Roger Kenward Sexton

Hi. I'm a stranger; you don't know me. I know it's been a couple years since Rodger passed away, but I was watching Survivor 6, and sometimes I like to see what the contestants are doing now. When I researched him and saw that Roger passed away from Lew Body Dementia, I had to try to reach out. I am currently caring for my husband who has LBD; he was diagnosed about 1.5 years ago. It's an awful disease, and the way my husband is slipping away from me is devastating. He is also a Vietnam veteran like Roger was. His VA doctor says we are the point of starting Hospice, but I'm not quite on board with that yet. I know it hasn't been long, but I hope your family has found peace. Patty

Diane,
you, the kids and the grand kiddos were awesome as you walked alongside Roger to the end of his journey!

Whether it be hiking the dusty trails and roads of the Oakland Hills near Roger’s home or trudging the creeks at my place, it seemed we were both incredibly comfortable roaming the outdoors. As his younger cousin I realized at a very early age that this character exhibited a self-confidence unlike any of my other friends. We seemed to become unspoken competitors. Our mutual adventures at our grandparents home, our shared stories of Camp Kid up on the Feather River, our many forays in the Sierras both hiking and skiing, helicopter skiing in the Ruby mountains and our One Day hike across the entire Sierras seemed to forge a bond that was stronger for me than my two brothers. As Amy once expressed while our families were hiking in the Sequoia Big Trees, “oh my gosh these two are just alike”. To this day I question whether or not that was intended as a compliment.

Nothing on the planet was more important to Roger than his family. His drive to provide for them, his enjoyment of participating in the special activities orchestrated by Diane all spawned a myriad of stories and expressions which he enjoyed sharing. Our conversations made it abundantly clear where his uncompromising life focus lay.

Perhaps the most poignant story which expresses Rogers' depth of love, focus and compassion for his family occurred one time while we were hiking on the John Muir Trail. While taking turns reminiscing about family events he, as a radical numbers person, for some reason felt compelled to remind me that Heather passed on my birthday, October 22nd. I, of course, sent back a rather tart, “thank you Roger but I did not need to be reminded.” As we continued our conversation I noticed that Roger's voice was fading. I turned and saw him about a quarter mile back, sitting on a small boulder staring off into the horizon. I Promptly turned and walked back. As I approached I noted that he was weeping so I dropped my pack next to him and we chatted until he could clear his head. His conversation, Heather. That event occurred at least 15 years after The Sexton’s had lost her.

As has been expressed by others, Brian, Drew and Hadley have been a wonderful addition to Amy in the extension of the Sexton family and, as one would imagine, added substantial bragging rights for Roger.

Your cousin, friend and fellow adventurer, Craig

We are so sorry to hear of Roger's passing.
We will remember all of the good times past with swim meets and practices with Heather and Amy and our Aaron. We will also sadly remember Heather's untimely death at such a young age.
Please take care and know that so many are thinking of you and sending love and sympathy.

From One Combat Veteran to another. Rest Easy Soldier. Prayers for the Sexton Family.

I was so sad to hear of Roger passing away. Diane, Roger, Heather and Amy were like a second family to me. Heather and Amy will always have a special place in my heart. Being neighbors with them brings back many good memories. Roger laughed at me when I found out he was on Survivor. Funny thing is I watched his season and didn’t even realize it was him. When my family visited them in Valencia they were so welcoming and made us feel at home. Roger will be missed and I am sending my love to Diane and Amy’s family. Rest in peace Roger, now you and Heather are together again.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I hope that your many beautiful memories of Roger will provide some comfort. The Survivor fanbase is holding you in our hearts. Sincerely, Kristen Callow

To Rogers family May he rest in peace. I remember what a close, loving family you were from my days of teaching with Amy at Stevenson Ranch Elem. Amy invited me to the watch party when Roger appeared on Survivor. I never could’ve imagined how that night would change my life. I’m keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. XO

In loving memory of a wonderful person. The Survivor fanbase will love you and miss you always.

To Rogers family, I enjoyed Roger on Survivor. He is remembered as a good guy. May you find peace and comfort in memories of a life well lived.
Sincerely, Virginia

Roger was my friend from the first day we sat next to each other in Mr. Joritsma's biology class as sophomores at Skyline High in Oakland. When he and Diane, who was in my wife Cheryl's Class of 1967 at Skyline, moved to Valencia in the early 1980s, we lived three minutes apart. The four of us made two trips to Europe together, skied often at Park City, Mammoth Mountain and Squaw Valley, among other numerous activities. My dear Cheryl, who passed away six months ago also from dementia, was there to help them when Heather passed away, and we loved watching Roger on survivor. RIP, my friend. --Tom LaMarre

The Sexton family and the Carman family shared all holidays, many vacations, and most Friday nights throughout the 50s and the first half of the 60s. We were more family than friends. They were integral to our childhood development, with Pamm, Roger, and Patricia providing the closeness of older siblings - and sometimes questionable leadership!
Ken and Rica were like a second set of parents, only more fun and not so strict.
Roger was the very first person to call me when I lost my son in a deadly car accident. He not only gave me comfort and understanding, but also lots of practical advice on what to expect as I faced THE most devastating time of my life. He was so compassionate and supportive and shared his experience of losing Heather. These are things that only someone who lost a child can understand. I will never forget his comfort!
Rest in peace, Roger, see you on the other side!