07/02/2026
Passing of Counselor Mike Roach
GHS 1973-1999
Thank you to Retired English teacher Judi Fenn Patterson for sharing the attached photos of Mike from the 1976 and 1977 yearbooks.
Michael Roach
OBITUARY San Diego Union-Tribune
Michael passed away on June 2, 2026 at the age of 88, gently cradled in his wife’s arms.
Michael was born in Reno, Nevada to George and Margaret Roach. George, a Postal Inspector, served in the US Army in WWII, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Michael had a deep appreciation for his parents and the values they instilled in him.
After the family relocated to San Jose, CA, Michael attended Bellarmine College Preparatory. It was during these years that he emerged as a talented and dedicated swimmer. He trained under the legendary Hall of Fame coach George Haines. A highly skilled backstroke and Medley swimmer, he won prestigious titles in both events. His athletic talent earned him a scholarship to the University of Michigan. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology and Guidance from The University of Santa Clara.
Michael became a guidance counselor and moved to San Diego in 1971 where he spent the next 33 years mentoring students within the Grossmont Union High School District. He truly enjoyed his work with students. To paraphrase a former colleague and friend: He never told a student what to do. Instead, with the focus of a scientist, he listened and asked questions until by their own words a student’s ambivalence was distilled to clarity. Following his retirement, Michael pursued a second career as a licensed Captain. For the next 15 years he taught basic sailing thru advanced cruising classes, mainly with Harbor Sailboats, and did private boat deliveries.
Michael bought his first sailboat in the early ’70s. His love of sailing was motivation enough to move to San Diego in the mid-’70s, and he became part of the racing community. For the next 40 years he competitively and with great success raced his boats, Jezebel and Poco Loco. He served on the Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) Board and held various positions at Southwestern Yacht Club. He was a fierce competitor, and valued his many crew members which often included a Junior sailor. In a desperate move during a multi-day regatta, he had to fire his main trimmer or risk a total mutiny. Little did he know that the woman who filled in, five years later would become his wife, adventure partner and best friend. Greece, Thailand, Mexico and the Caribbean were favorite cruising and racing grounds for them.
Michael’s other great passion was road biking and bike touring. For many years, he averaged 6000 miles per year, including summer cycling trips across Europe, Canada, Ireland and the United States. He enjoyed the camaraderie of group rides and made memorable friends along the way.
He was a humble man who was both interesting and interested. He was proud of his family and was always happy in their company. He will be deeply missed, always loved and never forgotten.
Michael was preceded in death by his daughter Michelle, his sister Carmen, and nephews, Don and Ken. He leaves behind his wife Kathy, his sons Stephen (Kari) Roach and Matthew (Michelle) Roach, his niece Linda Hogan and family, as well as five grandsons, four great- grandsons, and one great-granddaughter.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Southwestern Yacht Club for family and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in Michael’s name to the Southwestern Junior Foundation.
