[JWBear]

I'm back home now. The service was very nice. Afterwards, our family all went to my sister's to hang out for a few hours; talking and reminiscing.

I’m doing much better now.

For anyone who is interested, here is a brief bio of that remarkable man that was my Dad:

Life and times of George Rogers

George was born on December 28, 1922 to Roland and Elisabeth Keithline Rogers in Jenningsville, Pennsylvania. The family moved to Endicott, New York when he was young. He attended Endicott High for two years. George left school to help his family and took a job at the Endicott-Johnson shoe factory. On March 14, 1942 he married Ann M. James in Union Center, NY. Also in 1942 he was hired by IBM as a lathe operator beginning what would be a 40 year career with the company.

On July 26, 1943 George enlisted in the Navy. Assigned to engineering, he attended school in Boston, MA and later awaited deployment to the Pacific in Oakland, CA. George shipped out with the SeaBee’s and participated in the invasion of Okinawa. While in the Navy he attained the rank of Machinist Mate First Class. He returned to Endicott after the war ended and resumed his career with IBM.

In 1951 George moved the family which at that time included three daughters to California. IBM had transferred him to Los Angeles and the family settled in Pasadena. He lived up to the “I’ve been moved” motto of IBM traveling all over Calif. His career also included a short stint at IBM headquarters in White Plans NY. Many promotions later, George finished his career in 1982 as Regional Manager for Customer Service in the small business machine division, heading up an area including all of Southern Calif., Nevada, and Arizona.

Through out the years his favorite past times have been outdoor activities, country music, and motorhoming. He shared his love of the outdoors with youth groups including MYF, Jobe’s Daughters, YMCA Indian Guides, and Boy Scouts. He has been a member of BPOE, Masons, and Rotary. He has been a charter member of two Methodist congregations. George was on staff of the Long Beach Grand Prix for over 13 years. He and Ann began camping years ago in tents. Eventually he moved up to motorhomes and was active in the Family Motor Coach Assoc. He held may positions with FMCA including Calif. Chapter President for three years and National Vice President. George and Ann traveled extensively since his retirement

George is survived by his wife Ann: Daughters Eileen Swingle, Bobbi d’Arc; Sons: Thomas J. Rogers and John W. Rogers, his Sister Dorothy Frear, 13 Grandchildren and 13 Great-Grandchildren He is proceeded in death by his parents, seven brothers and sisters, and his beloved daughter Georgieanna.