Roger F. Low

Roger F. Low

Roger F. Low passed away on May 20, 2007, after a lengthy illness. He was born July 12, 1923, to Harold and Tenney Low of Clearlake, Iowa. He was the third of four children, all of whom have preceded him in death. He died peacefully at St. Luke’s after suffering from Alzheimer and stroke. He was a loving husband to his wife Carolyn, the love of his life, who passed in 2004.

Roger had five children, oldest son Kevin of Fortuna, son David his wife Jeanne and their son Kevin of Santa Rosa, son Travis his wife Kale and their daughters Kristina and Viktoria of Fortuna, daughter Alison Cortinas and her son Javier of Anderson, and sons Alex and Luke of Covelo. Son Garvin who died at a year old from complications of a cleft palate.

Roger grew up in Santa Ana California where his siblings raised their families. Many of his nieces and nephews still live in the southern California area.

Roger attended University of Arizona where he played football until he joined the 2nd marine division of the United States Marine Corp in June of 1942; he survived the south pacific theatre and was discharged in October of 1945.

It was at this time in his life that Roger moved north to Humboldt County where he would meet his future wife Carolyn Comfort at the Hartsook Inn; both working summer jobs Roger working as a fry cook and Carolyn as a waitress.

Roger opened Low’s Furniture in 1953, after a long and successful business career he passed the business on to his youngest son Travis Low. Kevin Low also works at Low’s Furniture, and because of their family business mentality which Roger created, Low’s Furniture continues to thrive today.

Roger was an active civic leader, he was a member of the Fortuna chamber of commerce and Fortuna volunteer fire department. He was especially proud of his membership in Fortuna Rotary for 43 years. He enjoyed serving as a board member for both the Ingomar club and the Humboldt County Fair. Roger’s fondness for sports and its heroes was exemplified through his work with the advisory board of Humboldt State University, he received great pleasure attending the annual sports auction and dinner which featured many Bay area football and basketball greats.

Rogers most enjoyed pastime was playing golf, he experienced many courses traveling all over the country even to Scotland where he played at St. Andrews. He was at his best at his home course, the Redwood Golf and Country Club. On Wednesdays, men’s day, Roger would play with his favorite foursome, Jerry Harland, Dr. Robert Treadwell, Walt Bognuda and Ken Dunaway. Through the years playing golf with many friends, the camaraderie he experienced really enriched his life and those who played with him.

The family cabin in Redway was a retreat for Roger and the entire family for over 60 years. Friends and family relatives spent summers together enjoying the sun, swimming in the river and singing around the campfire. The memories of those times with Roger will last a lifetime.

Roger was the proudest Grandpa and Papapa you would ever find. The Low girls were very lucky to have their Papapa living next-door to them. Roger would drive up to their house just to get a “puss-puss” (the word for “kiss” in Swedish) on his way to work in the mornings. His Grandson Kevin has followed his Grandpa’s footsteps by joining the military and serving his country. We know that Kevin’s Grandpa would have been his biggest supporter.

Roger lived his live with quiet dignity, he always managed to do the right thing by his family, his business, his community and his country. He was a great example of our countries greatest generation.

Thank you to the staff at St. Luke’s in Fortuna for your care and support you gave our father. What was one of the most difficult times in ones life, you made it easier. Our family would like to thank everyone involved with the care and comfort provided.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held May 30, 2007, at the River Lodge in Fortuna at 1p.m.

Donations may be made to Fortuna Rotary.

Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.