Roger Eugene Unger

A Tribute to Love Love is the word first and foremost in thoughts of Roger. A love so very obvious for his wife, his AA Fellowship, his country, and his family that took him to many areas of our nation to be with them. He also thrilled to the opportunity to have them in his home whenever possible. Home for him took him from his birthplace in Phoenix, AZ to other parts of our Southwest Desert where he happily worked to raise his three children; and then gave rein to his more adventuresome spirit. Following his Lord’s leading with his beloved Martha alongside he struck out for parts unknown and a future that had no shape or form for either of them at that time. Often with a cloud by day or city lights at night they camped and drove their way into uncharted territory. A respite with friends in Wyoming helped them know if they would be heading East or West. After more amazing beauty, uplifting encounters with strangers and fellow Believers their growing weariness took the travelers down the coast of our Northwest and across the Idaho border to this place they had only heard of from their Las Vegas pastor, “Cordalane” [sic] Coeur d’Alene. They sometimes felt they were running away from their Las Vegas home of sixteen years though all three of their children were adults and living elsewhere. Perhaps the pain of missing them was lessened by having their own adventure, but both Roger and Martha felt a new spiritual connection with them as they waited for each reunion. First was daughter Christiana’s marriage in Las Vegas and here Roger and Martha could connect with longtime church friends and family still living there. Then a visit from their son Roger Jr. living in Phoenix meant that he got to share the only 20 degree below zero temperature they experienced in their 14 years in Spirit Lake. Eventually they had the privilege of joining younger son, Scott, on an Alameda Naval Station flightline, where he was flagging helicopters in and out. Roger enjoyed positions as a telephone lineman and Real Estate Broker in Tucson as well as joining Bekins Van Lines as a salesman. They soon transferred as a family to Las Vegas. Roger later made a move to North American Van Lines where he became Sales Manager and won recognition as National Sales Manager of the year. In Idaho he helped guard a submarine base besides giving vent to his ability to write historical fiction and delightful children’s stories. The birth of their first Grandchild and a move from Florida to Idaho brought a baby back into their home, daughter Christi with her daughter Natalia. After time in ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) they had become painfully aware of their inadequacies as parents but with their ever present love and their Lord’s forgiveness they embarked on this unique adventure called Grandparenthood praying for Jesus to strengthen and empower them to be the best they could be. Roger thoroughly appreciated his military service especially having his bride included in his tour in Germany as they both had ancestors there. And he was an avid gardener as well as boater and fisherman. Skiing and hunting were a pleasant part of his past. Yet Bellingham represented a Rainbow’s End to Roger and Martha. Married 65 years, they lived out a dream of residing by the ocean with their Lord’s added bonus of finding more love than either of them had ever imagined in Alcoholics Anonymous. A memorial service will be held for Roger on Sunday, September 11, 1:00pm at the Squalicum Boathouse at Zuanich Point Park, 2600 S. Harbor Loop, Bellingham, WA.

Roger Eugene Unger

December 22, 1933 - June 21, 2022