John Donald Roth

John was a man of many passions. His love for music was something that radiated from him. Whether it was strumming a guitar, playing his violin, or simply sitting back and appreciating a beautiful melody, music was one of his purest forms of expression. Music connected him to the world and to us. Through his music, he could speak without words—conveying joy, peace, and sometimes even reflection. It was his way of sharing a part of his soul with those around him. His love for music will always resonate in our hearts, like a song that never fades.

And then there was his love for woodworking—a craft that mirrored his character in so many ways. In his workshop, he would spend hours with wood, patiently shaping it, molding it, and bringing it to life. His hands could take a raw piece of timber and transform it into something beautiful, practical, and lasting. That was who John was—someone who could see potential in the simplest things, someone who had the patience to work through the details, and someone who took pride in creating something meaningful with his hands. His woodworking wasn’t just a hobby; it was a reflection of his careful and thoughtful nature. From the wooden signs to the small wooden toys for his grandchildren, every piece he created was a labor of love.

 I was privileged to see these sides of him up close. He welcomed me into his family with open arms, teaching me not just that his family was everything or sharing his favorite songs, but also showing me what it means to live a life full of passion, care, and dedication. He taught us all how to appreciate the finer things in life— be present in the moment because life is to short.

His legacy is more than just the things he created with his hands. It’s the lives he touched with his heart. His love for his family, his generosity, his wisdom—these are things we will carry with us forever. He was a father, a husband, a friend, and so much more. And through his music and his craftsmanship, he has left pieces of himself with each of us, memories and creations that will continue to remind us of his presence.

Though the silence of his absence may feel overwhelming, we know that he is still with us—in the melodies that play in our minds and the pieces he has crafted with care. He will continue to live on in our hearts, and his spirit will be felt in every song, in every piece of wood he worked on, and in every cherished memory we hold dear.

                                 Rest in peace, Dad. Your love, your music, and your memories will be with us always.