Roger Beeman's Obituary
Roger Beeman, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 18th, 2023. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Roger was born on May 17th, 1941, in Summerland, British Columbia, to parents Frederick Beeman and Zoe (Fudge) Beeman. In July of 1942, his little sister Sharon was born. Together they were raised on a 15-acre farm in North Delta, British Columbia, where his family raised 200 chickens and sold the eggs they produced. Growing up, Roger developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
Roger graduated from North Delta High School and went on to earn a degree in Forestry and Land Management. He was an avid skier who enjoyed teaching others how to ski and also loved camping, fishing, and rock climbing. As a younger man, Roger often chose jobs that would allow him to spend time in the outdoors, including working as a ski instructor, ski lift operator, and trail guide, among other roles.
Roger was a cowboy through and through. He would often say he was born a 100 years to late. He had a deep love for the old west and spent his early adulthood involved in the rodeo circuit, riding bulls, and roping. He spent most of his days owning and riding horses and prided himself on teaching family and friends how to ride and care for the animals. One of his happiest moments was serving as a trail guide for Gene Autry, one of his cowboy idols, while in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Later in life, Roger continued his study and research of the old west and gave lectures about its history and culture.
During the 1960s, Roger moved to Los Angeles to visit his sister and ended up finding a job and a place to live. His roommate was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and soon introduced him to the missionaries, one of whom became his lifelong friend Wayne Farr. After joining the Church, Roger served as a missionary on a Church Building Mission, constructing chapels and other church buildings. It is here he met his other lifelong friend Morgan Lybbert. He loved and cultivated these friendships as well as many others.
Roger had a strong love for the Church and bore his testimony of the gospel through service to others. For over 20 years, he was a service missionary at the Family History Library at Temple Square, helping countless individuals uncover their family history. He also served in the Salt Lake Temple as a temple worker, was an usher at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, along with many other church callings. He also served outside of church, as a leader in the Boy Scouts and as a member of the Lions Club. His love of service showed through his lifelong dedication to his friends. Roger would go out of his way to help and support those he loved and was the type of person that would do anything for you, no questions asked.
Roger deeply loved his family, and he leaves behind one daughter and two sons: Shelley (Chad), Christopher (Corrie), and Travis (Kimberly); 13 grandchildren: Kassandra (Marcus), Joshua, Preston, Chelsey, London, and King (Shelley's), Raeleigh, Cian, Ellison (Chris's), Gavyn, Alana, Patricia, and Quentin (Travis's); and two great-grandchildren: Giannah and Marcus (Kassandra's).
A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 26th, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2702 E Evergreen Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84109. A second viewing will be held on Monday, March 27th from 10:00 am to 10:45 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am at the same location. Roger's family and friends are invited to attend and honor his life and legacy.
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