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Roger Evershed Obituary
1940 ~ 2020
Roger Blaine Evershed, age 79, died on January 18, 2020, in Salt Lake City due to complications with appendicitis and subsequent infection. He was born on February 25,1940, in Manti, Utah, to Orville Blaine Evershed and Laura Braithwaite Evershed.
Roger Evershed was a devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather, trusted friend, and disciple of Jesus Christ. He was a wise adviser and mentor to many. His kind eyes, quick wit, and warm smile instantly brought love and happiness. His unexpected death has brought immeasurable loss to his family and friends. However, we are grateful for the messages he preached that life continues after this mortal experience.
Roger's life was his family. The light of his life was his wife, Paula, and their 50th Wedding Anniversary would have been in September, 2020. People often commented how Roger looked and smiled at her. His greatest joy was to be with Paula, whether traveling or simply sharing an evening at home.
Roger's greatest treasures were his seven children - Laura, Brandon, Ryan, Morgan, Nathan, Sarah, and Roger Jr. He loved to encourage, lead, and advise them. He loved to make memories with his children, to share their accomplishments, and to support their endeavors. Family traditions, including vacations in San Diego and Christmas parties, were priorities. Roger viewed his sons and daughters in-law as his own and he cherished his 26 grandchildren.
Roger had a deep and abiding faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Roger served a mission in Brazil, a country where four of his children would also serve as missionaries. He and Paula were preparing to serve a mission later this year and were hoping to serve in Brazil. At the time of his death, he was serving as a high councilor in the Salt Lake Stake, and earlier served as a counselor in the bishopric, a president of the Stake Seventy's Quorum, a High Priest Group Leader, a young men's leader, and a teacher. Roger enjoyed working on family history and sharing stories about his ancestors. He showed his devotion by how he lived, how he loved, how he taught, and how he strived to be a disciple of Christ.
Roger was a proud graduate of South High School and served on its alumni association for many years. He obtained a bachelor's degree in math at the University of Utah. Roger's business experience was vast as he was involved in sales, engineering, construction, and real estate. He worked hard, had fun, found great success, and was a wonderful provider to his family.
Roger enjoyed life and learning. He was very curious, read countless books, and continued to cultivate his mind up until his last hours. He loved to travel, ski at Brighton with family, golf with friends and family, especially at the Rose Park golf course, and run. Roger finished a marathon and twice ran in the Ragnar relay, even when he was 74 years-old. He loved his country, enjoyed politics, ran for public office, and served as a party delegate multiple times.
A great and constant blessing in Roger's life were his many cherished friends. His family is especially grateful for these wonderful associations and all of their support to Roger over these many years and decades.
Thank you Roger, Dad, and Grandpa for your faith, your smile, your kindness, your patience, your love, and for that sparkle in your eye. We will miss you terribly but will do our best to follow your words and your example. You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, and you have kept the faith. (2 Tim. 4:6-7).
Roger is survived by his wife Paula Jean Sagers Evershed, his daughter Laura Evershed Johnsen (Justin), his son Brandon Roger Evershed, his son Ryan Blaine Evershed (Natalie), his son Morgan Paul Evershed (Lindsay), his son Nathan John Evershed (Emily), his daughter Sarah Evershed Van Oostendorp (Jordan), his son Roger Blaine Evershed Jr. (Natalie), his sister Maxine Evershed Eldredge (Ed), his brother Richard Evershed, and his twenty-six grandchildren who all adored him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Orville Blaine Evershed, and his mother, Laura Braithwaite Evershed.
A viewing will be held Friday, January 24, 2020 from 6-8pm at the Ensign Peak Ward, located at 155 North Sandrun Road, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 11am at the Ensign Peak Ward. A viewing will be held one hour prior at 10am.
Interment at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Thank you to City View Mortuary for their services.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Evershed
Robert SYKES
January 18, 2025
Five years have passed since Roger left us. I remember him often. His love and service to others were some of his many strengths. I was his assistant when he served as High Priest Group Leader and we visited so many people. Everyone loved Roger. We traveled together and shared many unforgetable experiences. I miss him deeply.
Jerry Fenn
January 17, 2025
It is hard to believe that it will be five years tomorrow since Roger died. When I pass by the Evershed home and when I am on the golf course, I frequently think of Roger. He was a great friend. I miss him. I haven´t found someone yet who is willing to hit the links on short notice like Roger. We had great times talking about church, family, politics and current affairs. He is was always a great example to me, because he was insightful, patient and tolerant. I believe someday we see our friends again. I hope there is golf in heaven.
