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Harvey Rookus, 89, died 18 March 2013 of subdural hematoma. Born to James and Katherine (Curtis) Rookus, Long Beach, CA, 17 May 1923, he attended Long Beach schools and Long Beach Junior College before joining the Army Corp of Engineers.
Before being sent to the China-Burma-India theater he married Wilma Carroll, dau of Almeron and Annie (Gribble) Carroll, Long Beach, on 31 Aug 1943, and in 2012 they celebrated their 69th anniversary. Their children are Kathy, in Alaska, Peggy and children Karen, Deanna and Kevin in California, Alan, in Alaska and Eric and daughter Ashlie in Texas. They have 6 great grand children.
Discharged in January 1946 and employed by Richfield Oil Corp as a Surveyor, he earned his California LS License, later Land Surveyor in Utah and Alaska. Was Chairman, Southern California Chapter of the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping.
Was active in Boy Scouts as Cubmaster and Scoutmaster with his two sons who became Eagle Scouts, as was he. Had short and long distance sailing as a hobby, participating in the Trans-Pacific Yacht Race to Hawaii twice and once to Tahiti. Past president of the Bellflower Gem and Mineral Society, and sang in his Baptist church choir.
Transferred by ARCO to Anchorage, Alaska in 1973 he surveyed another ten years for Alyeska and ARCO-Alaska on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, retiring in 1983, He volunteered for and was a major donor at the Blood Bank of Alaska, active in Anchorage Amateur Radio Club (NL7DK), where he was President and Newsletter Editor for many years. He participated in several Iditarod Trail Races and Saturday runs, walks, rides, etc. doing "ham" communication, as well as keeping in touch with "Old China Hands" and CBI Vets. Was also in Civil Air Patrol Search and Rescue unit, Muni. Emergency Services, and Special Olympics communications.
Has been an officer of the Alaska Chapter Sons of the American Revolution for years, spent time working on his family genealogy with the Anchorage Genealogical Society, volunteering at the Loussac Public Library. He and his wife received Honorary Life Memberships from a CA school and the AGS.
Family trailer-camping for many years was combined with rock-hunting to form many memories and appreciation for the outdoors, especially in California and Alaska. Mr. Rookus made friends easily and will be remembered for his "stories" and jokes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Wilma and Family-Such great rememberances of "Friend Harvey" and all the good times we enjoyed. He will be missed but the fond memories will be cherished forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Curtis Foster
April 1, 2013
Wilma and family,
Your Harvey was a special man who stood tall and always had a ready smile. He will be missed by all who had the privilage of knowing him and the Volunteer work he did for the Anchorage Genealogical Society and others will never be forgotten. I remember him as the GARU of the Microfiche at the Loussac. Know you both are loved by many!
Nancy
Nancy Ferko
April 1, 2013
Harvey was a good husband, father, grandfather, and friend. I, and my family, are grateful
for the opportunity to have known him.
Arlene Steward
March 31, 2013
Toni and I are saddened by the loss of Harv. He was fun to listen to. I will miss his homespun type stories. He was a good guy.
Stan Kurczynski
March 29, 2013
Kathy, I'm sorry for your loss.
Marge Baker
March 29, 2013
Harvey was a very kind man. I am sorry to hear about his passing. My condolences to the family.
Michelle fritz
March 29, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Quite the life he led.
Kathleen Madden
March 29, 2013
Rest in Peace, Harvey E. Rookus and may Perpetual Light shine upon thee! Prayers ascending on high for your wife and family. Thank you so much for your service to our Nation!
Tom Mitchell
March 28, 2013
Wilma and Family:
We are so saddened by the passing of Harvey. He was such a fine gentleman and a tremendously positive influence in our community. We remember he primarily as President, Sons of the American Revolution. We will mail a Mass card to you and are praying for your family during this very difficult time.
Sincere condolences,
Tom and Theresa Obermeyer
Thomas, Jimmy, Margaret, and Matt
Tom and Theresa Obermeyer
March 28, 2013
What a wonderful friend Harvey was to all who knew him!! He will be missed by so many!!I will never forget him and his wonderful family!!!
dot bierman
March 28, 2013
Harvey was a real pleasure to work with at ARCO. His stories of surveying the pipeline with his BP counterpart were fun to listen to.
He was one of the old time ARCO good guys.
Jim Steward
March 28, 2013
Wilma and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of need. I have been away from Alaska for a few years, but remember both of you very well through DAR and AGS. God Be With You today and always.
Beverly Franks
March 28, 2013
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