Richard Rogers

Richard R. Rogers of Bellaire passed away quietly, Sunday, March 20, 2011 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City with his family by his side. A graduate of Jackson High School, Jackson, Michigan, Richard was a World War II Navy Veteran, and an employee of Harvard Industries (Hayes Industries, Hayes Albion ) for 42 years. After retiring he tutored at St. Joseph Elementary School, and rangered at the Country Club of Jackson, Cascades, and Hankerd Hills golf courses. He spent his last few years at Shanty Creek where he enjoyed his favorite pastime, golf. Among his accomplishments, he was a member of the State Champion American Legion Baseball Team and coached the Jackson Y.M.C.A. basketball team to the state championship. Most importantly, he was a champion at being ageless and enjoying every day and everyone. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Penny; five children, Mike and Laurie Rogers of St. Petersburg, FL., Tim and Cindy Rogers of Port Orange, Fl., Dan and Pam Thatcher of Tampa, FL., Tim and Brooke Tibbe of Grant, MI., Lonn and Shellee Ensing of Sugar Land, TX; fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving him are his sisters, Lois (Jack) Wooster of Jackson, MI., and Lorraine Brannick of St. Petersburg, FL. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Florence Gamble. A celebration of his life will take place at the Summit Hotel, Shanty Creek, Saturday, March 26, at 11 am in the Bellaire Room. A celebration of his life will also take place at the Arbor Grove Congregational Church, Jackson, Saturday, April 2, at 11 am. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Bellaire Community Youth Initiative, P.O. Box 319, Bellaire, MI 49615. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com