David E. Roach

A resident of Baton Rouge and retired employee of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, David "Dave" Roach died on Sunday, March 8, 2009, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Mid City with his loving wife, Susan Kenney Elkins, by his side. Mr. Roach was born April 10, 1941, in Haughton. He was 67. Mr. Roach rarely met a stranger he didn't like, and charmed just about everyone he knew with his huge heart, good nature and sense of humor. He never failed to lend a hand. As a youngster, Mr. Roach's passion was playing just about any kind of ball his big brothers would throw him, but showed special talent in basketball and baseball, aspiring to play baseball professionally. Doyline High School's valedictorian in 1959, Mr. Roach was voted "Cutest," "Most likely to succeed" and "Mr. Doyline High School." After high school, he opted for academic life at LSU and played for the basketball team as a freshman. Mr. Roach served in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1963. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from LSU in 1966, a master's in business administration in 1969 and completed all the requirements except the dissertation for his Ph.D. in quantitative analysis, minoring in accounting and economics. He met his first wife, Priscilla Hunter, while a student at LSU, and fathered three daughters: Catherine, Stephanie and Elizabeth "Libby." An ACCRA-certified community researcher, Mr. Roach enjoyed a career as an economic adviser with the state for 32 years, retiring in 2003. For his outstanding and dedicated service, Mr. Roach was appointed an honorary ambassador on behalf of Louisiana's economic development efforts. He met his current love, Susan Elkins, while an employee of the state. Mr. Roach helped her in raising her two sons, Jason and David. After retirement from the state, Mr. Roach worked as an economic development consultant for clients including Livingston Parish, Loren Scott and Associates, and others. A medalist in the Louisiana Senior Olympics; a mentor and coach; Mr. Roach was a sportsman at heart. He enjoyed playing golf with good friends into his last days. Mr. Roach is survived by his mother, Annie May Chandler Roach; daughter, Catherine Ann Roach Solaas; son-in-law, Gaute Solaas; granddaughter, Stella Solaas; daughter, Stephanie Morna Roach; son-in-law, John Michael Turman; daughter, Elizabeth "Libby" Mercer Roach, her partner, Jody Michele Van Riper; his partner of 28 years, wife Susan K. Elkins, and her sons, Jason Donald Elkins and Phillip David Elkins; former wife of 14 years, Priscilla Hunter; brothers, Charles Edwin "Scooter" Roach and James Douglas Roach; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Roach was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Taylor Roach. Pallbearers include David Elkins, Jason Elkins, Gaute Solaas, John Turman, Kevin Williams and Gerrett Johnson. The family wishes to thank Dr. Godke, the residents, nurses and attendants at Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Mid City's Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Wednesday, March 11, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting resumes at the funeral home chapel on Thursday, March 12, from 9 a.m. until service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Patricia Snyder of University Presbyterian Church. Interment in Roselawn Memorial Park, 4045 North St., following the service. There will also be a memorial service at West Lake Baptist Church, State Park Road, Doyline, at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14.