William O. Roesch
(Uncle Bill)
3/24/25-12/14/20

Uncle Bill left us on his own conditions, passing away peacefully while listening to opera with his nephew Greg by his side. He was 95 years old and was ready to be reunited with his life partner, Steve Carmack, and his ever-faithful dog Harley who passed this past spring. Uncle Bill's life passion was opera, theater and acting. He was mentored early in life by Craig Noel, founder of The Old Globe Theater in San Diego. He was honored to have become one of the first associate directors there and his picture hangs there in honor of his contribution to San Diego's theater arts and the Old Globe. After 40 years, he retired to Hope, Idaho overlooking beautiful Pend O'reille lake, listening to his favorite music and enjoying life. He continued acting and directing in Spokane at The Interplayers Theater as well as on special occasions in California. He partnered with Vern Windom of KPBX radio for several years producing Vox Humana, a weekly program sharing opera's voice to listeners, a time he genuinely enjoyed and treasured. For the last four years he has lived at Ladow Court in Garfield. He chose this announcement of his passing, taken from Hamlet's soliloquy, that was shared with friends and family:

To die; to sleep; to sleep; perchance to dream; aye, there's the rub… Uncle Bill       shuffled off his mortal coil this morning at 7:45. Good night sweet prince.