A public "Celebration of Life" announced for beloved Davisite Bill Roe

Event will take place Thursday, May 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Mondavi Center on the UC Davis campus

(Obituary submitted by the Roe family)

William (Bill) Carl Roe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and community leader, passed away on April 21, 2025, in Davis, California, at the age of 83 following a bicycle accident. A devoted family man and tireless civic contributor, Bill’s warmth, vision and generosity left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Bill was born in Garner, Iowa, the son of a local grocer. He graduated with a degree in architecture from Iowa State University, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and later earned his MBA from Stanford University. While he was at Stanford, he met the love of his life, Nancy Whitcombe, a Davis native. The two were married in 1968 and shortly after took off on a nine-month tour of Europe living in a Volkswagen camper. In 1970 they moved to Davis, a place that would become the heart of their life’s work. Bill designed and built their family home in 1972, where he and Nancy continued to live for the remainder of his life.

In 1972, alongside Nancy’s brother John Whitcombe and Stanford classmate Paul Makley, Bill co-founded Tandem Properties. Under his leadership, Tandem became not only a successful business but also a deeply rooted community partner. Bill believed in treating colleagues like family, a value that continues to define Tandem today.

Bill’s commitment to Davis extended far beyond business. Together with Nancy, he championed countless community initiatives: from educational support through the Tandem Foundation, to arts and civic projects including the Mondavi Performing Arts Center, the Manetti Shrem Museum, the Gorman Museum for Native American Art, the Davis Arts Center, the Pence Gallery, the U.S. Bicycle Hall of Fame, and the Hunt-Boyer Mansion Centennial Seal Project celebrating Davis’ 100th anniversary.

In 1987, Bill and Nancy were named Davis Citizens of the Year, a reflection of their enduring dedication to improving life in their hometown. In 2016, Bill and Nancy received the Charles J. Soderquist Award from the UC Davis Foundation Board for volunteer leadership and philanthropic support of the UC Davis community. Then in 2020, Bill and Nancy received the Distinguished Friend of the University Award from the Cal Aggie Alumni Association, recognizing non-alums whose extraordinary service made significant and lasting contributions to UC Davis.

In 1986-87, Bill served as Rotary Club President, and in 2020, he was honored with the Rotary Club Lifetime Achievement Award. He helped lead the renovation of Hickey Gym, supported Aggie athletics and Davis schools, and never stopped asking, 'How do we make this happen?' whenever he was presented with a community need.

Bill also found joy in art, photography, travel, and cycling. A highlight of his adventurous spirit was his 1999 solo cross-country bicycle ride along the Lincoln Highway, documented in the book he wrote entitled “All the Way to Lincoln Way.” He also served as President and Treasurer of Los Amigos del Arte Popular, an international group of Mexican Folk Art supporters and collectors. During the pandemic, the group raised funds to support indigenous artists with food and supplies when they were unable to sell their work.

Bill in Mexico

At the heart of Bill’s life was his family. He leaves behind his wife and lifelong partner, Nancy Roe; their children, Eric Roe (Channa) of Davis, and Whitney Roe Thornburg (Matt) of San Francisco; and five cherished grandchildren who brought him endless pride and joy: Veronica, Truman and Daphne Roe, and Bear and Odin Thornburg.

He also leaves behind his beloved siblings, Chuck Roe (Alison) of Davis and Barbara Kasperek (Dick) of Riverside, Illinois and his dearest cousin Tom Stille (Iris) of Reno, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Lucille Roe.

To his grandchildren, Bill was a steadfast presence at every concert, game, and performance. To his children, he was a role model of grace, kindness, and integrity. To Nancy, he was a partner in love, laughter, and adventure.

A public Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 29, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Mondavi Performing Arts Center in Davis. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pence Gallery at 212 D Street, Davis, CA, or to a charitable organization of their choice.

Bill Roe lived with quiet conviction and an unwavering belief in the goodness of others. His legacy lives on in the community he helped build, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely.