A memorial service for the former UW football head coach was held this Thursday in Laramie. The longtime Wyoming resident and avid Pokes supporter passed away at his home in Pullman, Washington on Sept. 3, with family by his side.
Paul had an impressive coaching career, spanning several decades, including a stint in the NFL at multiple positions. He began his career in 1962 as an assistant for the Pokes until 1969.
After a short period at the University of Wisconsin, Roach took a position on the Oakland Raiders in 1972 under the legendary John Madden. Before his NFL career was finished, Roach was a member of the Packers and Broncos staff, helping the Broncos to their first Super Bowl as their backfield coach.
In 1985, Roach returned to UW and was named athletic director the following year. At this time, Paul built his Wyoming legacy. In 1987, Paul became the head coach of the football program while simultaneously remaining as athletic director.
Despite working in the two time consuming roles at the same time, Roach led the Pokes to a 31-15 record overall in four seasons. This included two WAC championships and three bowl appearances, one of the most impressive stretches in Pokes history.
While Paul is certainly remembered for his record while at UW, friends and family fondly reflect back on so much more.
“I think what I learned more from him is how to treat people well. Paul was the best at treating everybody,” former UW QB Randy Melniak remembers. “It didn’t matter if you were the equipment manager or a trainer with the football team. It didn’t matter who you were, Paul treated everybody really, really well.”
Kevin McKinney, radio analyst for Wyoming football, shares a similar sentiment, “He respected people to the max. He respected you and what you did, and I learned an awful lot from him in that regard. He was to the point where he was egoless. You would sit and talk to Paul and have no idea that he was the athletic director and head football coach. He made you feel comfortable. He respected what you did, what your job was, and he always had time for you.”
McKinney described the mindset that Roach had approaching every new job. Wyoming was his first job as athletic director and head coach, yet he stepped into both roles with confidence.
“He taught us to not be afraid to do something. It’s not necessarily fearless, but it’s not being afraid to take on a challenge. I learned that from him. He took all the jobs without ever having done them and was highly successful. He was somebody very, very special.”
Throughout his career, Paul had a unique energy for the Cowboys and the state. No matter his role at UW, he was all in; working hard at every position.
“He had a passion for Wyoming. He loved Wyoming. He loved Wyoming’s people. He loved how they were tough minded and independent,” McKinney shared.
Roach left a unique and lasting impression on all those he worked with over his career.
“I am forever grateful for the impact he had on my life and the impact he had on the University of Wyoming football program. We’re all better for having Paul Roach in our lives. That sums up exactly how I feel about what an awesome human being was,” Welniak concluded.
At his memorial, friends and family celebrated the life of the man that had such a great impact on the local community and the state.
