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BORN
1938
DIED
2006
Roger Haydter Obituary
Roger Dean Haydter, 68, of Newbury Park went home to his Lord on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006. He died at home with his wife and children by his side. Also present were his son-in-law, Jeremy Boyd; daughter-in-law, Brandi Haydter; granddaughter, Lindsey Boyd; and his faithful companions Jazz and Kona.
Roger was born April 9, 1938, in Storm Lake, Iowa, to Mary and George Haydter. He had been a resident of Ventura County for 45 years. He was the elder of two children. After graduation from high school, Roger enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1956 and served until October 1964. During his naval career he was an instructor in Boston White Sands Proving Grounds, N.M. He eventually was transferred to Long Beach. After completing his commitment with the Navy, Roger ended up in Oxnard working at the Naval Ship Weapons Systems Engineering Station (NSWSES) in Port Hueneme.
Roger met his wife, Paula, who also worked at NSWSES. They were married on April 14, 1973. They moved to Newbury Park, where they raised their kids and became active with the Boy Scouts, Little League, soccer and the Newbury Park First Christian Church.
Roger was an avid fisherman, camper and woodworker. He loved going out on the ocean and catching the big one. His wife and kids would often join him on these trips. He fished in Mexico, Hawaii and here in California as often as he could.
After his retirement from NSWSES Roger devoted a lot of time to woodworking, camping, fishing, traveling and his grandchildren. Traveling to Mexico and Hawaii was a real delight for him and Paula. They traveled extensively to both.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Paula; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Brandi Haydter of Ventura; daughter and son-in-law, Leighann and Jeremy Boyd of Simi Valley; daughter Janine Holmes of Colorado; son and daughter-in-law Sean and Tiffany Kelley of Ventura; brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Gloria of Mesa, Ariz.; and grandchildren, Zach Desiree, Dillon, Dakota, Morga, Lindsey, Payton and Logan.
In lieu of flowers, you may send donations marked "In memory of Roger Haydter" to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, 1154 15th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Newbury Park First Christian Church in Newbury Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Haydter
Marlyse Leeds
October 11, 2006
Dear Paula and Children,
It has been a gift to have known Roger. We wish you all the strength and we hope you will be able to remember all the goods things you have shared together.
Love,
Mark and Marlyse Leeds & Family
Lisa & Kurt Wyrick
October 9, 2006
Howdy Neighbor! That has been our greeting from Roger for the 4 + years we have lived here. It is a phrase that is full of comfort for me because I knew that behind it was genuine friendliness. Roger always had patience with my kids, especially Tristan, even as they were scaling block walls or brandishing machete's, or chalking on the sidewalk.He listened to tall tales and dreams and even shared a few of his own. He read my kids a book about pirates that held Tristan's attention for days. I finally bought the book myself, but it didn't capture him the same way it did coming from Roger. He would keep me company as the kids (mine and his own grandkids) played in the cul-de-sac. He loaned us countless tools, various ingredients for last minute dinners and even once a glass of wine for a harried mom of five.Our attachment and comfort with both Roger and Paula was immediate. When we moved here, in 2002, our daughter Sierra and their grand daughter Desiree were in the same grade and class in school. Roger helped with class parties that year - the girls were in 5th grade and I was room parent. My younger kids and his granddaughter Lindsey would switch back and forth between houses back in the days before Lindsey started school. He would invite them all over to "swim" in the jacuzzi. I remember when I flooded the laundry room and the new hardwood floor along with it. Roger and Paula helped me rig up some fans and the heater to dry it out before Kurt got home. He re-wired my thermostat after the painters left it dangling and Kurt went to work for several days.He would come over to check out whatever projects we had going on or just to make sure things were OK. He would let me know I left the garage door open or close the car door for me so my battery wouldn't die. He jumped my car battery when I needed it. In June he brought over something to help keep our dog Tobey calm during the long trip we were planning. He was as reliable as my own father at a time when I was adjusting to living away from my family.He listened and talked to me about my Dad who had been diagnosed with cancer for the second time. He rarely failed to ask how my Dad was, even as he was suffering himself. I'll never forget how he accepted us - as we were and became a part of our lives. He was one of the most honorable, genuine, humble, knowledgeable and kind men I have ever known. The biggest testament to Roger's memory is the vigilance of his wife, children and grandchildren as they strove to be with him up to the end. He was a man worthy of such devotion.I thank God for Roger's presence in our lives. There is an empty place in our hearts and our neighborhood that we will try to fill with memories....
