Last week Superfeet Worldwide Inc. lost of one of its longest-employed sales reps, Roger LaRoche (1949 2011). LaRoche was part of the Superfeet family for over 20 years, after joining the company as a Northern California rep in the mid-90s.
LaRoche was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2010, and battled the disease with a positive outlook and support from friends, family and coworkers for over a year.
In a statement to the company last Friday, Superfeet President Bill McLean said, “It is especially tough losing such a loved, iconic member of our team, but Roger’s spirit lives on in our Superfeet family. If Roger were here today I know he would want us to celebrate his life! I suggest we do so by remembering the great times, laughs, and funny stories we all have about him. He was an amazing man.”
LaRoche grew up in Lewiston, Maine, and followed his passion for the ski industry to the west coast in the late 1970s. Roger was a dedicated family man and was married to his wife, Diane, for over 25 years, and has two children, Mike and Nicole.
Roger's passion and amazing sense of humor helped him grow his territory for many years, and he was very well-known in the ski and outdoor industries. He became Superfeet's Northern California Regional Manager in 2003 and a Certified Pedorthist in 2005.
Everyone who was lucky enough to know or work with Roger knew how special he was.
A “second father” for many Superfeet employees, Roger had a huge and loving heart, and an off-the-charts positive mindset that helped him deal with the realities of his illness. He will be remembered not only for his warm spirit and jolly laugh, but as an inspiration on how to live, even in the most difficult of times, with humor, love for others, and a zest for life.
