Jack Rogers

1932 - 2018

Jack Rogers
January 19, 1932 - December 9, 2018
Remembering Jack
Jack Rogers (Gammaitoni) has finished his time with us on this earth. His life was long, and full of many wonderful times that our family will cherish and talk about forever. Our lives were made richer because of him.
Jack was born to Nello and Edith in Springfield Illinois on January 19, 1932. He was a funny little boy with big brown eyes who loved to find money his Aunt Madeleine would hide in her couch cushions. He talked often about both of his parents families. Of how close they were, and how important that was. It left a lasting impression on him; something he valued his whole life.
At the age of 11, he moved to Warrington Oregon where his parents had found jobs building navy ships for the war effort. It was there that he met the girl who stole his heart. In his own words, "she was the prettiest girl in the whole school." Jack and Elizabeth (Betty) Joan Waln were married January 21, 1951 and settled in Portland Oregon. She became his family, and with her he started his own. Eventually Jack ended up relocating to the treasure valley where he began a career in roofing. It was here that he raised his three good-looking boys, Jack, Mark, and Matt, as well as a beautiful daughter; Gwen.
Jack had qualities that he seemed to have taught himself! He was an extremely hard worker- a true man. He always provided for his family no matter what it took. No job was beneath him. In the years leading up to becoming a roofer, he drove taxi cabs, ambulances, and worked in the Idaho mountains tending cattle. He knew hard times and bad times alike, but he never let anything get the best of him. His life experiences gave him a sense of humor and outlook on life that enabled him to keep getting back up. He passed this fervor on to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Jack was a devoted family man. He taught his children about God and lived a life focused on helping his family in any way needed. Being there to help raise Grandkids and Great Grandkids, his love knew no bounds. Nor did he ever say he was too tired to wrestle, help do homework, or play with the kids in his family. He imprinted the value of being frugal and taught his children simple joys, like going on walks to look for pretty rocks, and taking bouncy drives down old bumpy roads. He did not need a lot of money to entertain! He related to all the kids in his family through every generation, which is a skill many can never master. His
advise was timeless, spoken from a man who had been there/done that. He encouraged the kids in his family to get an education. He knew how important that was. He also encouraged them to be respectful and honor others. How to treat women, and how to be one. He cared immensely for the well-being of his family and worked tirelessly to guide them lovingly in the right direction.
Jack loved his wife Betty, and had spent the last 71 years of their lives together. They frequently took trips to the Oregon coast, bringing all their grandkids multiple times through the years. They have hosted many impromptu backyard BBQ's where family would sit and exchange laughter and stories with them into the late hours of the night. Summer nights and cantaloupe will forever remind us all of them together. As well as John Denver, massive record collections, and having peanut butter sandwiches with a large milk! Family camp outs, Thanksgiving, and the 4th Of July were favorite times for Jack. It was typical to find him reading his Bible, listening to good music, and eating peanuts. They just don't make'em like Jack anymore. He was truly one of a kind, and will be sorely missed. His spirit, tenacity, humor, and stories will live on for eternity in his family. His time here has come to an end, but he is survived by his three sons he was so proud of, his beloved daughter, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved him dearly. We will see you again someday, dear sweet husband, Dad, Grandpa…you are unforgettable.