Carmel, CA – Roy Rogers, 66, died peacefully with his family by his side on October 31, 2011.
He faced his battle with pancreatic cancer with courage, and without complaint. His favorite day of the year was always October 31 … Halloween. Roy was born October 16, 1945 in Hollister, CA to Frank and Emma Rogers.
Roy was a hairdresser in Carmel, a career the spanned 49 years, only interrupted by his military service.
Roy was always excited with all his many opportunities of world travel over the years. But his most happy days were those spent in his salon. He frequently said, “I am never going to retire. I love going to work everyday!”
His salon also housed his huge collection of original Roy Rogers, King of the Cowboys memorabilia collection. There were not many people in downtown Carmel who did not know and love Roy; many would agree that they had never met a kinder person than Roy.
In 2000 Roy was honored by the City Council as a “Carmel-by-the-Sea Unsung Hero” for his years of helping others.
For over 25 years Roy was a volunteer for Hospice of the Central Coast; in 2008 he was awarded the statewide Gift of the Heart Award, as the volunteer of the year.
Roy was an ex-Navy man; he was a veteran of a year’s tour in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in November 1971. Roy shared his life for over 30 years with his Life Partner, Dennis. He is also survived by an extended loving family – including his Mom, Emma and his sister, Della – in Hollister, Modesto, Yuba City, Chico, Maryland, and the UK. His nieces and nephews and his grand-nieces and nephews were his special joys in life. Roy’s cousin, Kathy was his life-long best friend.
We have profound gratitude for all those who compassionately cared for Roy this year. Mark Vierra, M.D., Jerry Rubin, M.D. and his loving , attentive staff; and the incredible men and women of Terrace West (yes, you too Molly!) and Dharma. A special thank you to “The Gate Keepers”, Beth, Karen, David, Gary, Bob, Daniel, and Jerry. We could not have gotten through this journey without our special friends, Judy Ivy, Nora Walsh, Andi, Jerry, and Beth Stratton.
Hospice of the Central Coast came to our rescue during Roy’s final days; we instantly loved Katie the Nurse! We will forever be grateful to Ophelia, Christine, and Glenda for quietly, lovingly watching over Roy during his final days. Roy’s Hospice friend, Dee, came during Roy’s final hours and sang “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” for him as he drifted away from us.
Per Roy’s instructions, there will be no services; his ashes are to be scattered at Papohaku Beach, HI and near the Tassajara Zen Buddhist Retreat in the Ventana Wilderness.
A Gathering of Friends and Family, a party, will be held at 500 Del Mesa Carmel, Carmel, CA 93923 on Sunday, November 13, 2011. This will be held as an open house, without ceremony, 1:30-5:00 P.M. Please car pool, as parking is limited.
