Died peacefully on November 22, 2011 in Victoria after an eight year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He leaves his loving wife of 51 years, Marion (nee Cowley); his three children, Gordon (Gina), Geoffrey and Alison Trembath (Toby); three grandchildren, Chelsea, Brittany and Amelia; niece, Susan and countless colleagues; friends and patients.
Roger was born in Vancouver on February 6, 1928. He received his BA and BSW from UBC and practised group social work until he entered medicine in 1955. He interned at St. Paul’s Hospital and practised as a Family Doctor in Vancouver for twenty five years, emphasizing prevention and an holistic approach to health. Gradually his interests led him into alternative and complementary medicine, especially for cancer patients and the founding with his colleague, Dr. Hal Gunn, of the Centre for Integrated Healing , now InspireHealth, in Vancouver. He opened a satellite office in Sidney in 2001, retiring in 2005. Roger was the grateful recipient of many awards and acknowledgements, culminating in the presentation of the Order of British Columbia in 2001 for “outstanding pioneer work in alternative and complementary medicine.” The Hecht Foundation has established a quarter million dollar prize in his name given biennially to a leader in complementary and alternative medicine. Roger was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. Although his medical work was the centrepiece of his life, he enjoyed family camping and hiking, travel, boating and fishing. He was an active member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in North Saanich, serving as a sidesman and president of the Men’s Club.
A Service of Celebration of Roger’s Life will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Mills Rd. and West Saanich Rd.,North Saanich, on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Flowers are gratefully declined. A donation in Roger’s name may be made to InspireHealth, 1330 W 8th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V6H 4A6. Special thanks to the dedicated and caring staff of the second floor of the Central Care Home in Victoria who made such a difficult journey bearable. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
25 Responses
Marion, Sandi and I are thinking of you during this time. We were aware of the difficult last few years.
It was for me such a delight to have been in the same graduating class as the 2 of you. I do believe that Roger’s various involvements in medical practice were as fulfilling for him as mine have been for me.
Love from David and Sandi Harder
Dear Marion and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love Joanne.
To Rogers family:
Edna and I were very sorry and saddened by the News of Dr. Rogers passing.
Please give our heartfelt condolence to Dr. Marion Rogers who has been a life long partner to such a wonderful man.
Love Edna and Wayne Waters.
Pip I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear of your husbands passing. This getting older is getting harder with friends and friends love ones passing. I remember you fondly Lillian
Dear Dr Marion and family
I was so shocked to hear of Dr Rogers passing and I offer you my deepest sympathies for your loss as a husband and father to your family. He was a super person in my journey of life and was the person who brought my two sons (Michael & Robbie) into this world and provided my ex wife (Sharon) and I much needed marital counselling in the early years.. My family and I are extremely grateful for his guidance and medical knowledge while he was in his Vancouver practice and he will be eternally etched in my memory as a great and compassionate man.
Gratefully yours and with deepest sympathies
Dave Milliken and Doriel
Vancouver
Dear Pip, Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear one. Our prayers are with you at this sad time.
Dear Marion,
We remember with pleasure the times we have visited with you and Roger. He was a wonderful person and so easy to talk to.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Love, Julian and Sylvia Hawryszko
Dear Marion and Family;
May you all find Peace and comfort in Roger’s life, and passing. A true gentleman, wonderful father and a poineer in his career of alternative medicine. My thoughts are with you, and we are all better people for having known him.
Regards;
Jim O’Neil
Dear Marion and family. We are so saddened to learn about the news of Mr. Rogers passing. His obituary is so beautifully written and although we didn’t personally know him, many of his values are shared by Marion and demonstrated each time she volunteers her time at the airport as a dedicated member of our Victoria Airport Red Coats. We wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Your friends at the Victoria Airport are thinking of you.
Most sincerely.
Anita Kardos and team at the Victoria International Airport
Marion, so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. I have fond memories of you both at St. Mary’s and on the trip to Oberammergau.
With my condolences
Judith Parkes