January 26, 1959 - November 28, 2021
RICK E ROTH James Fredrick Rothaermel, aka “Rick E Roth”, as he was known to family and friends, passed away November 28, 2021, at Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane, WA. He passed away peacefully with Sandy and the kids by his side. Rick was born January 26, 1959, in Montebello California, to Jim and Betty Rothaermel. He was the second child of 4 and the only boy. He spent his early years in Huntington Beach, CA where his dad was a Motor cop until they packed up and moved to Grants Pass, Oregon. Rick went from wearing surfing shorts on the beach, to Wrangler jeans living on a ranch with animals. After a couple of years, his mom and his 3 sisters moved back to California, leaving the ranch to him and his dad. The two of them stayed and worked the ranch for a couple more years and then moved to Newport, Oregon where Rick graduated in 1977. He raced flat track motorcycles' and loved to play football. While in high school Rick was part of a music/choir group. He sang with a group of 4 and they called themselves “The Beach Bums”. They had the chance to tour up through Canada and back down to play at Priest River High School in Idaho, then back home to Oregon. The girls just loved him. Rick always wanted to be a rock star, so after graduation, he traveled to California where his mom and sister Karen were living. He started working at the Clarion Hotel where he met Matt’s mom Luci. She was working the front desk and he was working as a waiter. They were married October 12,1987. They bought their first home in Petaluma, CA soon after the wedding. In September of 1989 their son Matthew was born. While in California, Rick started his career in the car sales business working for the BMW dealership. He was an excellent salesman and made a friend wherever he went. In January of 1990 Rick moved the family to Spokane and bought a home in the Spokane Valley, where he found a job with Barton Jeep as a Sales Manager. From 1990 to 1996, he was top salesman of the year every year. He was good at his job because he loved it. He would mail out recipe cards every month to his customers. They loved it and many were repeat customers. He worked for Barton Jeep until he and Luci separated in 1997. Although divorced, they still remained good friends and were the best parents to Matthew. Shortly afterwards, Rick bought property in Elk, WA. After playing in a couple of different bands, he decided to start his own band, ”HardLeft”. The band played in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, and surrounding areas. In 1995 his band played at Carlin Bay out on Lake Coeur d’Alene, when Claire and Sandy were running it for Tom Robb. Little did he know, Matthew's babysitter would end up being his stepdaughter five years later. His band helped put Carlin Bay on the map. All the car guys would show up on the weekends to hear his band and the place would be packed. It was one of the best years in Ricks life. He was a Rock Star. Life went in a different direction for a little while and the next time Rick would be at Carlin Bay would be in May of 2000. His dad passed away in 1998 leaving his beautiful Harley Davison motorcycle. When his stepmom listed the bike for sale and had an interested buyer, Rick asked her if he could take it for one last ride before it was gone. He got on the Harley and rode out to Carlin Bay to see one of his best friends Sandy, the Bar manager. He came out to show off his bike but as he stood at the end of the bar he said, “I’m single” and she answered, “so am I” and they were together every day from that day on. They ended up buying that motorcycle and still have it today. Later that year, Rick started another band and played at Carlin Bay once again, this time working for Fred and Karol Johnson. Again, he was a Rock Star. In May of 2001 their daughter Madison was born. Rick was 42 and Sandy was 41. He always called her his miracle baby. She changed their life. Later when she was 4 years old, she was on stage with him singing. It was one of his proudest moments. Rick was also a talented Chef. While playing at Carlin Bay he met a family who need a chef for 6 weeks in the summer. Rick and Sandy cooked for the Edwards for 9 summers. Rick loved to cater parties and he was good at it. He made birds out of apples, palm trees out of a carrot and a pepper, and beautiful fruit trays. Rick wrote a cookbook with all of his favorite recipes but never got around to getting it published. He was known best for his Clam Chowder and Beef Stroganoff. Rick worked for John Robideaux at Robideaux Motors in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He drove back and forth for 9 years. When he left Robideauxs, he decided to try something different, so he started working at ClickIt Rv selling RVs and trailers where is stayed until he retired in 2018. Rick was a man of many talents. Being an artist was one of them. He painted many beautiful oil paintings and gave most away to family and friends. He was also a spray paint artist. He set up a booth at many fairs including Pig Out in the Park, and Valley Fest. He would draw a crowd everywhere he set up to paint. Rick loved and missed the ocean so he put in a 20x40 ft pool out in the middle of nowhere on 10 acres, with over 5,000 sq ft of concrete. It was his pride and joy. He taught many of the kids how to swim. He was a great swimmer. Rick loved entertaining, he loved his food, he loved his family, and loved his friends. He loved being a grandpa, he loved being a dad. He just loved. Rick was known for his big heart and will be missed dearly but will never be forgotten. He touched the hearts of many people. Rick leaves behind the love of his life, Sandy Johnston of Elk WA His son Matthew/Chynna Rothaermel, grandsons Kayson and Jackson of Wilbur, WA Daughter Madison Rothaermel of Elk, WA Stepdaughter Katie Johnston of Coeur d’ Alene, ID Sisters, Cheryl Carpenter of Crescent City, CA, Karen/Len Oliveira of Springdale, WA Susie/Richard Athanas of Palmer, AK In-laws (because they were a huge part of Rick’s life) Dave/Connie McKenzie of Coeur d’ ‘Alene, Idaho Shawn/Amy Gregg of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho Mom in-law Bevery Dawson of Coeur d’Alene, Hs left behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins who he loved so much. Rick was proceeded in death by his father Jim Rothaermel, his mother Betty Gale, his Aunt Jean Rothaermel, his nephews Johnny Strnad and Louis Lunders, and his Dad in-law Don Dawson The family would like to give special thanks to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and the special people who took care of Rick while he was there. His nurse Bryan gets a very special thank you for coming in on his day off and being there for Rick’s last breath. Thank you so much for all the donations, kind words and prayers. Rick would be so humbled to know how many people loved him.
