Lawrence Roe III

Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we share the news that our rock Lawrence “T” Roe III (Coach T) passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He lived a life of love, faith in Jesus Christ, hard work and service.

T was born on January 12, 1968 to Charlotte Hubbard and Lawrence Roe Jr in Seattle, Washington. As a child he was observant and stuck close to his mom. He referred to his mom as his “best friend”. His step father Don Harrison came into his life at an early age. His older brother Greg was just one year older. For one day they were the same age. His sister Shawna joined the family when he was 5. T grew up in West Seattle with his family and in elementary school they moved to Mountlake Terrace. He played youth sports and his particular favorite was the “Red Tide” basketball team coached by Jim Olsen. Jim Olsen had a profound effect on his teenage years. He enjoyed playing basketball with his brother, Greg, on the Mountlake Terrace High School basketball team. They were a dynamic duo. He had great success in running track and cross country in high school. In 1986, he won the 1600m title at the state meet after coming a close runner up his junior year. He attributed his success to his coach Al Wright who remained a great mentor, friend and father figure to him throughout his life.

T earned a full scholarship to the University of Washington to run track and cross country where he found great success. He earned a BA degree in English literature with the desire to become a teacher and coach. It was at the University of Washington that T met his match, Jennifer Gillette. Their first date was in January 1987. Their love blossomed on the track and grew to a love that was united in marriage on May 11, 1991 in Seattle, Washington. T and Jen were later sealed in the LDS Salt Lake Temple on May 11, 1992 for time and all eternity. T was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in January 1991. He served faithfully in many callings in the church especially with the youth and was a tremendous mentor and teacher to many. He was disciple of Jesus Christ and would often share his testimony of the gospel with others through his words and actions.

T and Jen welcomed four children into their loving home: Tiana(28), Tiffany(27), Taylor(25), and Trey(22). T was such a devoted father that it is fitting his nickname “T” is embedded into each of his children’s names. He was extremely supportive of each of his children in all of their life endeavors. He was their coach and number one fan. He brought the fun and goofy while teaching them principles of faith in Jesus Christ, hard work, loyalty, financial responsibility and that family always comes first.

T was a successful businessman in the IT industry and most recently as a senior account executive for IBM. He had a remarkable work ethic and was known for his ability to develop relationships and close deals. He brought the same intensity and zest for life to his job as he did with his family life. If you met him, you didn’t forget him.

T devoted his time to his community by coaching his children’s sports teams from 2007 to 2017. He coached hundreds of youth and teenagers throughout the years. He loved coaching the Mukilteo Knights football and basketball teams for Trey and then each of the girls basketball teams and Taylor’s running. Most years he was coaching at least 2 teams at a time. He was a volunteer coach for Lake Stevens High School track and cross country teams from 2016 through 2025. Outside of time spent with his family, coaching was his great passion. Everyone loved Coach T and he was known for his ability to “see” everyone and provide coaching to all, even if you weren’t a distance runner. He will always be remembered for his intensity, wisdom, amazing wit and sunglasses.

T is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and his four children Tiana Roe, Tiffany (Josh) Child, Taylor Roe, and Trey Roe, two grandchildren, Jensen T. and Dawson Child. Siblings Greg Roe and Shawna Hertzog. His Uncle Steve Roe helped him through his darkest hours these past several months. He is preceded in death by both parents.

Please join us for his celebration of life on Saturday, January 31st at 10 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 10120 Chapel Hill Road, Lake Stevens. The services will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/bmxVlzhrTtc?feature=shared