Jack Rogers, 86

Jack Warren Rogers, 86, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, died Oct. 28, 2015. He was born June 20, 1929, in Stillwater, Okla., to William Warren “Bill” and Kate A. (Newberry) Rogers. The family lived on a small creek-side acreage, raising animals, vegetables and selling pecans from the tree on the property. Jack grew up as the eldest son of four children: sisters Ruth Marion (Pecorelli) and Katherine Florence (Gambrell) and a brother, William Henry “Hank” Rogers.

A complex man of varied interests, Jack loved photography, music, language, hiking, camping, woodworking, traveling and above all, he loved his cherished wife of 37 years, Marlys (Anderson) Rogers. Jack and Marlys met and married in Coeur d’Alene on July 1, 1978. He lived the happiest years of his life in her company, and being the romantic soul he was, told the world about his love for Marlys and the life they led on the shores of Lake Fernan.

Jack’s father was the lead electrician for Oklahoma State University. As a young boy Jack was welcomed on campus by the professors who always answered his questions seriously. At age 12, he was asked to teach a photography class there.

Jack attended Oklahoma State University, joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and attributed that exposure to the world and new thought as inspiration for the rest of his life. He loved words, knowledge, free thinking and he gained access to bright minds at OSU and never looked back. He acknowledged the housemother in the fraternity for educating him on manners and social mores that became, ultimately, the foundation of his bearing and deportment. He was a gentleman through and through and expected the same of his offspring.

After college, he worked as a reporter for the Amarillo Times Newspaper in Amarillo, Texas, for several years. During those years he carried his typewriter on scene at fires, traffic incidents and to area farms. He then moved to become an insurance adjuster in Hereford and Dimmitt, Texas, in 1959. In 1968, he relocated to Boulder, Colo., founding the Jack Rogers Insurance Agency. Operating a highly successful business with carefully chosen clientele, he retired, for the first time, at the age of 45. He moved to Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, where he indulged his love of photography and wilderness, taking and developing some of the most incredible photographs of his career while on contract with BC Hydro to document snow pack.

After returning to the states, he started the Rogers Insurance Agency in 1977 in Coeur d’Alene. He met Marlys, the love of his life, when arranging his business affairs. They went on to have a wonderful life full of love, travel and general good fun.

Jack influenced his entire family with his insatiable curiosity and supportive nature. For example, one grandson is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist with the Tampa Bay Times, three grandchildren attended the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.; one is a ballerina with the Cincinnati Ballet Company, and three are attorneys. His pride in their accomplishments is beyond measure.

As Jack developed dementia, Marlys tenderly cared for him until his passing. All commented on how happy he was in the last years of his life. He often spoke of having found contentment looking out his big living room window at the lake, his dog Bandit at his side.

Jack is survived by his brother, Henry (and wife Pat); three children, Cindy (and Lonnie) Bailey; their four children, Chris, Erin, Micah and Shannon; Linda Rogers LaForgia and her children, Michael, Elizabeth and Christina; Jack Warren Jr. and his son, Joseph Geronimo; and many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by a stillborn son, Gary, in 1956 and son, William Henry “Hank” Rogers in 1988. Hank’s son, Josh Rogers, survives. His 10 great-grandchildren will undoubtedly be reminded of his character and personality throughout their lives.

He also loved and cared for several stepchildren; Jeff and Jodie Anderson and their children, Margo, Douglas and Jordon; Kim (Anderson) Hintz; Sherry Austin Hardage and her son, Garret; Shelby Austin and Shelley Austin (Matt Small) and their children, Ben and Will.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Kate; sisters Ruth and Katherine; sons Hank and Gary; along with several aunts and uncles.

A celebration of Jack’s life is planned for the spring of 2016. Yates Funeral Homes is in care of final arrangements. Please visit Jack’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.