Leon “John” Roff – dedicated and loving husband, father of four, and friend of many – died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. The fourth and only boy of five children, he was born in Brainerd, Minn., to Leon and Emma Roff, on March 17, 1936.
He grew up hunting, fishing, and causing a ruckus. He enjoyed a successful career in carpentry that brought him to California, where he worked at Comet Rice and met the love of his life, Jane.
Together they spent 40 years loving one another unconditionally and raising a beautiful family.
No matter where John went, his smile, sarcasm, and kindness made an impact. He loved country music, cheered faithfully for the Raiders, cherished his pecan trees, enjoyed helping Jane make quilts, and never encountered a repair job he could not fix.
One of his biggest contributions was through “John’s Pool,” where he spent 35 years bringing people together and helping children and adults learn to swim. He opened his pool to the town of Willows and provided a place of joy, community, and laughter. He loved watching the children grow up and eventually bring their own children to his pool.
He is survived by his daughters, Brandi, Kelly, and Kerri; seven grandchildren; and the countless family and friends he has touched throughout his life. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jane; daughter, Angela; and his sisters, Ermadale, Imogene, Shirley, and Judy.
A celebration of life is planned for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, at F.D. Sweet and Son Mortuary, 114 North Shasta Street, Willows, with a reception to follow at “John’s Pool,” 621 Third Street, Willows, where friends and family will enjoy one last barbecue to celebrate John’s life.
The Glenn County Observer 