John Richard Roth passed away on the morning of May 9, 2026. As a new sunrise gleamed over the horizon of this world, John took his final journey into the next. Here we remember the life that led him to the dawn.

He was born in the Mile-High City of Denver, Colorado on October 20, 1947, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains which he loved dearly. It was here that John first found his fondness for the beauty of nature and all living things. And he was not timid about sharing his thoughts, passions, and values. He faced many challenges as an equal rights activist in the 60s and 70s, believing fiercely in equity and justice that should be shared by all. As a lifelong Catholic, John took a brave stand as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, believing that war was fundamentally profane. Instead, he spent much of his life trying to bridge people together through peace and solidarity.

In line with these core principles, John pursued a career as a teacher, social worker, and even heading a program catered to aiding new fathers on their own journey into parenthood. He was something of an expert, raising two sons born a generation apart. He took an active role in each of their lives, engaging with them in their own passions and interests but also introducing them to new places and ideas. Even as babies, he carried both of his sons up mountains, making sure that they always acted as both observers of and participants in the beauty of the Lord’s creation. John himself was a wonderer and wanderer, equally inclined to learn and to explore. He spent a great deal of time reading about history, science, and architecture. He would read subject related magazines from cover to cover, always eager to share his favorite findings.

In his retirement, John found new time to explore his hobbies and pastimes. He cultivated annual gardens that were both beautiful and bountiful. He sought a more quiet and tranquil life, often spending days mixing soil for the next big outdoor project. Likewise, John also deepened his connection with the beasts of the earth. He would go to great lengths to feed and care for the birds who brought him so much joy with their presence and song. Though his favorite creature of the Lord was his dog Gracie. And John even gained a new skill and appreciation for cooking. He acted as something of a culinary marathoner, spending all day or perhaps longer preparing such wonderful meals for his family to enjoy together. Among his newfound roles, he even performed as Santa Claus for underprivileged children, therapy dog groups at the hospital, and really for most anyone around Christmas time who asked. His long, white beard, snippets of wisdom, and desire to heal the world through love and joy made him perfect for the part. And though this world still needs far more healing than a single soul can provide, it was made a better place for having had John Roth in it for as long as it did. His presence here will be missed, but now he goes forth on a new adventure, carrying the light of those he touched into the rising brightness of day. For the dawn has come.John is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Lynn Roth; his son, David Roth; his stepson, Jean-Pierre Lessard; and his siblings, Frank Roth, Karen Barrnes, Mary Kelly, and Robert Roth.