Obituary for Roy Edwin Urch

Roy Edwin Urch, 80, died at his home in Tucson July 15, 2014. He was born in Englewood, Colo. to John and Genevieve Urch. His parents and sister, Dora, preceded him in death.
He lived the life of an adventurer, an analytical chemist, an avid hiker, a rock hound, a science teacher, a solar eclipse chaser, a world traveler, an astronomy enthusiast, a stamp and coin collector; but what he loved most was his family.
Adopting twins at six months old began a journey that would last his lifetime. They spent summers and winter vacations traveling and experiencing the country where they were born as well as memorable trips into Mexico. As a science teacher, the Urch household always included a menagerie of animals, huge aquariums of sea life and many rocks from weekend camping trips. He valued a good work ethic, honesty and love for your family above all else and he modeled it for the many people whose lives he touched.
He married the love of his life, Clara (Patty) Bowerman, and they shared a life for 60 years. They are a couple admired by many for their love and support for each other.
Roy and Patty started their family by first adopting Patty’s teenage brother, Lee Bowerman and sister, Tedi Coe (both of Grand Junction). The family expanded with the adoption of Patricia Sayles (San Diego) and twin sister, Pamela Bartelle (Germany). Pamela and Michael Bartelle blessed them with three grandchildren, Michal Joel (London), James (New Orleans) and Jada (Belgium). Patricia also blessed them with three grandchildren, Devin (San Diego), Tyler (Santa Barbara) and Brooklynn (Santa Barbara). Roy’s latest blessings arrived when two great-granddaughters were born to Jada and Jerome. Arizona, 3, and Dahlia, 1, were his constant companions via Skype as he became less mobile. He was incredibly proud of his family and lived for the family gatherings on any occasion. Roy often remarked that the greatest accomplishments he saw in his lifetime were seeing a man walk on the moon and the invention of Skype!
Roy’s love for all things science began as a child growing up in Nucia, Colo., and continued as he received his science and education degrees at Mesa State University and Colorado State University, worked as an analytical chemist for the Atomic Energy Commission in Grand Junction, Colo., and then taught science for 28 years at De Beque and Grand Junction and at Buena High School in Sierra Vista, Ariz. Roy was a quiet man with an indelible curiosity and passion for science with a heart of gold.
As per his request, there will be no services. Instead his family will gather to celebrate his full and rewarding life.