Tucson, AZ - Leslie Ross Roe was born the 23rd of August 1959 in upstate New York to Faye and Donald Roe. He was the youngest among his siblings, sister, Becky Lewis and brother, Gary Roe. Les temporarily dropped out of college to help his brother and mother move to Arizona in the early 80s, landing in the Phoenix area. He worked as an exhibit designer at the Phoenix Zoo, from 1983- 1995. During this time, he and his first wife, Joanna Meitz , welcomed his two oldest children, Max Roe and Katie Roe.

After leaving the Zoo, Les started his journey as an entrepreneur, founding an exhibit design company called Roe Exhibits. This led him to the exhibit design job at the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Tempe, AZ, where he met his current wife, Jeanette Roe and his youngest child, Zack Morris. Les then decided it was time to finish his degree from William Hobart Smith College in the early 2000's with the support of his wife and family. Shortly after graduating, Les was promoted to Museum Director at the Pioneer Museum in Flagstaff, AZ. After living in Flagstaff for 7 years, Les took on the role of Museum Director at the Arizona History Museum in Tucson, AZ. Les retired in 2019 and began his dream retirement job, working part time at his neighborhood Ace Hardware.

Les was a cherished member of his community. He is remembered by his colleagues as a mentor, respected leader and most importantly a loyal friend. Les had a remarkable talent for creative problem solving. There wasn't a thing that couldn't be solved with a cocktail napkin and pen. His loved ones knew a person who was funny, hardworking and would do anything to make sure his family was provided for. He was admired, respected and beloved. He loved food, trying new restaurants, tinkering in his shop, thinking about his next project, hunting and exploring Arizona.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette Roe, his children Max Roe, Katie Roe and Zack Morris, their spouses Onalee Roe and Julie Flemming, his feisty grandson, Kai Roe, who wishes Grandpa Roe could have lived forever because, "he was one of our best buddies" , his sister Becky Lewis, his brother Gary Roe and a pile of Roe cousins, aunts and uncles. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. We will always remember him as a vibrant storyteller, a gentle giant, and a pillar of support.