The Yellowknife Community Foundation (YKCF) is has just announced the establishment of the Eugène Roach Memorial Fund, in memory of the late Eugène Roach.
On July 25th, 2022 Eugène passed away peacefully; nearly four years after receiving a diagnosis for stage 4 metastasized lung cancer. Eugène was born in St John, New Brunswick in 1976 to Linda Roach. Raised in the Acadian village of St Louis de Kent, he helped out his uncles in the summer on their lobster fishing boats.
After his tenure at the Université de Moncton, Eugene began a teaching career in Mayo, Yukon. Three years later, he landed a position at Ecole St Joseph School in Yellowknife, to teach physical education. Over the next 18 years, many special students crossed his path, and he strived to ensure they learned valuable life lessons through sports. From a young age, Eugène was obsessed with sports. As a coach, player, organizer and occasional cheerleader, Eugène became involved in all aspects of the sporting community in Yellowknife.
Eugene also had a hobby as a mmusician during the long winters of the north, and was eventually able to record two albums with various local artists. Many music parties were hosted in the Roach house, with friendships formed through the strum of a guitar.
The family hopes this Fund will help contribute back to the North as much as the North gave to Eugène and his family. Quote by Cynthia Roach, wife to Eugène – “Eugène loved the north. He was passionate about sports as a coach, player, organizer and cheerleader. When discussing next steps, he had hoped to give back to the community that had given him so many opportunities. Setting up this memorial scholarship will allow his passion for the north, education and sports to continue on.”
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 3rd and donation cards will be available.
