CASTLE HILL – David M. Roope, 53, fell into eternal peace Friday June 8, 2012, after an inspirational 21-month journey battling cancer. David was born Oct. 20, 1958, in Presque Isle, to James and Annis (Howes) Roope.
David married his best friend and love of his life, Laura Searles Rockwell-Roope of Caribou, March 17, 1995, and they were so blessed to share a short but amazing life together for the time the Lord allowed. David graduated from Presque Isle High, class of 1977, and has been a valued and loyal member of Coca-Cola Bottling family, Presque Isle, for 34 years. David was an instructor for continuing education for Northern Maine Community College; sharing his passion for truck driving with others. He was a former Boy Scout leader, Little League coach, KEY Club advisor, honorary Elk’s member and his favorite position as sound and light advisor for Northern Lights Youth Choir. David was also proud to be a part of finding a cure for cancer through the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
In addition to his loving wife and parents, David is survived by his five beautiful children, Phillip Roope, Dannah Roope, Lisa Rockwell, Lindsey Rockwell and Andrew Roope, and their significant others. He leaves his beloved sister, Geni Roope Libby and her children; brother, Alan and Kathy Roope and their children; sister-in-law, Annette (Turner) Roope and her children; David’s in-laws, Gordon and Shirley (Doak) Searles; and brothers-in-law, Mark and Karen Searles and their child, and Daniel and Jennifer Searles and their child. He also leaves his two sweet four-legged girls, Lacie and Maizie. David was predeceased by his brother, Boyd Roope; and his nephews, Sabin Roope and Cpl. Dustin Libby. David will be sadly missed by his Coca-Cola family and Presque Isle High School/SAD 1 family. David has left a thumbprint of kindness on so many people. He was a strong and honorable man that gave of himself to his family, friends and community with love. He was grateful and appreciative of all of the many, many friends he is leaving – the garage party gang, the Tim Horton’s bunch, his high school friends and his upta camp pals, his cancer treatment and Angel Flight family, Hadley and Toni, and especially the many, many “bonus” kids he has had the honor to know. David asked that you all “celebrate life.” Please say a special prayer of thanks to the entire staff at Aroostook Cancer Care, Dr. Rohe, Denise, Lori, Mary, Janet, Kayla and Carol, and the caregivers on the med/surg floor at The Aroostook Medical Center. Your compassion for David and his family is priceless and much appreciated.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday evening at State Road Advent Church, where funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday with Revs. Greg Moody and George McLaughlin officiating. A reception and celebration of his life will be held at Mapleton Lions Club immediately after the service. Interment will be private. Donations may be made to C.A.N.C.E.R, P.O. Box 811, Presque Isle, ME 04769 or Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Online condolences may be expressed at
www.duncan-graves.com.