May 2021
Roger Roush was the sixth of Albert and Velsie’s eight children. When he was born, Velsie used to say, he weighed 13 pounds — which is why it took her 11 years before she had the next one.
After graduating from high school, Roger enlisted in the Marines, serving in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968, where he serviced aircraft and, unfortunately, was exposed to the toxic chemical Agent Orange. Still, he was a proud Marine.
“Rumor has it that the military puts a chip in every personnel, and they don’t remove it until after you’re released, unless you are a Marine,” said Jane, his wife of 48 years. “Once you’re a Marine, you’re always a Marine. He was truly always one, and proud of it.”
After raising four children, Roger and Jane turned their focus to travel and camping. They joined FMCA (F243374) and became involved in FMCA at the national level, with Jane serving as national vice president, Great Lakes Area, from 2014 to 2016.
“Roger was good at volunteering me,” Jane said. “He told Ross Boyer [national vice president, Great Lakes Area, 2006-2010] I would be a great addition to the Policy and Procedure Committee, and as they say, the rest is history. I was vice president of GLAMA [Great Lakes Area MotorCoach Association], but Roger was always helping. He helped me with computer issues and ideas. He also helped with committees and volunteering. His respect toward volunteers, especially the parkers [at rallies], grew after doing what is required. And he felt the staff at FMCA did an outstanding job of keeping the organization strong.”
Health issues took their toll on Roger, and diabetes and a heart condition resulted in him being declared 100 percent disabled. The issues ultimately proved too much, and he passed away February 3, 2021, at the age of 74.
With the help of hospice, Roger was able to spend his final week at home.
“The kids and I will treasure that forever,” Jane said. “It gave us a chance to say the five important things: Thank you; forgive you; sorry; miss you; and good-bye with love.