Roger Strand

1934 - 2017

Strand, Roger
Senior United States District Judge, Roger Gordon Strand passed away on September 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 83. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Williams Strand who was in attendance at the time he passed away. Judge Strand is also survived by his sister Priscilla Berry of Oxford, Ohio; his wife's sister and her husband Betty and Martin Bender of Naperville, Illinois; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Roger was born in Peekskill, New York to Ernest Gordon Strand and Lisabeth (nee. Phin) Strand. He attended preparatory school at St. Andrew's College in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. A member of the cricket club and the cadet corps, where he wore the Gordon kilt and marched to the pipes. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York in 1955. Following that Roger then attended Officer Candidates School in Newport, Rhode Island, where he received a commission as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserves. He was honorably discharged in 1962 with the rank of Lieutenant. Roger entered Law School at Cornell University in 1958 and graduated and graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree in 1961. During Law School, Roger met his wife Joan, which led to their marriage and their move to Arizona in November of 1961. Judge Strand began his legal career as an Associate in the law firm of Fennemore, Craig, Allen and McClennen in 1961. Just over six years later Governor Jack Williams (AZ) appointed Roger as Judge of the Arizona Superior court where he served for seventeen and a half years. During 1968, he became a graduate of the National College of State Trial Judges and thereafter served on a faculty of the college for over six years. Judge Strand was active in the affairs of the Arizona Judges Association, serving as the body's President in 1985. Roger was also an active member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Arizona, and the Maricopa County Bar Association. In July of 1985, then President Ronald Regan appointed Judge Strand as a district judge for the District of Arizona. Taking his oath of office on August 20, 1985, he served as a judge for the district until the day of his passing. During his long and decorated career Judge Strand also served as the Chair of the Committee on District Judge Education for the Federal Judicial Center; the Judicial Council's Committee on Education as well as the Committee Information Technology; and finally as a member of the Ninth Circuit's Judicial Council. In 2010 Roger's biography appeared in twenty-seventh edition of Who's Who in the World. Roger's personal life was as rewarding as his professional life. Upon moving to Phoenix, Roger and Joan joined the Phoenix Art Museum as active members. He enjoyed working with the Men's Art Council. Through these contacts and activities he and Joan forged many lasting friendships that endure to this day. Roger and Joan were active in the local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, Roger serving as the body's President for a time. Roger, along with Joan, enjoyed their memberships in the Valley Field Riding and Polo Club and the Phoenix Country Club. Additionally both were active holders of a General Class Amateur Radio License. Roger was also an active member of the Phoenix Rotary Club 100, having served on its Board of Directors on two occasions. One of Roger and Joan's most enjoyable pastimes was the study of private flying and eleven years of adventure in their Cessna 172. Both became personal pilots with instrument ratings, with Roger earning a Flight Instructor and Multi Engine Flight Instructor rating. A close friend introduced Roger to sailing and skiing to the extent that he became qualified as a skipper of a forty foot sloop. He and Joan sailed in the waters off Belize and had delightful vacations in Vail, Winter Park, Telluride, Aspen, and Whistler in addition to our local ski centers. Roger and his family request in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 21 at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 6300 North Central Avenue, followed by a reception at the Phoenix Country Club. Visit the guest book at www.almoore-grimshaw.com