Michael Rogers

1944 - 2015

Michael E. Rogers passed away after a long battle with cancer, at the age of 71, in the early hours of Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. He was surrounded by his family when he was called home. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty; their four children, Dimitri, Kzuriam, Anwar and Richard; six grandchildren; and his only brother, Richard. Michael was born in Seattle, Wash., on Jan. 17, 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, at the age of 17, and served from Aug. 18, 1961, through March 24, 1965. It is during his service to his country that he contracted Mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. He would go on to become an electrician after his military service and moved to Alaska, to aid in the building of the Alaska Oil Pipeline, in 1979. He later married Betty and together they raised four children, making Anchorage their permanent home. He worked as an expert electrician and foreman for various companies, even teaching his sons, Dimitri and Anwar, the trade. He also enjoyed being a carpenter as a hobby and often sewed clothes and blankets for his children as they were growing up, and later his grandchildren. When he was diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 70, he was still working at Tesla Electric, a company he helped his son, Dimitri, form. He was a fighter to the end, but reached out to God for peace when he heard the calling. A private family viewing will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, at 10 a.m. A public service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E Street in Anchorage, on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, at 10 a.m. His remains will be cremated, per his wishes. There will be a procession to inter his remains at Fort Richardson National Cemetery on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, at 3 p.m. A better husband, father and grandfather one could never meet. Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.