Celebrating the life and service of Tim Roth

BY: DAVE NIELSEN, HBA CEO

Tim Roth, an HBA member for over 40 years, passed away unexpectedly in December at the young age of 69.

Tim began in the industry as a framing contractor but started building and selling his own homes in the late 1970s. By the early 1980s, still in his 20s, he joined HBA and built his first Street of Dreams home and was growing a successful building company.

As Tim progressed further into his career, he became more active in the association. He served on HBA’s Board for almost 20 years from 1993 – 2013. He became a Board Officer and served as President of HBA in 2004. He was heavily involved in and supported a variety of areas –membership, government affairs, and some of our consumer home tours, to name a few. He also developed sites for and built in other shows, like our Street of New Beginnings and Ultimate Open House home showcase events in the 2000s.

Tim was a Board Officer when I started at HBA. He could be tough and he was passionate, which led to many animated conversations over the years. He had strong opinions and a sharp mind and cared about the details – whether it was the financials of HBA’s operations or how we were serving our members and consumers. If you were discussing something with Tim, you knew you better be prepared. I appreciated that.

Tim also cared deeply about people and family – both his blood family and extended “family”. When he was an Officer, he attended many of our staff get-togethers and events, spending additional time out of his own personal schedule that he didn’t need to do, in order to connect with and support our team. Tim would go the extra mile to help us celebrate, like volunteering to venture on the building’s roof in the cold, wet winter to hang lights around the perimeter and spread some Christmas cheer, or bringing treats in for the team unannounced. He was generous too, even inviting my family to his home for Christmas parties with the kids when we were new to the area, or opening up his beach house to us and others.

Tim was a lot of fun to be around. He believed in working hard but also having fun. I have too many stories I could share, and any of us who knew Tim could say the same.

Tim was in the process of doing two big things as he was working to wrap up his career and enjoy life more with his wife Theresa: developing the site for our 2023 NW Natural Street of Dreams in Sherwood and transitioning his company, JT Roth Construction, to be run by his two sons Austin and Kenzie. Both those things are continuing, and I know the family appreciates the support and care they’ve received from all of the various business partners they need to rely on through this.

Tim’s family held a Celebration of Life honoring him on January 7. Well over 300 people, mostly from our industry, but also long-time friends, family, and members of his Building 20 Club (from all over the country) attended. Tim will be missed greatly, but he will never be forgotten for those of us who had a chance to work with and get to know him. For those of you who work with his company and family, thank you for your continued support. Please keep at it, as their journey through the business, family and emotional loss will take time. Our thoughts, prayers and love continue to be with Theresa, Austin Kenzie and their families.