Roger A. Richard Obituary
Roger's funeral will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, in Portage on October 16, at 11:00. Roger will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery on November 25. Memorials may be given to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 929 E Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002.
Roger Richard was born in Connecticut and spent his early childhood on the east coast. His family moved to Burbank, California in his childhood and then Palm Springs in his youth. Roger graduated from Palm Springs High School, where he participated in the marching band, playing the glockenspiel. Roger briefly attended Long Beach State, before enlisting in the Army. He served as a radio mechanic, and chaplain's assistant while stationed in Germany. His appreciation for his time in the service and the German culture would last throughout his life. After his service he earned a Bachelor's Degree in music, with a specialty in organ performance from Whitman College. After earning his degree Roger met and married his first wife, Gail.
Roger earned a Master's in Divinity from the Graduate Theological Union. For the rest of his life, he combined his talent in playing the organ with his faith. Churches in California, Utah, Indiana, and Michigan were blessed by his glorifying God through music. So deep was his love for playing the organ he once said, "Life would not be worth living if I could not play the organ". In addition to playing the organ, Roger also became a photographer. One of his pictures was featured on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle. Roger later worked as a part-time adjunct professor of religion for Ball State University's prison extension program.
He married the Dr. Marilynn Price in the late 80's. They shared interest in faith and music for more than three decades, and were lovingly devoted to one another. They passed within nine days of each other. Both of them greatly appreciated their friends at Hope Woods Senior Living and St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Portage. Roger will be remembered for his organ playing, jokes, and faith.