I send my love to all his family. I have fond memories of being the bishop of the Evershed children when they were growing up. I hope all of the family´s grief is assuaged somewhat by their memories of what a great man Roger was and is!
Robert and my wife Rebecca at Marksburg Castle.
Robert SYKES
January 18, 2021
All,
It has been a year since Roger departed. Rebecca and I think about Roger and Paula often. We talked about him just this morning. Such a wonderful, kind, intelligent and gentle soul. We were so fortunate to have taken a Rhein River cruise with Roger and Paula in August 2019.
Bob and Rebecca Sykes
JAMES HUDSON
January 17, 2021
back in our early days a group of friends would always gather together and either play baseball or basketball at the near mc kay ward or where ever we could, so we spent a lot of time including Roger, this group was known as the Emerson Gang, the stewerts, ash's, bernson's, sund's, margarett's,hudson's, walke's and others, so we were close and was sad to here that Roger had passed, many of this group still exist today, and so hope many of those remaining will reflect on the time we had. thank you, Jack Hudson
Sarah Evershed VanOostendorp
February 1, 2020
It's been so nice to read all of these comments. Thank you! I don't think this pain will ever go away but I'm very comforted to know I will see my dad again someday. Dad, thank you for always being there for me. Keep coming back. I love you daddy!
Judy Maack
January 27, 2020
Dear Evershed Family:
Roger and I grew up in the same neighborhood and attended Hawthorne, Lincoln Jr. and South High together. Also McKay Ward (when it existed). While I had not seen him in many years, we reacquainted at the 60th South High Reunion this past summer. I met his wife for the first time and he also let us know his son was running for District Attorney. I was impressed and voted for him based on Roger's recommendation. Naturally, a proud Father! I was stunned to learn of his passing. So unexpected. May his family be comforted by his love and great accomplishments on this Earth. My deepest condolences to the entire Evershed Family.
Sincerely,
Judy Beckstead Maack
Nathan Evershed
January 27, 2020
Dad, I am so lucky to be your son. I learned so much from you. You taught me to think, to laugh, to love, to work hard, to believe in others, and to have faith. I will miss you every day. But I am glad that you will still be watching over me and giving me some good prodding. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for everything.
Paul & Laura Sagers
January 24, 2020
God bless the Evershed Family.
January 24, 2020
Dear Evershed Family,
Unfortunately, Corinne and I won't be able to be with you for your dad's memorial service this weekend, but we wanted to let you know of our feelings of love for all of you and our admiration for Roger. He has always set the standard for the rest of us as a great husband, father, servant, and friend. He was a great friend. Hopefully the pain of his sudden leaving will be somewhat balanced by the knowledge that he'll still be vitally interested in all of you, encouraging and helping however he can.
God bless you now and n all he days ahead.
Stephen and Corinne Sorenson
January 23, 2020
Maxine & Ed,
I was so sorry to read of the passing of your brother. I have many sweet memories of you & your family, I was blessed to have you as dear friends & share so many happy times as we were growing up. Roger lived a full righteous & happy life, he had a wonderful family & completed his earthly mission with honor. May you feel peace in knowing where he is & comfort in your knowledge of Heavenly Father's eternal plan.
Bless you & his family.
With our sincere sympathy
Love
Carol & Dale Torgerson
January 23, 2020
Roger is a gentle man, and also a gentleman. I loved his kind ways of including everyone. I am grateful for the wonderful way he and Paula embraced and encouraged family "togetherness." We would not have had any contact with the Eversheds had it not been for their organization and dedication. We love you both very much, and appreciate your goodness. Love, Mike and Maria
Jerry Fenn
January 23, 2020
We received a phone call while driving on I-15 last Saturday in St. George informing us that Roger had passed away. I was so stunned I almost drove off the road. I didn't have words. I felt immediately a great sense of personal loss. Sara and I have known Roger and Paula for many many years, living about 4 houses away. Roger served as my counselor In the Ensign Peak Ward bishopric. He is a remarkable warm, wise, kind and calm man who I relied on a great deal for solid counsel as a young 30-something bishop. In the years since we have become golfing buddies and we played many great rounds of golf, mainly at Rose Park, where we shared our joys and sorrows about family, business, the church, the ward and many other subjects. I will miss more than I can express the therapy of those golfing outings. Roger was a wonderful friend.
