Date of Birth: May 16, 1933
Date of Death: September 4, 2020
Roger died peacefully on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 at the age of 87, in Central Haven Care Home, Saskatoon, with family members by his side. He lived his life with humour, passion, and dedication to his family. His wife of over 65 years, Marie, had visited him that morning.
Roger loved baseball and hockey, and having children involved in the sports was the only excuse he needed to get involved. He coached his sons at different times in both hockey and baseball. Marie and Roger both became very involved in the Melville Minor Sports Association and was the president for a time. In the evenings during hockey season their children knew they could usually find their parents at the rink, at a hockey game or practice, often working in the concession.
Roger was known for his bilingual announcing from the penalty box at many hockey games, giving spectators and players the impression that they were at an NHL game. Roger became a baseball umpire and was recognized for his high standards, sense of fair play and sportsmanship. He served on the Saskatchewan Baseball Association as an umpire mentor for the region, impacting many young adults positively.
Combining the love of baseball and hockey with his love of driving, he also drove the bus for Minor Sports teams, both baseball and hockey, driving them throughout the province for games and tournaments. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the players, their parents and the coaches, occasionally taking some of his family along.
Even as Roger passed gently from this world, his sense of humour prevailed while he visited quietly with family. Roger is survived by: his wife Marie; children, Diane (Terry), Judy (Lee), Doug (Christine), Gail (Lachlan) McLeod, Patrick (Nicole), Ron (Nataghia), Gary and Sharon; grandchildren, Giselle (Shaun), Monique, Ariana (Foster), Jared, Owen and Benjamin; sister, Dorilla (Dolly); and brother, Peter (Betty).
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Barbara; his siblings, Victoria, Bernice, Yvan, Yolia, Frank, Clarence, and Bob.
The family would like to thank everyone at Central Haven for their compassionate care and kindness. Condolences may be left at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home (306) 244-5577.
