Horatio Rodman Rogers

Horatio Rodman Rogers of Middletown, RI, born April 23, 1925, son of the late Horatio Rodman Rogers, Sr. and the late Mary Courtney Mackenzie Rogers, died peacefully at his home December 19, 2015 surrounded by his wife, Lois Poucher Rogers, and their loving family. A tenth generation Rhode Islander, wildlife conservationist, lay historian, artist and musician, Ray's endearing mild manner, sharp wit, and kind, concerned spirit marked a long life of devotion to family and friends and humble service to his fellow man, the natural world, and his gracious God.Ray was a lifelong summer resident of Middletown, retiring there permanently in 1987 after 40 years with the Colgate-Palmolive Company in New York City. He was raised in Evanston, IL, and Vermillion, SD, and at 17 enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific theater during World War II. He attended Brown University after the war. In 1951, Ray married his dear wife, Lois, beginning their 64-year marriage together.He was an active member of the Episcopal Church from his earliest days singing in the boys' Choir at St. Mark's in Evanston, continuing on into his adult and senior years, faithfully serving the Church of the Atonement in Tenafly, NJ, and St. Columba's Chapel in Middletown. Ray was highly respected for his knowledge of the natural world, serving as a longtime member of the Norman Bird Sanctuary and a volunteer for 24 years at the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, receiving the U.S. President's Call to Service Award and several accolades from the Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for his many contributions over time. His fascination with birds and wildlife inspired his creativity. Ray was well known for his masterful woodcarvings. Over the years he was involved with numerous community organizations including the Middletown Historical Society and Sons of the Revolution. He was also a member of the Newport Athletic Club and its Men's Roundtable. Ray's ragtime and boogie-woogie piano playing brought great joy and fun to many a nifty gathering over the years. He was revered as the leading bass in church anthems and hymns and in old family favorites sung at seaside picnics. He was a talented bagpiper, sounding out the grace notes and steady hum of his Mackenzie heritage across the fields of Lazy Lawn on Third Beach Road, the Rogers family's summer home since 1843, a place he considered to be sacred and the center of a deeply cherished life with family and friends.Ray was grateful to celebrate his 40th year as a friend of Bill W. Many lives were profoundly touched by Ray through his sharing of knowledge and love, music and laughter, and his quiet faithfulness as an unimposing witness to God's amazing grace.Ray is survived by his wife, Lois Poucher Rogers, his children Courtney Rogers Field, John David Rogers, Margaret Rogers-Baugnon, and Alexander Rodman Rogers, his sons- and daughters-in-law Ronald Field, Michle Barbaro-Rogers, David Baugnon, and Julie Ingham-Rogers, his eight grandchildren Sam, William, and David Field, Max and Serafina Rogers, Matthew Baugnon, and Mack and Duncan Rogers, as well as his stepmother Helen Pohlman Rogers, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ray was predeceased by his son, William Arnold Rogers, his sisters, Mary Courtney Rogers Stibolt Malone and Barbara Rogers Hepner, and numerous dear cousins and lifelong friends. A funeral service will be held at St. Columba's Chapel, 55 Vaucluse Ave., Middletown, RI on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 2:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to St. Columba's Chapel or a charity of one's own choosing. Service DEC 28. 02:00 PM St. Columba Berkley Memorial Chapel 55 Vaucluse Avenue Middletown, RI, US