Roger D. Ryder

1953 - 2014

Ryder, Roger D., Jr. “Skip”; age 61; of Ithaca; died Monday June 2, 2014 at his home surrounded by family. Roger was born in Alma on January 8, 1953, the son of Roger D. Ryder, Sr. and Mary (Hallock) Gustavison. He was the oldest of five children, and the only male. Roger was a graduate of Alma High School of the class of 1971. In his younger years, he enjoyed racing stock-cars at both Mount Pleasant and Crystal speedways. He has always had a love for dirt bikes, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. He was also, an avid NASCAR fan. Roger worked many odd jobs before starting with Morbark in 1978. He was employed there for about six years until he was offered a position as a truck driver by Harry Velotta in the early 1980’s. Soon after, a partnership developed and Coastal Striping was created. Over the years, Coastal Striping evolved into Rampart, and Rampart into the present day American Striping. With Roger as superintendent, the business was so successful that American Striping was painting 82 percent of all air force bases in the country. He was the type of man who could fix anything, and enjoyed doing it. Roger is survived by three children, Olivia (Ryder) Vogt; and son-in-law, Kevin Vogt, Roger (Adam) Ryder, and Jenna Ryder; one granddaughter, Ava Vogt; his parents and step-father, Dale Gustavison, and four sisters: Cheryl Pretzer, Deborah Shepard, Sharlene Gallahan, and Mari Anne Ryder; and comrade Timothy (Bubba) Gustavison. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Arley Ryder, Minnie Ryder, Claude Hallock, and Iola Hallock; brother-in-law, Timothy Pretzer. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the St. Louis VFW on June 8, 2014 from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the family or Mid-Michigan Hospice.