Robert "Bud" John Roach

Robert John (Bud) Roach, 94, of Cascade passed away at a Boise care facility Sunday January 15, 2017. He was born August 15, 1922 in Rosalia, Washington. He was the son of John and Helen Roach whose families were Irish immigrants. The family briefly settling in Canada then made the final move to Washington.

Being a true Irishman, one of Bud’s skills was the art of a good story. His family sold the one horsed hack they made the trip from Canada in to finance the original homestead. His father John, and his Uncle Tom were always the main characters in stories from his formative years on the homestead. He and his brothers, Frank and Dave, were the first generation born in the U.S.A. His birth like many on the Palouse in eastern Washington was at home on the farm. “The Ranch” as we all knew it was on the rolling hills and was dry farmed with wheat, peas, lentil and other crops and everyone worked. He would often relay the stories of helping his father and uncles on the large 18 horse drawn combines. His early education was in the small schoolhouses of the Cheney and Rosalia area. Bud went on to study and graduate from Washington State University in Pullman with a degree in Animal Husbandry. The tales of his days at WSU were often peppered with laughter and fond memories of fraternity life and his athletic career. He was a boxer with a record that included multiple knock outs and decisions in his favor.

After school he went directly into his career in the cattle business. In Portland, Oregon he met the love of his life, Lila Jean Reynolds. Lila worked for Department of Agriculture at the Portland Stockyards and that’s where she met her travel companion for life. They were married April 15, 1950 and were together for 56 years until her passing January 25, 2007. Throughout their many years together they moved many times as Bud began his 37 years with Armour Meats. Along the way their family started in Twin Falls with the birth of Mike in 1952. A few years later with a move to Caldwell they welcomed Pat in 1953, and Tom in 1955. Nampa was the final move before retirement. Nampa was the birthplace of Jerry in 1960, and Mary Jean in 1962. All five of Bud and Lila’s children graduated from Bishop Kelly High School in Boise. BK was a very important part of family life and they were avid boosters of many athletic programs. They continued their shared love of athletics on to Vandal Boosters at the University of Idaho for many years.

1985 was the year that Lila and Bud gave up the work life and went into retirement, sort of. With the move to Cascade they found their new home. Both Bud and Lila were always ready to tell you of finding that perfect spot up on the hill. From their vantage point on either the front or back deck they were able to look out on to Cascade Reservoir or the mountains leading to Warm Lake.  Bud not being the type to just sit back with a fishing pole, gun, or golf club in his hands had a few more jobs to keep him occupied. For ten years he was an agricultural loan inspector for First Interstate Bank. With his many years in the cattle business he also stepped into the brand inspector position for Valley County for four years. With everything he and Lila did in their occupations and family there was travel. For many years they traveled the world seeing Germany, Jerusalem, France, England, Australia, Hawaii, and of course Ireland. Many of their trips were on tours with groups from WSU. Lila’s sister Barbara was also able to join them on many adventures.

Bud is survived by his sons Mike, Pat (Nancy), Tom, Jerry (Lisa) all of the Boise area. He also is survived by two grandchildren Zachary and Tai Marie of Salt Lake City. Bud also is survived by his brother David of Spokane. He was preceded in death by the love of his life Lila Jean and his daughter Mary Jean.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 19, 2017 in St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, Cascade, ID.  Burial and concluding services will immediately follow in Margaret Cemetery, Cascade,ID.