James Fredrick Rothaermel, aka 'Rick E Roth,' 62

James Fredrick Rothaermel, aka "Rick E Roth" passed away Nov. 28, 2021, at Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane, Wash. He passed peacefully with Sandy and the kids by his side.

Rick was born Jan. 26, 1959, in Montebello, Calif., to Jim and Betty Rothaermel. He was the second child of four and the only boy. He spent his early years in Huntington Beach, Calif., where his dad was a motor cop until they packed up and moved to Grants Pass, Ore. From there they moved to Newport, Ore., where he later graduated in 1977.

In high school, Rick raced flat track motorcycles and loved to play football. He was in choir and played in a high school band called The Beach Bums. That's where his love of music and being on stage began. Rick played in a few bands and eventually formed his own band, Hard Left. They played many places in Spokane and the surrounding area including Lake Cd'A.

Rick was also an artist as well as a chef. He loved entertaining, he loved his food, his family, and he loved his friends. He loved being a grandpa, he loved being a dad and he loved being Sandy's best friend. Rick was known for his big heart and the twinkle in his blue eyes. Although our hearts are broken, and he will be forever missed he will never be forgotten. He touched the hearts of many.

Rick leaves behind the love of his life, Sandy Johnston of Elk, Wash.

His son Matthew/Chynna Rothaermel, grandsons Kayson and Jackson of Wilbur, Wash., daughter Madison Rothaermel of Elk, Wash., stepdaughter Katie Johnston of Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, sisters, Cheryl Carpenter of Crescent City, Calif., Karen/Len Oliveira of Springdale, Wash., Susie/Richard Athanas of Palmer, Ark.

He has left many nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins who he loved so much.

Rick was preceded in death by his father Jim Rothaermel, his mom Betty Gale, his Aunt Jean Rothaermel and his nephews Johnny Strnad and Louis Lunders.