We offer our love to Paula and to their children. I watched his children grow up. They are his and Paula's greatest accomplishment. While his unexpected death will always be painful and the sorrow will go on for his loved ones until a day of glorious reunion, I live by this simple faith and hope: when a faithful son or daughter of God goes into the Spirit World, if they have walked in the light and continued to grow from grace to grace in striving to keep the covenants they have made with God, their passing easily through the door of death into the Spirit World is a day of glory and reward, when the assurance is received that the days of testing are over and eternal life is the reward. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. (Psalm 116:15). May his loved ones have the peace and hope of a glorious reunion with this great man.
Jerry and Sara Fenn
JACK HUDSON
January 23, 2020
TO THE EVERSHED FAMILY; MOST OF YOUR FAMILY PROBABLY DO NOT KNOW ME AND SOME OF US WHO HANG TOGETHER AS KIDS FROM ROSEVELT AND EMERSON AVE HOMES BACK WHEN WE ALL PLAYED BALL TOGETHER AND DID THINGS WHAT KIDS DID BACK WHEN. MOST OF US WENT TO SOUTH HIGH AND LINCOLN ON STATE STREET AND LATER EVEN PLAYED BALL FOR THE MCKAY WARD FOR SOME TIME. IT WAS HURTFUL TO HEAR ABOUT ROGER BECAUSE ANOTHER FRIEND, RON ASH DIED A FEW WEEKS PRIOR AND SO IT ONLY HIGHLLIGHTS TO THE REST OF US TO ENJOY THOSE WE LOVE AND TO REMIND EACH OTHER OF THAT.
JACK AND HY HUDSON
Robert SYKES
January 23, 2020
This is an email I sent to the High Council of the Salt Lake Stake a few days ago.
Brethren,
Some of you may not have heard the sad news that Roger Evershed, our High Council colleague, passed away this morning from complications of surgery.
Roger and I were very good friends. Outside of family, he was probably my closest friend. I have known him well for about 40 years. Most recently, we served together for about four years in the High Priest Group of the Ensign Peak Ward. During that time, under his inspirational leadership as the High
Priest Group Leader, we made hundreds of visits to the sick, elderly and needy.
He had such a kind and gentle way about him. People loved and trusted him.
One of his delights in this life was doing the work for the dead, and teaching others how to do it. He organized a Sunday School class a few years ago and taught and encouraged dozens of Ward members to do family history.
Although he was exceptionally bright and capable, and a true intellect, he was extraordinarily humble and patient. I don't think I ever heard him say a bad word about anybody. He cared deeply about his family and sacrificed much for their welfare.
Paula was the love of his life. Roger and Paula took a wonderful eight day river cruise this summer with Rebecca and I up the Rhein River, from Amsterdam to Basel. We so enjoyed our time together. We went to the Van Gogh Museum, sat together at dinners, palled around in most of the ports, attended a Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ in Strasburg, France, hung out in our stateroom, and chatted on the deck. One of my best memories of that trip,
among many with Roger, was his explanation of how he met and courted his wife Paula, decades ago. It was a remarkable story of faith and love.
He is loved and will be missed.
Thanks.
Bob Sykes
January 23, 2020
Roger and myself were close friends when he lived on Princeton Avenue. During summer vacation we would play board games (monopoly etc) most of the time on the kitchen floor. I remember his mother always being a kind person. Roger and his family moved down by Liberty Park and I never saw much of Roger after the move. I give condolences to his family.
Richard Osborn
Robert Luerssen
January 23, 2020
My heart, love & blessings go out to Roger & his beautiful family as they mourn his passing. He will be missed on the high council where we served together. He gave me great words of comfort just four months ago during the passing of my wife. I pray the Lord will comfort his family as he comforted me knowing the day will come when we all meet together in heaven.
January 22, 2020
Roger was a wonderful, kind, and caring man. I had the pleasure of getting to know him while working with his son, Nathan. It was easy to see how much he loved his family and how they loved him. Our sincere condolences to the Evershed family. With love, Steve & Cindie Quintana
Sue & John Laing
January 22, 2020
Dear Evershed family,
It was our great privilege to work closely with Roger for several years in our callings as temple and family history consultants under his most capable direction as our high councilor.
Our hearts go out to you for your great and unexpected loss. You are in our prayers. We will miss him enormously but can picture him already in the gospel harness serving the Savior on the other side of the veil in this wonderful work he loved.
Condolences, John and Sue Laing
Ryan
January 22, 2020
Dad, your loss is so devastating. Words cannot describe how we all feel. We will never get over it. You were such a great example and inspiration. I feel so lucky to have had you as my father and best friend. Now Rest In Peace knowing you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to you on that day.
Weston Boyack
January 22, 2020
Great man that raised a great family. Roger will be missed along with his wonderful example he left us. The Evershed family is in our thoughts and prayers.
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