William F. Roat

William ""Bill"" F. Roat November 24, 1924-May 9, 2018 William Roat, better known as “Bill,” was graced with a perpetual smile. He was a man of few word, but always compassionate and thoughtful of others. When he spoke, he had something worth listening to. His positive attitude about life and living were displayed frequently through his carefully expressed insights and even in his humor. (He often interjected an appropriate joke that lightened conversation and evoked fun in a group.) Bill is survived by his spouse Michele and four grown children from his first marriage, Bruce, Gregory, Lucine, Armine, and one grandson Haydn. His first marriage ended in 1974. Bill and Michele were married on August 5, 1978, in All Saints Catholic Church, Crested Butte CO., Michele’s hometown. Although Bill was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he spent most of his young years in Panama City, Florida, with his mother and younger brother Jack, who died four months before Bill left this precious earth. Bill served in the US Army during World War II (1943 to 1946) and received a Bronze Star. After discharge from the Army, he studied at the University of Florida, and then worked in a lumber mill in Oregon until he was accepted at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he earned degrees in Physics and Electronics. He graduated from MIT in 1955. Bill worked as an Electronics Engineer at several Companies; such as Bose, Raytheon, IBM, and Kodak in New England and New York. After he met Michele, he moved to Los Angeles and worked at Hughes Air Craft until he retired in 1989. Then he taught Math at El Camino Community College until he and Michele, who had been working as a Professor at Pepperdine University since 1975, decided to move to Denver, CO, in 1997. In 1988 Bill and Michele together became Co-members of the Loretto Community, a spiritually-oriented Community, in which Michele served for 22 years as a Sister of Loretto. Bill wrote in his application to be a Co-member “I wish to join the Lorettos, from whom I hope to gain inspiration, love, support, and friendship.” Loretto’s mission is stated strongly in the Loretto Constitutions: “We work for justice and act for peace because the Gospel urges us.” Please, no gifts or flowers; instead, if you wish, please make a contribution to the Loretto Community at 4000 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Littleton, CO 80123 Funeral Mass Monday, June 4, 2018, 12:00 PM, Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Interment Tuesday, June 5, 2018, 1:30 PM, Ft. Logan National Cemetery, area B.