Roger Hugh Martindill, 73, a resident of Mount Vernon, WA, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Roger was born on February 13, 1944, in Indianapolis, IN, the son of William and Inetta (Pfeister) Martindill. He lived and attended school in St. Louis, MO, South Bend, IN, and finally East Grand Rapids, MI, where he graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1962.
Roger proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany from 1963 until his discharge in 1966.
Roger made his home in several communities in the mid-west, working in graphic arts sales until moving to the Seattle area in 1994. He settled in Mount Vernon in 2013.
Roger enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was a longtime member of the American Motorcycle Association, he also enjoyed boating, snow skiing, woodworking, reading, gardening, and appreciated all aspects of music. He was also a longtime member of Rotary International and received a Paul Harris Fellow award for community service.
Roger is survived by his wife, Nancy Seymour; his mother, Inetta Martindill; his children, Beth Curran, Heather Bleakley and Melissa Kitko; three grandsons, one great-grandson, and numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, William and sister, Cheryl Rennix.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the following organizations: Push International, 14241 NE Woodinville-Duvall Rd. Woodinville, WA 98072 – www.pushinternational.org (Provides wheelchairs and other mobility devices.)
Rotary International, www.rotary.org or call (866) 976-8279, or the American Motorcycle Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame www.americanmotorcyclist.com/hof (614) 856-2222.
A Life Celebration gathering will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Lorenzo’s Mexican Restaurant in Mount Vernon. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, WA. Share memories of Roger and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.
Roger was a joyful human being, a wonderful friend, and an awesome Rotarian! He was the best Chief of Staff a new District Governor could ever imagine. Roger was selected as Rotarian of the Year for his service above self during 2003-2004. I will miss his amazing Spirit and recall our times together with much love and respect. Blessings and Godspeed, good friend! kind spirit! joyful being! ❤️???
Roger, it was a great pleasure to have you come into our lives since you moved to Skagit Valley. You were always pleasant, uplifting, and encouraging. You always brightened our day when you stepped through the door. Now that you’re gone to receive your reward, look up my Grandfather, Jack Laycock. He was a lifetime member of the AMA; I know he’d enjoy riding with you.
We are easily remaining in the shock stage of hearing about Roger’s passing. What a colorful addition he was to the family! Introspective, humorous, thoughtful, generous, and perceptive were just a few of the attributes we came to appreciate about Roger. Realizing a fairy tale relationship coming full circle with our sister, Nancy Seymour, and seeing this cut short is enough to tug at anyones’ heartstrings. He was loved by all, and will be dearly missed. God took him too soon, but we know he is out of pain and at peace. Our prayers extend to Nancy, Beth, Missy, Heather, and their children.
My memories of Roger start around 1960, when we both attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, MI. We were close friends from 1962-1964, and I so vividly remember his wonderful smile, the twinkle in his eye, and his love of adventure. He introduced me to his sister, Cheryl Martindill Rennix, and because of that introduction, Cheryl and I became the closest of friends. At times, the three of us laughed and sang together, with Roger always leading the way for us. He was an important part of my life, and I am saddened by his death. Rest in peace, Rog, rest in peace.
Sorry for your loss.
I worked with Roger at Michigan Lithograph. He was always fun and happy. ? We shared good communications with each other. I loved him as a dear friend.❤️ I always smile when I think of him.?We always smiled and laughed together at work. He was special!?
Sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to my old friend and neighbor Nancy, and Roger’s family. A very sad day for all.
Spent many years with Roger at Michigan Lithographing Company. Getting to know him and his Family. Will Always remember the Good Times. Rest In Peace Roger.
You are missed.
Roger was one of my best friends in high school at East Grand Rapids HS. I met him when I moved to EGR in my junior (his sophomore year). We managed to continue our friendship through my college years, then lost touch although I did see him last at his father’s funeral. I was so sad to read of his passing. He was a gregarious, fun-loving young man but I will remember fondly our heart to hearts as we tried to solve the problems of the world as only adolescents do. He was instantly a friend when I moved to a new high school and I count myself lucky to have had him in my life back then. Ask I write this I see his big open grin, feel his generous warmth and kindness. I extend my condolences to his family that I never met and to his mom who I remember very fondly. We were all very lucky to have had him in our lives.