Thane Rogers

Today we said a tearful goodbye to Thane Park Rogers, an amazing father, grandfather, great grandpa and brother, after a valiant battle with cancer. Thane was born in Peterson, Utah on June 7, 1924, in his family's home, to Thomas Park and Verda Hulet Rogers.

He graduated from Morgan High School, where he participated in football and basketball. Later in life, he attended Weber State University and Stanford University. He was a passionate patriot and loved his country. In 1943, he joined the service where he was trained to be a gunner on a B-29 Bomber. His life was spared many times during the war.

When the war was over he returned to Utah and married Marjorie Waldron in the Salt Lake Temple. They had two children, Barbara and David, who were the light of his life.

Thane's work ethic is incomparable. No matter what job he held on the railroad throughout his career, he had a personal rule to always be on the job one hour before he was supposed to be. He started working for the Union Pacific Railroad as a custodian, sweeping out the little depot in Morgan. He moved to Ogden, Utah and worked on the steam engines. He continued on his career pathway and worked as a telegrapher, Dispatcher, Trainmaster, Superintendent, General Manager and finally Assistant Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad. He loved the challenges of the job, especially re-designing the train yards so that they would run more cost efficient. He retired after 45 years of service on the railroad to Morgan, Utah where he had a small farm that he enjoyed working on. Thane is the epitome of the American Dream. He taught his family the value of hard work by his example and teachings. Thane is known for the statement, "I wrote a paper on that." He worked tirelessly summarizing books he had read, writing letters and object lessons to family and friends. He wrote to his missionary grandsons every day during their entire mission.

He always believed in community service, and served as President of the Morgan School Board. He was also involved in the FFA Organization, supporting his grandson in numerous FFA activities. He and his wife donated many college scholarships to Morgan High School students in memory of their son, David.

Throughout his life, Thane held numerous jobs in the LDS church. The highlight of his life was when he and his wife were called as ordinance workers in the Ogden Temple. After Marge's passing, he attended the Ogden Temple four times a week. His favorite temple day was when he worked with his ward members in the sealing room. He loved his family dearly and they will miss his kindness, wisdom, laughter, love, and his amazing pot roasts, spaghetti, and cowboy delight! He is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Rod) Spencer, four grandchildren, Jill (Travis) Hildebrand, Cristopher (Sadie) Spencer, R. J. (Christy) Spencer, Mike Spencer, and six precious great grandchildren, Mckrae, Ainslee, and Josilyn Spencer, and Spencer, Kyson, and Jace Hildebrand.

He is also survived by two brothers, Denzil Rogers and Tom Rogers, and two sisters, Aldine Paskett and Dawna Woodward. Because of the love and admiration he had for his brothers and sisters, he talked with them every evening on the telephone. He was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, son David, sister Gaylene Brown, and his parents.

The family expresses a special thank you to the Birch Creek 3rd Ward, Dr. Brandon Wintle, Ann Larsen, Alpine Home Care and Alpine Hospice Care, especially Robert Chandler. A very special thank you to his Family Home evening group, and his neighbors and ward members.

Services will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 12:00 noon at the Walker Mortuary, 45 West 200 North, Morgan, Utah A viewing for friends and family will be held prior to the services Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Interment in the South Morgan Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Morgan Education Foundation, c/o Morgan School District.

Send condolences to the family at www.walker-mortuary.com