Brooke Gant
October 4, 2006
Like so many others, Roger and Paula are "family" to my sons and me. As next door neighbors, they offered pumpkin carving parties and Easter egg hunts along with after school guidance and emergency toddler care. When we were no longer next door, the Haydters still lived in "our neighborhood" as we'd pile over on Halloween night for Leighann to get the costumes just right for Brian and Kevin and the adults had their own "treats." When things went a bit wrong in the new home, dearest Paula would "loan" Roger to fix this or that...and Roger never complained. He'd show up with his tools, his quiet generosity and humble spirit and take care of the latest catastrophe. And there were times when what was broken couldn't be fixed by Roger's tools or Paula's outstanding meals, and the two would just welcome us with open hearts...always.
Roger is loved by all at the Gant home. He was a gift to us so perfect that only our Lord could have given him. And so, it is only right that our Lord takes him from us...for now. We are so very grateful for the blessing of Roger in our lives, and we only wish we could have told him how much we appreciated and admired his kindness, warmth, humor and example. But then, Roger was much too humble to be comfortable with that so we'll share it with his loving family instead.
Paula and kids, we thank you for allowing us to be a part of the quiet, modest, gentle life of a truly good man. God bless and comfort you.
Feeling this deep loss with you,
Brooke,Kevin,and Brian
Michelle Harris
September 27, 2006
What to say? I can say that since the day I met Roger (and Paula as well) I wished they were MY parents! Roger was so devoted to his family, that I took notes. More than once I had seen Roger toil lovingly for hours creating cradles and other woodworking projects for his family. Or take the entire family on vacations.
My favorite picture of Roger & Paula is on Leighann's desk...the one from Hawaii - they looked so in love after all those years! That kind of love is everlasting.
I was deeply saddened to hear that Roger left us here on earth, but I know in my heart that he is in a better place, is whole and in peace. My love & prayers for all of you who I consider part of my extended family.
Carol (Hanson) Kelley
September 24, 2006
Mark,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Roger & Rachel Whitacre
September 23, 2006
Paula and family, our deepest sympathies go out to you all on your loss. I will always remember Roger.
P.S. Roger sent an email to Bob Uehlein with the notice.
Pauline Teron
September 23, 2006
Paula,
We are so sad to hear of your loss. We really liked Roger and knew how close the two of you were. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Our sincere condolences.
Mike and Pauline Teron
Roy Armour
September 22, 2006
A truly fine gentleman and friend. Roger will be missed for the lifetime of each of us who counted him as a friend.
Dick Watt
September 22, 2006
Dear Paula,
Roger was a true professional and an excellent and dedicated worker at NSWSES. I recall several trips to Louisville with Roger, Ken Mytinger, Bob Denny and others when Roger was managing our work for NOSL. Travelling with Roger was a real pleasure. I also remember the fun gatherings at Ken and Helen's home.
Just know, Paula, that Lynn and I share your loss and pray for you and your family.
With Sympathy,
Dick and Lynn Watt
Meloney Sikich
September 22, 2006
I am just a friend of Janine Holmes I am sorry for the families loss. You all are in my prayers. I feel as if I know you from Janine. She speaks of you all so often. Her heart is filled with sadness at this time, for she wishes she had been able to be there by his side along with all of you (her family), whom she cherishs so.
I wish you all well.May God help you through this time.
Gary Gentry
September 22, 2006
Roger was the first person I met when I started working at NSWSES. We were in the TarTar department. Roger was the person I always went to for help and he never turned me away. I will always remember his kindness.
Delia aldrete
September 22, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Delia P. Aldrete & family
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