When Ken Roos’ family began looking for ways to honor the late SEA/SEIU Local 1984 leader, the idea of a memorial bench came up. In the eyes of Ken’s wife, Jodi, there was only one place this bench could go: outside the SEA office.
And so it was that on Saturday – which would have been Ken’s 65th birthday – Ken’s family was joined by friends, fellow union members and political leaders to dedicate the bench.
“I can tell you that these are all of Ken’s favorite people,” Jodi Roos said, surveying the crowd. “And he would love knowing that you are all here for this, supporting this. He loved you all.”
Among the dozens in attendance were Executive Councilor Andru Volinsky, Senate President Donna Soucy, Senate Majority Leader Dan Feltes, and House Speaker Steve Shurtleff. Shurtleff presented Jodi Roos with the following declaration honoring her late husband.
State of New Hampshire – a declaration
Whereas Ken Roos worked for the state of New Hampshire for more than 27 years
And whereas he served SEIU Local 1984 in virtually every capacity possible, most notably as first vice president
And whereas he was an experienced Red Cross disaster relief volunteer both near – aiding fire victims with recovery – and far – helping with recovery and cleanup after 9/11 and with family reunification after Hurricane Katrina
And whereas he donated hundreds of pints of blood
And whereas Ken was active in the Concord Democrats, served as a delegate for Sen. Bernie Sanders in 2016
And whereas in addition to the SEA, he served on the Board of Directors of the Red Cross and Temple Beth Jacob
Be it resolved that the New Hampshire House of Representatives remembers Ken Roos as a force for progressive causes in Concord and beyond
We thank everyone who joined us, especially Ken’s family, who purchased the bench. As the proclamation from the House Speaker noted, Ken served the union in virtually every capacity possible, so his absence is still felt here every day. The bench is a good reminder of Ken’s constant presence at the office and the many contributions he made for his union and the community.
You can find coverage of the memorial dedication on Concord Patch.