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
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the passing of Roger. As a patient of his in Vancouver for many years, it was a privilege to know him. He was not only a great doctor, but a gentle and warm-hearted, healing, man. Though I had not seen him for some years, he was often in my mind, and will continue to be so. His passing is, as well as your very personal loss, a loss, I believe, to all who knew him. Love to Marion and all Roger’s family. Ron
My thoughts and condolences go out to you and your family Pip. I know all that is dear will never fade because of his wonderful legacy both in his family and his lifetime achievements.
May you be comforted in memories of your loved one.
Jean
Ali and family.
We are thinking of you today.
Love from Sharlene, Russ and Riley.
Dear Mrs. Dr. Rogers and family
I’m sure you don’t remember “The Webbs”, it’s been so long. I was a close friend of Wendy Pettovello’s and it was she who introduced us to Dr. and “Mrs.” Dr. Rogers. We had a family of five and all the problems that go along with it and I don’t know how we would have survived without the two of you!!! Gord and I have now been married for nearly 56 years (thanks to dear Dr. Rogers) who didn’t brush off emotional problems to just “being a woman” !! He was the most caring man I have ever met !! Please accept our deepest sympathy and sincere thanks for being such a wonderful influence in our lives. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
With Much Love, Gord and Lil Webb
I first went to Dr. Rogers over 50 years ago when I was just 15 years old. His practice was new then. He also delivered my youngest son whom is named Roger in honour of Dr. Rogers. My condolences to the family and I have always and will always remember him with fondness and good memories. He was a warm wonderful kind and compassionate man. Being his patient when I was a young mother I learned much from him and he was always able to make be feel better. My prayers are with the family and due to the travel distance I am unable to attend the funeral. Again my heart felt condolences to Marion and the children and grandchildren.
Merilyn
Dear Marion and your family
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband and father to your children.
Sincerely
Peter
Dear Marion: I want you to know that I have you in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband. Reading the obituary, tells me that he was a generous soul and a kind man.
I regret that I cannot be there at the Celebration of Mr. Rogers’s life.
Will see you soon.
Sincerely
Guy Hamel
My thoughts and condolences to Marion and family.. Dr. Rogers was one of the most special people in my life and on finding cancer had spread further than originally thought and hearing him speak.. he said he would come in early and see me the next morning . He became my doctor that helped me on a difficult journey and I know he did this with so many others .He was known for being so considerate and his care was an example of how it should be . He will not be forgotten and lives on in so many peoples hearts .. eternally grateful.. thank you Dr. Rogers.
http://inspirehealthbc.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/miracle-galaxy-a-self-healing-story-by-della-burford/
Marion and Family
I am saddened to read in today’s Sun of Roger’s passing. While it was 54 years ago that I boarded with his mum while attending UBC, I still have good memories of you and Roger. Medicine has lost a dedicated doctor.
My condolences and hope this finds you in good health.
Bob and Elaine Berze
My thoughts are with you Pip. Last August my husband passed away. He was dealing with dementia and every thing else that could wear out. As wives we made the journey with them. Now we are the boss if there was any doubt. This is a new journey and takes a lot of adjusting to. Our family have been very supportive. I fondly remember the years that we worked together and also the wart