Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

David Michael Roach passed into the loving embrace of the Lord on Aug. 23, 2026. His compassion, humor and keen intelligence will be deeply missed by family and friends.

David was born Feb. 17, 1993, in Denver, Colo. After graduating from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado, he started a career in banking and sales. His father, Michael, recalled his son’s skill in sales, noting with a sad smile that the apple sometimes falls far from the paternal tree – though a computer David built from scratch in the family home is an indication that some of his dad’s engineering skills may have dropped straight from a branch.

While at CU honing those skills, David formed enduring connections with fellow members of the Psi chapter of Phi Kappa Tau. Fraternity brother Donovan Gibbons said David could always be counted on to “embrace the moment and go along for the ride. He never hesitated to have some fun and joke around.”

Among the memories: “One Halloween, he braved the cold dressed as a Spartan alongside his brothers.”

Those small moments, Donovan said, reflected David’s sense of fun, camaraderie, and spirit.

Though he spent his last years battling illness, David’s character, based in his faith, never faltered, nor did his love for those he held dear.

His younger brother, Timmy, always admired David’s determination to battle a painful illness.

“I’ve always looked up to my big brother,” Timmy said. “I hope I can live a life that would make him proud, and I know he’ll be watching over me every step of the way.”

Though his brother won’t be with him through life’s many joys, from marriage to children, Timmy finds peace in the knowledge that David is with God.

Many of David’s friends also noted his courage through years of fatigue and pain.

“He was a warrior,” said his friend, Joshua, who met David when they joined forces to form a faith-based men’s fellowship group, experiencing the Lord through nature, prayer and exercise.

“Dave was incredible at bringing guys together. He lost the battle, but he won the war. He was a profound leader for a lot of guys, helping them connect and grow together. Bonding and intense community happened in the wilderness.”

David was often the cook on nature trips with his friends or his dad, and many have great memories of the chef frying up fajitas and omelets.

Whether he was camping, hiking, climbing, skiing or snorkeling, David was most at peace in nature, his family says. Many of those activities were woven into his travels with friends and family. Through his life, he explored India, Mexico, Greece and Costa Rica.

But no matter where he traveled, Colorado was always home to David. He loved watching the Broncos and 49ers, as well as playing fantasy football. David helped his father and brother win their fantasy football leagues, along with his own.

Until a year from the day he died, David had a “tail” in the form of a cross-eyed cat. His mother would hear David yell, “This dough needs to be kneaded,” before her son would hoist Henry and give the cat’s round belly a rub.

“Henry was his emotional support animal; his soul cat,” said his mom, Mariann, recalling her caring son.

In his too-short life, David touched many with his compassion. His parents are filled with sorrow, knowing that their son’s laughter – “A huge laugh that would burst out, come right from down deep” – will no longer ring in their home.

But like all who were lucky enough to be part of David’s life, they know he is now at peace and in God’s gentle hands.

David is survived by his mother and father, Mariann and Michael Roach, his brother Timothy Roach, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Theano and Peter Peros, and his paternal grandparents, Jane Davis and Donald Roach.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 4 at Horan & McConaty, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver.