René Hermann Roh

April 30, 1947 - July 24, 2021
It is with great sadness that we are announcing the passing of René Hermann Roh on July 24, 2021, from complications of myelofibrosis, a rare blood disorder of the bone marrow, which he quietly fought for many years. He was born on April 30, 1947, in Zürich, Switzerland to Cilla (née Tomasini) and Hermann Roh.
He is survived by wife Betty, son Mike (Katelynn) (Campbell River), daughter Christine (Mowat), granddaughters Skylar and Cali (Courtenay), brother Reto (Victoria), sister Liliane (Zürich) and 10 nieces and nephews.
He trained as a chef in Switzerland and first came to Canada in 1966 to work at the CN MacDonald hotel in Edmonton. He worked at different jobs for the next few years until he met Betty in 1972 and discovered his passion for commercial fishing which he did until October, 2020. He treasured the camaraderie of his many fishing friends and all the stories they shared.
A year after marrying in 1976, René and Betty moved to the Sayward Valley where they raised their family on a small hobby farm and sold their seafood products. They have many fond memories of house parties, community dances, volleyball games, school concerts, and the comfort of living in a small community where everyone watches out for each other.
Besides commercial and sports fishing, René enjoyed hunting and travelling with friends in RVs around Canada, the USA and Mexico. In 2015 they moved to the Comox Valley and thoroughly enjoyed the conveniences of a larger city where they could be closer to their children and grandchildren that he dearly loved.
The family wishes to give a big thank you to Dr. Meckin, Dr. Wass, Dr. Holden, the Palliative Home Care staff and Red Cross in Courtenay that facilitated his final wish to stay in his home until the end.
A celebration of life will be held at Fallen Alders Hall at 3595 Royston Road, Courtenay, B.C. on September 25th, 2021 at 1 pm.