

Instead he smiled his same sweet smile,
Knowing he wasn’t alone.
And if there’s a cock-roach heaven,
Mr. Roach has found a permanent
home. bb