In Memoriam

JOE ROGERS

1943-2016

Photo courtesy Al Hovey

Richard "Joe" Rogers was born December 20, 1943 in California but grew up in Michigan. He is survived by his sister, Kathleen.

Joe joined the NMRA and became a lifetime member around 1960.

He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Marketing and Transportation, was drafted into the US Army and spent most of two years in Vietnam working in a clerical position, but definitely knew the meaning of the word "Incoming!".

Joe worked on the Michigan Northern and Cadillac and Lake City short lines in Michigan before joining the Missouri Pacific which was merged into the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1993 Joe took advantage of an early retirement offer from the UPRR and moved to Albuquerque, NM.

He worked many years at Trains West where he became certified on Digitrax systems. In the Albuquerque area Joe acquired the reputation of " Have Toolbox...Will Travel." He always made himself available to help people with their layouts, engines, rolling stock, etc.

At the Rails Along the Rio Grande 2013 RMR Convention banquet, Joe was presented a "Friends of Model Railroaders" plaque in recognition of his years of service, support and help to fellow model railroaders. During the convention he also hosted op sessions and layout tours on his Missouri Pacific Coffeyville Subdivision Free-mo layout.

In his final years Joe loved to help with projects for the Division 6 sponsored Rio Grande Model Railroad Club for boys and girls.

Joe passed April 18, 2016 with his sister, Kathleen, at his side and his cat, Chaco, sleeping beside him.