ROGERS, Steven R. 70, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2018 at home in Tucson, AZ. Steve was born in Seattle, WA on November 19, 1947 to Robert and Elaine Rogers. Steve was a three-sport man at Bethlehem Central H.S. in Albany, NY and a sixth round draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles in 1966. He chose instead to attend University of Massachusetts where he played both football and baseball, setting records as a safety, some of which still stand. Steve and Bob Burton co-founded VisionQuest, an alternative treatment program working with adjudicated youth. VQ incorporated in 1973. By 2000, VQ was serving 1500 kids in eight states. Steve had a big heart, showing selfless compassion for people in crisis; a gift for connecting with troubled youth and a unique penchant for helping his peers come to terms with impending death. Steve was married to his first wife, Christie Thieman from 1974-1990. Steve is survived by his wife, Ann (Portz Wham) of 24 years; daughters, Colleen (Scott Balay), Jessica Dembro (Mike); sons, Eric (Brandy), Grant (Sydney Null), and Brett Wham (Onica); and nine grandchildren with another on the way. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Oro Valley Country Club, 300 W. Greenock Dr. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Avalon Chapel.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jan. 28, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven ROGERS

13 Entries

Mike Little

July 15, 2018

I met Steve in Tuscon when I first entered VQ as a youth. I had long hair and he walked in and said ready to get your hair cut? I wasnt going to argue LOL. All through the years I was apart of the program his and Bobs leadership made me a better person. I hope we meet again sometime.

James P. Collins

February 22, 2018

An insightful & inspirational man who helped save me, back in the day when I was a troubled and unruly adolescent. Tough enough to scare you, yet soft enough to empower change within you. I will always remember the personal contributions he made to my life. Godspeed, Steve Rogers. You will be missed.

April 2016

Jim Collins

February 10, 2018

Great reunion with Steve and VQ alumni!

Jim Collins

February 10, 2018

Steve was my mentor throughout my time at Visionquest. Looked to him for direction and growth and was always there to lift my spirits! Such a phenomenal athlete and competitor....fond memories that I'll never forget....my heart is heavy but his spirit will live with me forever....

Jim Sleeper

February 10, 2018

Rest well my Brother!...The miles you traveled, the sweat you gave, and the love kids felt changed a-lot of young lives! The time i shared with you will never be forgotten!

April 2016 at Steve's Home

Dave Simpson

February 10, 2018

Steve was the heart beat...the pulse...of our work for many years. He was a father above all else and he demanded that of us. Often not gentle in his approach he was always gentle in the end. In between was the heat of competing to be the best at whatever challenges we faced. That heat forged us all into better servants to kids, better parents, leaders and human beings. In the end that was not lost on me. It is burned into the fabric of how i engage my own sons, grandsons and family. For that i am eternally grateful. Thank you and God Bless You, Steve.

Martha Bloom

February 6, 2018

A legend in the hearts of many...Steve had a profound influence on the way we worked with troubled kids and how we raised our own family! We are so thankful to have shared the big event at his house in April of 16'. Love to all the Rogers' Clan! Steve and Martha Bloom

Steve and Martha Bloom

Martha Bloom

February 6, 2018

First VisionQuest

Peter and Ann Marie Ranalli

January 30, 2018

Our heartfelt condolences to the Rogers family. Steve touched many lives- staff and kids in VisionQuest. His passion for troubled kids impacted me in my first group interview with VisionQuest and turned my curiosity into a career. He was a wonderful father and raised outstanding kids, who in turn-especially Colleen and Eric, made a lasting impression on my children.

January 29, 2018

Steve was a wonderful friend and mentor to so many. We always appreciated him being in the wagon train or wilderness camp with is. It was always great because we both had daughters named Colleen. RIP Steve and know you touched many lives. Prayers to all the Rogers family. Love, Marty, Sue, Megan Keelan and Colleen, Ed, and Isabelle Lillard

Jim n Carolyn Baughman

Carolyn Baughman

January 29, 2018

To Steve Rogers family: Jim n I worked for VisionQuest for 20 years 1988 and retired 2008. We also had 2 sons and two daughter in laws work at the Franklin Camp Pennsylvania. I want to say our work and time we spent at VisionQuest was a great adventure. The time with kids and staff was heart filling. We respected the program that he started. He was someone to look up to. All us staff and kids were always glad to see him in camp or anywhere on the property. He always remembered you name and always had time to share with you. Made you as a staff feel wanted, needed and important. Thank you Steve for sharing your time, life and love with us. Rest in Peace job well done here on earth. Heaven has received an Angel.

Colleen Rogers

January 29, 2018

We are so grateful for the time we had with Dad and are so appreciative of all the love and support people are giving us. The stories of Dad mean the world to us and bring us great solace. Please continue to share them!

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