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Rodger G. Spencer
12/23/1922 — 04/22/2014
From Benton, City, WA, USA | Born in Spokane WA
Rodger G. Spencer
Rodger passed away at his home in Benton City after a long battle with cancer. Rodger was born in Spokane and moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he grew up during the Great Depression. Once World War II broke out, Rodger joined the United States Marine Corp as one of the "Carlson's" Raiders of the 2nd Marine Raiders Battalion. He fought in 3 major battles: Guadalcanal, Bougainville and Iwo Jima. After military service he attended secretarial and business school in Portland where he met his wife Viola Vi. They married March 19, 1948 in Pasco, WA . They were married for over 60+ years and did everything together. Rodger worked in the accounting field at Hanford, retiring from Energy Northwest at the age of 62. He was a long time resident of Benton City. He and Vi purchased a home there in 1953. Together they enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and taking vacations to the beach and various lakes. Rodger and Vi liked to travel and enjoyed visiting casinos throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and Nevada. Rodger loved being a husband, father and grandfather. He was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren; they enjoyed his stories and described him as "awesome". He was always proud to be a Marine and very patriotic. He had a "heart of gold", was well-liked by everyone and a wonderful dad and grandparent. Rodger will certainly be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He is survived by his daughter, Ginny Rich Howard of Goldendale, WA; son, Jim Traci Spencer of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Kevin Long, Ryan Spencer and Shannon Howard; great grandchildren, Brittany, Tori, Spencer, Halle, Alivia and Connor; sister-in-law, Elvie Sapp; and niece, Sharon Breeze. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Viola Spencer; and his father and mother, Jack and Lucille Spencer. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 915 Bypass Highway, Richland, WA. Memorial contributions may be made to Tri Cities Cancer Center, Kennewick, WA 99336
You taught me more about life than I will ever be able to realize.
God Speed, Roger.
To Rodger’s family. I met & worked with Rodger back in mid 50s, while working in GE Construction Cost Accounting. As careers go, we were assigned to various Hanford locations, but had contact over the years, He & I both WW II vets and enjoyed meeting up over the years. He was a genuine guy—we can rest from “Counting Beans”, now, old friend. God Bless your fine family. Bob
So many of my childhood memories include Rodger – he was a very good man.
Once a Marine always a Marine, Roger was a Marine to the end. Carlson’s raiders were one of the Marine Corps finest outfits and it’s a tribute to him that not only did he join the Marine Corps in WWII but joined this special fighting outfit. Semper Fi!
I am so sorry for your loss. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to meet & provide care for such a wonderful man the last few weeks of his life. He told me so many stories, always made me laugh, talked so highly of all of his family members, and when family came to visit he would get a sparkle in his eye. I know he was loved by many!Thank you for letting me be a part of your life.
My condolences,
*amber cannell*
You taught me more about life than I will ever be able to realize.
God Speed, Roger.
To Rodger’s family. I met & worked with Rodger back in mid 50s, while working in GE Construction Cost Accounting. As careers go, we were assigned to various Hanford locations, but had contact over the years, He & I both WW II vets and enjoyed meeting up over the years. He was a genuine guy—we can rest from “Counting Beans”, now, old friend. God Bless your fine family. Bob
So many of my childhood memories include Rodger – he was a very good man.
Once a Marine always a Marine, Roger was a Marine to the end. Carlson’s raiders were one of the Marine Corps finest outfits and it’s a tribute to him that not only did he join the Marine Corps in WWII but joined this special fighting outfit. Semper Fi!
I am so sorry for your loss. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to meet & provide care for such a wonderful man the last few weeks of his life. He told me so many stories, always made me laugh, talked so highly of all of his family members, and when family came to visit he would get a sparkle in his eye. I know he was loved by many!Thank you for letting me be a part of your life.
My condolences,
*amber cannell*
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Rodger G. Spencer