Reverend R. Richard Roe
- 90 years old
- Date of birth: June 3rd, 1930
- Place of birth: Kansas City, Mo.
- Date of passing: July 8th, 2020
- Place of passing: Los Altos
This memorial website was created by Kathleen Roe, with assistance from Colleen Simmie and Kevin Roe, in memory of our father Reverend R. Richard Roe. Dad has left us with feelings and memories we will sort through for the rest of our lives. But these things we know - He believed in the goodness of life. He believed that love and action were necessary for a meaningful life. And he believed that our lives were connected - to each other, to an ever inclusive understanding of our shared humanity, and to the times in which we live. We will carry this forward forever.
Dick Roe was one of 5 past UCCM campus ministers sharing their memories at the 50th anniversary of UCCM in October, 2013. Foreshadowing our current problems, he said “How do we go on in the struggle, knowing that we’re probably not going to be successful? Somehow it has to do with that connection with the arc of history. It’s more important to be involved in the arc than it is to be at the end.” In his “Reflections on the Early Years of UCCM”, he noted the crucial importance of UCCM as an “open, inclusive, non-creedal ministry” in expanding religious opportunities for students while still abiding by Jane Stanford’s founding restrictions on nonsectarian services on campus.
We were so blessed to have this wonderful man preside at our wedding almost 39 years ago. When the church caught fire we had to move the service and he was right there helping us. We were so sorry to hear of his passing! He was so kind, so caring and a joy and inspiration. Our loss is heaven’s gain.
