It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Edward Brain Rogers. Edward passed from this earthly existence in his beloved home in the Avenues, surrounded my loving family on June 14, 2018
Edward was born in SLC on September 19, 1938 to Willard Dagsen Rogers and Ivey Arlene Brain. He was the fourth of their five children. Edward is the last surviving sibling of his family. He was fierce in protecting and serving them. The family raised their children in a loving home on I Street in the Avenues. He always enjoyed his siblings' children. Uncle Ed spent much time counseling and advising with his nephews and nieces. Ed loved the Avenues and continued to live there his entire life. He was an avid learner and devoured books. He graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City and went on to attend, and graduated from the University of Utah. While attending the University, he became a Champion Collegiate Swimmer.
Ed did leave his home for a time to serve a full time 3 year mission to Norway, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved his time in Norway and made friendships that lasted his entire life. He served most of his mission as an assistant to Mission President Ingebretsen, a former WWII officer. The Norwegian Mission reunions at the "Barn" were cherished days. He was always faithful to his testimony of the restored gospel, and cherished his membership in the LDS church above all.
Edward married Janie Lee Johnson on June 30,1978. They raised their house of boys with many beloved pets. Ed loved the many dogs they had. He felt his greatest accomplishments were in the raising of his two sons Ben and Adam. They spent many hours together brainstorming and working. Edward was an entrepreneur and through his efforts, he build a diverse and vast base of resources. Ed and Janie's vision and sacrifice will benefit their family for generations to come. Ed worked hard to maintain partnerships in business. He founded the Garff/Rogers Ranch with his brother in law Robert Garff in 1977. He felt the "Ranch" was one of his greatest legacies to his posterity. He had many other ventures he developed with close business partners over the years and throughout his life.
In 2002 Ed and Janie wanted a place for their family to enjoy and gather together. Ed built a "Barn" patterned after a design his Father Willard would have loved. It became a place of refuge for family. Ed has always been so generous to share the facility with church, friends, and community.
Ed and Janie have enjoyed a lifetime of collecting art and supporting Utah Artists. Through his passion they shared their art with many people, encouraging other to begin their own collections. Some of their pieces have been donated to Springville Museum of Art for many to enjoy.
Ed has always been generous to everyone. He gave of his abundance to anyone that needed it. He was especially generous with his wisdom and advice. Ed loved quotes and quick antidotes and to share his opinion with others.
Edward was a leader in different roles and organizations including: Bonneville Kiwanis, Board of Adjustments, Mayor and Water Master at Silver Fork, Utah, and frankly many others we cannot recall.
In the Rogers Family, Edward (Dad, Papa) was a giant. Words cannot describe how deeply his presence will be missed. We believe that there was cause for great celebration as he passed through The Veil, to be greeted by friends and family, as he was the last of his generation.
Edward is survived by his wife of 41 years, Janie and his sons, Benjamin Edward and Melanie(Jenkins) of Salt Lake City, Adam David and Erica (Sorensen) of Bountiful, Daniel Rogers of Salt Lake City, and Ronald Thompson of Salt Lake City
He adored his beloved grandchildren: Victoria Thompson, Ryley, Maxwell, Michael, Marcus, Nelly, Andrea, Lula, Rex, and Beau Rogers
Preceded in death by his parents, Barbara Bagley Rogers, Siblings: Patricia (Reed), Shawna, Willard, and Howard Rogers
A viewing will be held Tuesday June 19, 2018 from 6:00pm- 8:00pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, SLC UT
Funeral will be Wednesday June 20th, 2018 at 11:00 am at the LDS Emigration 4th Ward, 589 East 18th Ave, SLC, UT
A viewing will be held one hour prior to the funeral service from 9:30-10:30 am
Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery
