Roger Norman Dews
November 10, 1930 - September 07, 2012
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Roger Norman Dews
November 10, 1930 - September 07, 2012
Obituary
ROGER NORMAN DEWS passed away on Friday, September 7,2012. He was 81 years old; Born November 10, 1930 in Bellingham to L. Norman and Mabel R. Dews. Roger was a graduate of Lynden High School, 1948; Western Washington College, 1952, with a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education and Columbia University, 1957, with a Master’s Degree in American Studies.
Roger was a Veteran of the US Navy, 1952-1956 during the Korean Conflict, serving aboard the Flagships USS Missouri, New Jersey, and the Wisconsin. While on the Missouri he served under Vice Admiral Joseph 1. Clark, commander of the US Seventh Fleet.
Roger taught in Santa Maria, California for 33 years at Santa Maria Union High school (l year) and Allan Hancock Jr. College (32 years). He was awarded the William Robertson Coe Fellowship from Stanford University. Roger loved spending summers and retirement at “The Ranch” near Birch Bay. He resided at
Merrill Gardens in Bellingham the last 5 years.
He was preceded in passing by his beloved parents and brother-in-law Henry (Hank) Chamberlin. He is survived by his sister Betty M. Chamberlin; nephew, Norm Chamberlin, wife Karen; niece, Sallie Chamberlin; great niece Cari Griffith, husband Rich, & Hayden & Baylee; great nephew Roger Chamberlin, wife Sheri, & Jake, Parker & Karson. A private family gathering will celebrate his life.
Please sign the online guest book and share your thoughts and memories of Roger.
11 responses to Roger Norman Dews
Jill Miles says:
September 7, 2012
Roger changed the way we felt about history – he brought it to life. His students loved him as his friends did. His life was lived with joy – to all. He enjoyed life and found his calling. We will miss him. My love to his family.
Judith Brannon says:
September 7, 2012
I had the pleasure of being one of Mr. Dews students the year he taught at Santa Maria High School. He had a special way of teaching, that came from the heart, and I think that is why I have never forgotten the name, Mr. Dews….such a kind person. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of you.
Rita Perry says:
September 7, 2012
To the loving Family & dear Friends I offer my sympathy in your painful loss of Roger. He lived a very full life in service to others and will be sorely missed by all who knew & loved him. May you find a measure of comfort, hope & peace from the Bible Verses that follow.
Rev21:4-5,6 “AND HE WILL WIPE OUT EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES AND DEATH WILL BE NO MORE,THE FORMER THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY.”
Susan Allison says:
September 7, 2012
Thank you Mr. Dews for changing the way I viewed history and teaching me to enjoy it. You were a one-of-a-kind teacher that made a lasting impact on me.
Evelyn MacKinnon (Mrs. Richard MacKinnon) says:
September 7, 2012
Roger was the head of the Social Science Department at Allan Hancock College when my husband arrived in l967 to teach Geography. He was so generous and gracious to Richard and me when we arrived, and made the transition as smooth as possible. He was a valued colleague and friend. Even after he had retired and left Santa Maria he kept in touch, and even came to visit Richard in the long term care hospital when Richard was diagnosed with brain cancer. I think he came back to Santa Maria as an executor of a will. His visits were so thoughtful! Roger was always a gentleman and a warm caring person. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.