Roger H. Magers 73 lifetime resident of Sanders, ID died Jan. 16, 2011 from smoke inhalation while fighting a fire to save his home. He was born December 28, 1937 to Homer and Hannah Rusch Magers at Tekoa, WA. His parents were descendents of late 19th century pioneer settlers in the Sanders, Tensed and Emida areas. Roger's family was instrumental in settling the Sanders area. Growing up he worked on his Uncle and Aunt's dairy farm Titus and recalled the horse drawn wagon's coming to the pond or farm for water. He attended grade school in the old one room Sanders School House and completed his high school education at Plummer High School. He worked with his father to clear much of what is now the Sanders farmland. Roger married Patricia A. Dohrman on June 13, 1959 at Tensed, ID. He worked as a logger all his life and built his own home from logs sawed from his own land by his own hand not far from the homestead his ancestors took out over 100 years ago. He worked for Sindt Logging as well as Ron Asbury. His last job was Justin Smith Logging. He retired in 2000. He enjoyed fishing, fishing and fishing and when he was not fishing, he enjoyed gardening, hunting, camping and wood working. Roger didn't cross anyone's path without sharing a beaming smile and warm greeting and a helping hand if needed. A familiar sight on the dirt roads of Sanders is a little old pickup truck, and old-timer and a little dog, stopping to greet passersby, old-timers and newcomers alike. He is survived by his wife Pat who is staying with her daughter in Coeur d' Alene. Her daughters and sons-in-law Laurie and Tony Armstrong of Plummer, ID, Teresa and Mike Johnston of Post Falls, ID and Chris and Brad Rowan of Coeur d' Alene. Also surviving are his brother Rick Magers of Clarkston, WA and sisters Madeline Whitaker of St. Maries and Gloria McMeekin of Colfax, WA He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday Jan. 22, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. At Hodge Funeral Home, St. Maries, ID with Mr. Marlow Thompson officiating. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the St. Maries Eagles Lodge. The family has set up a benefit account to help Mrs. Magers. Send contrubutions to Bank of America, 501 W. Appleway , Coeur d' Alene, ID 83814 in Patricia Magers name. Visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com
