Paul Louis Roach was born on October 24, 1927, in Spring Green, Wisconsin, to Edward and Dorothy Roach. Paul passed away peacefully Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Pullman, Washington, with family members at his side.
Paul grew up with five siblings, playing sports and attending Catholic primary and secondary schools, transferring to the public high school his senior year to play football. Shortly after his high school graduation, he “exaggerated” his age to follow older brother Edward in joining the U.S. Army to serve in World War II. Paul served as an Army Parachute Rigger and Artilleryman in the 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific Theater.
Paul earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Black Hills State University and the University of North Dakota, respectively. His life-long passion for football and for developing talent in all players led to a remarkable coaching career, spanning three pro teams and two university teams, and culminating in his years as both athletic director and head football coach for his beloved University of Wyoming Cowboys. Off the field, Paul enjoyed fishing, golfing, and camping with his family and friends. Paul was well known around the university and the state as an unfailingly gracious person, an innovative and tireless fundraiser for the university, and as a fellow Cowboy who was genuinely interested in everyone around him, from student assistants to major financial donors.
Paul’s achievements on the gridiron were legendary, but his grandchildren loved him as their grandpa who greeted them with his special “boom, boom, boom!” handshake and fist bump. He gave them Wyoming Cowboy gear, and looked forward to taking them to weekly Sunday brunch at his favorite Irish restaurant.
Paul loved Laramie and remained a Pokes fan all his life.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Dorothy Roach; his siblings Edward and Mary Donahue, and his son Michael Roach of Fairfield, Montana to ALS. Paul is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marjorie Ann; brother Dick and sister Rita Schweibinz; daughters Judy Roach and Cathy Roach; stepsons Brad Wenger, Brent (Trish) Wenger, David (Kerri) Wenger; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 19, at St. Paul’s Newman Center at 10:00 a.m. in Laramie, Wyoming, with a reception to follow at the Wildcatter reception area in War Memorial Stadium. For those who wish to make a gift in memory of the “Ol’ Cowboy,” the family suggests a donation to the University of Wyoming Cowboy Joe Club, directed to its Student Scholarship fund: www.cowboyjoeclub.com
I grew up with stories of Paul Roach. My dad Jim Seppala was a team mate at Black Hills Teachers College. On numerous occasions Paul would substitute himself into the game without Coach Don Young’s knowledge. Obviously Paul had to play in an outstanding fashion in order to stay in the game. When Paul became the AD at Wyoming and then their coach my dad was so excited. Thanks For the memories Coach! Joleen Seppala McIlravy
Wow, what a life. I think the only time I met Coach Roach was in New York City, of all places. We were there for the final of the NIT. It was the kind of event Wyoming people excel at. I had taken a train down from Boston. At Madison Square Garden I ran into Senator Simpson. At half time I called Dr. Finfrock's Restaurant in Laramie to give them an update. I loved how Paul treated me and any alum who found their way to the game. To me he was the highest quality coach and AD that I ever experienced at UW. I was a walk on and am now 71. I love the Wyoming connection. I wish his family well.
My condolences to all of Paul’s family. And a big hug to his brother, Dick Mary Anne Burridge Phillips Casper
Coach Roach- such a class act. He, Arlowe and Ken are having coffee again like they used to. I’m so sorry for your loss. Hang on to those precious memories. I always remember the fishing pic hanging at The Wolf Hotel-all those halibut lined up ❤️
Paul was a true gentleman for whom I had enormous respect His football victories coming at times when UW had some serious problems boosted sagging morale on the campus. More significant yet, his accomplishments were never marred by the sorts of troubles that similar institutions face. Fairwell my friend and may your family take comfort intake in your notable and magnificent legacy.