At 101-years-old, Charles Roach lives alone, cooks, cleans and takes his daily walk to a nearby shop to get his favourite newspaper, the T&T Guardian. Twice married and twice divorced, Roach, a father of seven, boasts that he has no illnesses and enjoys a comfortable life. He was born in Leed Estate, Monsterrat on June 7, 1910, and celebrated his grand old age in fine style June 5. Three generations of family and friends gathered at his Seukeran Street, San Fernando home to commemorate the occasion with prayers and thanksgiving, and of course, a cake. With a broad smile, Roach vividly recalled historic events he would have witnessed over the past century. He momentarily sunk into a sombre mood as he spoke of three of his children whom he has outlived, one being former Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT) reporter, Avion Roach-Taylor.
When asked his secret to his longevity, Roach simply replied with a smile, "hard work." At the age of 20, Roach left Monsterrat and came to Trinidad on the Lady Nelson Steamer, to live with his mother Charlotte Greer. Six years after his arrival, the young and ambitious Roach started a sawmill business at Brown Lane (now Carlton Lane,) San Fernando, where he provided material for the construction of coffins to Belgroves Funeral Home. He was a talented carpenter and he soon diversified into furniture making, honing his skills in the construction of ironing boards, chairs and stools.In 1947 he married Lillete Walcott, and that union was blessed with three girls and one boy. Unfortunately overtime, the relationship became strained and ended in divorce. Roach who described his father as "the village sweet man," seemed to have inherited some of his traits, for he soon found love a second time, tying the knot in 1962 with Ila Taylor. Three more children were born from this union, but that too ended in the divorce. But Roach never allowed his two divorces to affect the loving and supportive relationship he had with his family.
