Caleb Michael William Roach

ROACH, Caleb Michael William

It is with our deepest regret that we announce the loss of our beautiful brave son, Caleb Michael William Roach (Gizhii kaa ba too; Runs Fast Boy) suddenly on November 1, 2024, one day after his successful kidney transplant. He was blessed to receive a vibrant and healthy kidney from Martin Wood for which we will always be grateful. Caleb began his journey back to Creator at 7:45 p.m. at Sick Kids hospital in Toronto surrounded by his loved ones. He was in receipt of so many loving thoughts and prayers not only from those with him, but from all of those who were unable to be there. Caleb’s beautiful heart took its last beat while both mom and dad finished singing his favourite song; Bohemian Rhapsody.  

Caleb was loved fiercely by his parents; his mother; Tara Vugts. His father Derek Roach (Chantale Bowers), Hiawatha.  He adored his big sister Emma Vugts and although he never met his predeceased sister Christina deVries-Roach, we know they too would have loved each other.  He will remain the brightest light in our lives and in our hearts.

Caleb is also survived and forever loved by his grandparents; Jim (Ellisa) Johnson, Angela Bailey, Glenn (Michelle) Vugts, Pamela Field, Archie (Annette) Roach.  His Aunts, Donna (Andrew) Doppler, Emily Roach, Amanda (Dave) Hallett, Uncles Shawan Johnson, Chris Roach and predeceased Devin Vugts. In addition, his many cousins, extended family, friends and loved ones that are too many to be named.

Caleb had a special way of making people feel his love and happiness to the deepest degree.  Whether he smiled, laughed, kissed or snuggled he gave all the greatest comfort.

Caleb loved so many things in his short life.  His phone; which he was a master at scrolling through his favourite videos and dancing and singing to music of all kinds. Going to the pow-wow and sitting with the boys at the big drum. He had a great arm and loved to throw the ball back and forth as fast as he could. He got the nickname “Scooter” while scooting at school or community events. He was never bored as there was always a string or a sock for him to chew on or twist and flip over his fingers.  Caleb loved dogs and loved to bark just like them.  He loved Elmo, Spiderman and had so many favourite toys. His favourite word was always “no” even when he meant yes.  He was great at pretending to play video games on the ps4 controller with his sister Emma. Pretending to yawn, sleep and get woken up, stretching his arms was one of his favourite things to do.

 Caleb loved going to the park and getting to slide. He loved his motorized car and for sure his train which he rode in round and round till the battery died.  Eating regular food wasn’t his thing except when it came to McDonalds French fries, hot dogs and ripple chips. He was a great wrestler and loved to do this with his dad and then recently expanded his team by coming each morning to wrestle with papa and gramma. He was quick to give you comfort and kiss your boo boo if you said ow. During video calls whenever he seen or heard grammas voice he would light up and blow her kisses. Caleb loved the song Rock a bye your bear, twinkle twinkle and you are my sunshine.

While Caleb could be a bit of a medical mystery to his teams at Sick Kids and wasn’t a fan of all the poking and prodding, he was quick to smile when it was done.  He was truly the strongest little boy and touched the hearts of everyone there.

Sweet Boy, our sunshine you will always be.  Mommy loves you immeasurably and forever in each other's hearts we will be.  Daddy will forever hold you in his heart and soul just like in life.

Family and Friends are invited to a Visitation at the Hiawatha Life and Cultural Centre, 431 Hiawatha Line, on Saturday November 9th, 2024 from 1:00P.M. to 4:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers we ask that if you wish please bring a bear or stuffed animal which can be donated to Sick Kids or a local hospital for other children who have the misfortune of needing care.

We also ask that if possible to wear bright clothes to his visitation to match Caleb’s colourful life which was so bright and joyful.