Mr. Roger Gideon Zener

Roger Gideon Zener was born on April 20, 1932 in Bellingham, Washington. Soon after Roger’s birth his family moved to Portland, Oregon. He graduated from Grant High School and then went on to the University of Oregon, graduating in 1954. Roger married his high school sweetheart Elinor “Ditsy� Fields later that year. The newlyweds spent the next 2 years in Kansas City, Missouri where Roger served in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his military service, Roger and Ditsy returned to Portland where “they walked through life together�. Roger’s entire career was spent in the life insurance industry. In 1976, he entered the home office of the Standard Insurance Company where he became a popular speaker at all the top industry events. His speaking engagements took he and Ditsy all over the world. He was honored to have spoken at prestigious industry meetings such as Top of the Table, Million Dollar Round Table and many others. He wrote, “Opening the Closed Mind� a book that included many of his favorite concepts. He found great pleasure in helping others find success in the insurance industry. Roger retired in 1994 as Vice President of Industry Relations. Roger was most proud of his accomplishments as husband and father. Together, he and Ditsy raised 5 children. Despite his busy career, Roger went to great lengths to remain involved in his kid’s lives. He spent his free time coaching CYO teams, attending sporting events and volunteering for various school projects. The family spent many happy days at the family mountain cabin at Arrah Wanna on the Salmon River. As his kids grew, he was happy that all 5 married and started families here in Portland. He spent countless hours helping them fix up the homes they bought. When the first grandkids arrived, he began new traditions and sharing his passion for the mountains, fishing, golf and tennis with them. Roger had many friends, some going as far back as high school. He always looked forward to a good game of golf or tennis with his buddies. He was a longtime member of the Irvington Tennis Club in northeast Portland. His fondest memories were of the trips he took with family friends to Black Butte, Hawaii and the Salmon River cabin. Roger faced his final days with dignity and grace, his positive attitude always present. He was a loving and supportive husband and father. If you knew him, you know just how extraordinary he was! He leaves his wife of 56 years Ditsy, children Kim Boehm(Randy), Christy York(John), Tammy Harrison(Curt), Ken(Heidi), Cliff(Maryanne); grandchildren, Nick, Adam, Michael, Jake, Matt, Emily, Katie, Curtis, Lydia, Ellie, Alec, Hannah, Evan, Jillian, William, Sam: great-grandson, John Linden; sister, Joan Vanetta; brother in law Frank Fields. A celebration of Roger’s life will be held Monday, November 29 at 1 pm in St. Mary Magdalene Church. Memorial donations can be made in Roger’s name to: Camp Arrah Wanna, 24075 E Arrah Wanna Blvd, Welches, OR 97067 (memo: In memory of Roger Zener)