Memorial Services Friday for Duane Roth, Co-vice chairman of the California Stem Cell Agency

A memorial service for Duane Roth, co-vice chairman of the California stem cell agency, will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Immaculata Church at the University of San Diego.

Roth died Saturday from injuries suffered in an accident last month while bicycling in the mountains east of San Diego. He was 63.

San Diego has seen an outpouring of tributes in the wake of Roth's death for his contributions to the community in the life sciences, philanthropic and technology areas. He had served on the stem cell agency board since 2006 and had been scheduled to become of chairman of the Sanford-Burnham Institute this fall. He was CEO of Connect, a non-profit organization aimed at support entrepreneurship in the technology field.

Ted Roth, Duane's brother, remembered him in a piece in the San Diego U-T as the oldest of five sons growing up in Wayland, Iowa. Ted Roth wrote that their parents relied on Duane "to set an example for his brothers, and he was the one they called upon in their later years. He was a lifelong mentor and friend to his brothers, someone that was always there to share in life’s experiences." 

Ted also wrote about his brother's involvement in technology and business.

 "Duane was captivated by the possibilities that innovation provides in improving the world in which we live." 

The family has suggested that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Otterson Fund at Connect, Challenged Athletes Foundation or the Copley-Price Family YMCA.

Here are links to some of the other recent articles on Roth: San Diego U-T (see here and here), La Jolla Patch, La Jolla Light.