Obituary - GARY FREDERICK ROTH, SR.

Gary Frederick Roth, Sr., 88, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother passed peacefully on Nov. 26, 2021.

Gary was born in Fresno, Calif., on Aug. 10, 1933, to Frederick and Ann (Adolph) Roth. He grew up on the family-owned grape farm in Fresno. At 17, his thirst for adventure and sense of duty led him to enlist in the Navy. Gary was a second-generation Seabee and served one tour in Korea and three in Viet Nam. He retired in 1972 after 21 years of service, achieving the rank of senior chief petty officer (E7). While in the Navy he earned numerous awards including battle campaign ribbons, and spent three years in the Disaster Recovery Training Department.

In 1975, Gary moved to Denver, Colorado, where he met and married Wendi, who he referred to as "the love of his life." He was a loving and devoted husband and dedicated much of his time caring for Wendi in her later years. Together they shared many passions, but none more than all things Disney. They never needed an excuse to fly off to Orlando for a visit to the "Happiest Place on Earth."

Gary had several passions throughout his life. In his teen years he raced motorcycles and tried out for the Ice Capades. He was always an avid reader and was never more content than when he was sitting in his favorite chair, reading the latest novel from one of his favorite authors - Clancy, Patterson or Michener. He was a committed fan of all the Denver sports teams - the Nuggets, the Avalanche, and most of all the Broncos. He was fond of cooking and whether he as whipping something up on the stove or grilling a steak you knew it would be delicious.

If you knew Gary, you knew he was a loyal dog lover. From the family poodle, Gidget in Maryland, to the numerous family pups in Denver - Tipper, Tory, Clancy and Buddy - he was always happy when he had one of his loyal companions by his side.

Gary will be missed by many, and his influence on his family and those who knew him will be forever cherished and ingrained in their memory.

Gary is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Wendi Sue (Hailpern) Roth; two sisters, Margie Smith of Fresno, Calif., and Annette Miller of Roseville, Calif .; and grandson, Christopher Roth of Cypress, Calif.

He is survived by his sister, Diane Woody of Fresno; and his five children - Virginia Roth Redmon (Michael) of Santa Cruz, Calif., Gary F. Roth, Jr. (Michelle) of Cypress, Calif., Heidi Wiggins (Michael) of San Diego, Calif., Blaine Roth of San Diego, and Josh Roth (Andy) of Orlando, Fla.

Gary leaves behind ten grandchildren: Cynthia Laxton (Greg) of Brooksville FL; Christie McCready Grimes (Jeremy) of Owings MD; Matthew Roth (Claire) of Baltimore MD; Sean McCready (Amanda) of Santa Cruz CA; Brianne Roth (Nathan) of North Beach MD; Ryan McCready (Shannon) of San Jose CA; Brandon Roth of Port Hueneme CA; Justin Roth (Brittany) of Virginia Beach VA; and Katelyn Roth of San Diego CA. He was blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Viktor and Ethan Roth (Brianne), Levi and Logan Laxton (Cynthia, Remy and Sady Grimes (Christie), Oliver and Leo Roth (Matthew) and Aspen Roth (Justin).

Gary will be laid to rest next to his beloved Wendi at Woodlawn Cemetery in Gotha FL. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, a nonprofit organization that provides food, medical care and shelter for dogs and cats until they find their new forever homes. Donations can be made via this link https://petallianceorlando.org/way-give/memorials/.

Services entrusted to Beth shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180.