Obituary of Keith Roach

Keith Roach October 31,1952-March 14, 2024 Glace Bay, N.S. It is with profound sadness that we, the family of Keith Roach, announce his sudden passing at home on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Keith grew up in the Hub area of Glace Bay, where he developed several enduring friendships. It was there that his lifelong love of music began and, since then, he has touched countless people with his exceptional talents. Keith studied Classical piano and music theory with Florence Adams as a teenager and went on to study Classical pipe organ and music education at Dalhousie University from 1979-1984. After graduating with his Bachelor of Music Education degree, he returned to Cape Breton where he began his career as a music and school band teacher with the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board. He will be kindly remembered by many of the former students he touched and inspired. Keith was most well-known as an original member of the very popular local band, Shylo, alongside his brother and best friend, Jackie. As a singer, he was known for his high falsetto voice and ability to beautifully sing songs by bands like Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons. He will be remembered for his ability to play multiple keyboards, his Hammond organ with bass foot pedals, and sing, all at once. Keith was a brilliant man who could do anything he put his hand to, including fixing exotic cars, electrical work, carpentry, and even cooking his famous “Special Recipe.” You could always find him puttering around his garage working on his latest project. He was a fun-loving person who will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for his mischievous wit and ability to make everyone laugh. At the same time, he was a very deep, wise man with a big heart. He had a soft spot for animals, especially the many dogs he owned over the years whom he loved dearly and treated like children. He loved the ocean and could be found taking walks at the beach with his furry companion daily, especially at his favourite spot, “Schooner Pond.” Keith also had a soft spot for anyone who was struggling. There are endless stories from people who he has helped, advised, and treated like family throughout his life. He was predeceased by his parents, Duncan, and Carrie Roach, who we know were welcoming him with open loving arms at Heaven’s gate. Left to mourn him are his loving wife of 51 years, Cass Roach, his son Duncan (Tara) Roach, daughter, Melanie (Michael) Roach-Walsh, brother Jackie (Joan) Roach, sister Cathy (Sandy) Gillard, special friend, Judy Power, four grandchildren Liam Roach and Carly, Cassidy, and Emmylou Walsh, and many adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves behind his loyal companion, Max. The family would like to send special thanks to EHS and the Cape Breton Regional Police for their care and compassion. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 12:00 pm in T.J. Tracey Funeral Home, 370 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. 902-849-4199, with Rev. Duncan Roach presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA or the Nova Scotia Mental Health Foundation. To honour his memory, lend your shoulder or open your arms to someone else who may be struggling or in need, as he always did for others. Words of remembrance may be expressed to Keith’s family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.