Message Board

Joe Roth was an outstanding young man who inspired many people. Visitors to this message board are encouraged to share their own Joe Roth memories and stories so that the untold accounts of how he touched the lives of others may be captured. Visitors are also welcome to share their own pictures of Joe.

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The Legacy Of Joe

Posted October 21, 2008 @ 9:21AM by edhbear
Contact this poster (Steve Overcashier) at sjoverca at gmail.com
I was in the Cal Band from 1972-1975 when we came ever so close to going to the Rose Bowl (darn you John McKay). As such, I always thought of Joe as "my quarterback." It is hard for me to imagine that it has already been two years since I got to spend a remarkable afternoon and evening with Joe's parents, Lena and Larry, his brother John and John's daughter Ashley. This was my "reward" for having worked behind the scenes for over 10 years with the Roths and the Cal Athletic Department to get copies of Lena's book, "Joes' Fight for Life" republished. To see the look on the Roths' faces when they got to see the memorial locker for the first time and Lena's joy as she held a copy of the book, signed hundreds of copies for fans who all had a story to share was a memory I will cherish forever. From the point I first made contact with Lena in the mid- 1990's until the day we delivered the new books in 2006, her quiet encouragement and appreciation were always accompanied by a question, "Why are you doing this?" And my answer was always the same, "Joe was your son but he was my quarterback." As we approach another Joe Roth Memorial Game vs. Ucla on October 25, I will be in the stands wearing my #12 commemorative jersey and pointing to the sky thanking Joe for the glorious memories and the opportunity to keep his story alive. GO BEARS!
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Lena Sees Books November 4, 2006