Bernhard Gustav Roth

Bernhard Gustav Roth died peacefully at his residence on August 30, 2018, at the age of 82 following complications from strokes. Born in Jamaica, New York on May 18, 1936, he moved with his parents, Carl and Elizabeth Roth (immigrants from Germany), to San Diego, Calif. in the mid 1950's. After marrying his wife Julia in 1958, he graduated from college with a mechanical engineering degree in 1959.

His first job was at Convair Astronautics in San Diego where he tested missiles and launch equipment. This was followed by a position at Hamilton Standard (a division of United Aircraft) that relocated him and his growing family to Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

After two years of cold New England winters, he moved his family back to California (Pleasanton). At this time he accepted a diagnostic engineer position with the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. He remained there for the next 30 years, eventually becoming the Nuclear Test Director. Upon retirement, he moved to Fallbrook, Calif. with Jo Ann Rego, whom he had met at the lab.

Bernie always enjoyed outdoor projects and was constantly building or repairing things. He constructed a barn and remodeled the house in Pleasanton. He maintained a garden and helped his kids with livestock projects for 4-H. He traveled both domestically and internationally.

Bernie was known for his quick wit, sense of humor and sharp mind, traits he carried with him to the end.

He is survived by his brother, Theodore Roth; his wife, Julia Roth, and his three daughters Catherine Roth, Donna Taylor and Terri Roth, and grandson Zachary Taylor. Jo Ann Rego remains at the Regency Fallbrook where they moved in July 2017.