William “Bill” James Roach, 69, of Quesnel, British Columbia, passed away on July 29, 2026.
He was born on December 31, 1956, in Fort Frances, Ontario, to William and Kathleen Roach and was a proud member of Couchiching First Nation.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife Elfriede; his parents William and Kathleen; and his brothers David, Don, John, Randy, and Dan Roach. He is lovingly remembered by his sons Alexander and Jesse; Jesse’s partner Alexandra; his sisters Joanne and Sandra; his nephew Justin and his partner Jennifer; his great-nephew Oliver; his niece Elizabeth; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Bill grew up playing hockey on the East End skating rink alongside his brother David, cousins, and friends. He also played minor and high school hockey in Fort Frances, where his talent quickly became evident. Known for his blistering slapshot, Bill was a standout athlete from a young age. Hockey, river swimming, fishing, and hunting, played a central role in his early years.
After high school, Bill left home to play for the Soo Greyhounds junior hockey organization in Ontario. His pursuit of a professional hockey career eventually took him to Germany, where he met the love of his life, Elfriede. Together they settled in Quesnel, where they raised their two sons, Alexander and Jesse, and built lifelong friendships that became family. In Quesnel, Bill played for the Quesnel Kangaroos and later coached the Quesnel Millionaires Junior A hockey team while also managing his sons’ hockey teams. Whether on the ice or in the community, he was a natural leader, mentor, and friend.
Throughout his career, Bill worked at the local sawmill and at the College of New Caledonia as an employment counsellor, helping many individuals rebuild careers impacted by workplace injuries. He later co-owned and operated WorkBC in Quesnel for many years with his business partner. Most recently, he served as Band Manager for Nazko First Nation.
Bill spent his entire adult life in the Cariboo and found great peace at Bowron Lake, where he created countless memories with Elfriede, Alexander, Jesse, and the family dog, Henry. He was known for his generosity, wisdom, storytelling, and unwavering dedication to family. Raising his sons alongside Elfriede was his greatest accomplishment and proudest legacy.
Over the years, Bill cherished opportunities to return to Ontario for fishing trips with lifelong friends and visits with family. He especially enjoyed family dinners, cookouts, and sharing stories around the table. He lived a life rich in friendship, purpose, and love.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Quesnel & District Seniors Society, 461 Carson Avenue, Quesnel, British Columbia, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow until 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of British Columbia.
“Go Rest High on That Mountain, son; your work on this life is done.”
