George (Bill) William Rogers, age 88, was born July 2, 1933, in Sacramento, to Harry Rogers and June McCready Rogers. Bill passed away surrounded by his family on March 22, 2022.

Bill grew up in Crannell where he developed his skills and love for hunting and fishing. Throughout his life he spent many hours hunting, fishing, and diving for abalone with family and friends. He loved his time in the outdoors, especially the many years he spent with his good friend Bob Hoopes.

Bill attended Arcata High School (AHS) and excelled in both academics and sports. He was awarded the White Sweater, the highest honor that combined academics, athletics, and other extra-curricular activities. Competing in football, basketball, and baseball, Bill’s accomplishments were later acknowledged when he was inducted into the Arcata High School Hall of Fame in 2008. Go Tigers!

While attending AHS, Bill met his high school sweetheart and future bride, Dolores Carvalho. They were married April 26, 1952. Bill and Dolores would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year. Dolores would always tease Bill about needing his mother to sign for him to get married because he had not reached the age of consent, which was 21 for young men in those days. The family was put on hold as Bill was drafted and served in the Army from 1953 - 1955. Shortly thereafter, Bill and Dolores started their family, with Nancy arriving first, followed by Diane, Sharon, and Carol. Bill supported his growing family over the years through work at Hammond Lumber Company, Hyster Company and the City of Eureka, from which he retired in 1996.

During his life, Bill became an avid runner. He is often remembered running wearing his black & white watchman cap. Bill ran relays, marathons, and of course the Clam Beach Run beginning with the second annual run in 1967. Bill was especially proud of the fact that he ran a sub-three hour (2:56) marathon at the Avenue of the Giants. Bill did quite a few of his training workouts at Humboldt’s Redwood Bowl. He would only take his children with him to explore the campus on the condition that they had to complete at least one lap around the track. One of Bill’s favorite running stories was the time he ran down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up to the top. He arrived at the top before his meeting time with Dolores wearing only his running shoes and his running shorts. Being extremely thirsty, he approached the bartender at the lounge at the top of the ravine asking for a beer with payment to come from Dolores when she arrived. The bartender gladly provided two beers to Bill to quench his thirst.

Family was very important to Bill. Much time was spent with Sunday drives and picnics, dinners at his parent’s house, and many camping and RV trips to destinations such as Richardson’s Grove, French’s, Benbow RV Park, and Wages Creek in Fort Bragg for abalone diving.

After retirement, Bill and Dolores spent many years traveling in their RV with a group called the Far North 10-10 Travel Club. The club consists of retired CHP officers and the associate members they sponsor. Bill and Dolores made many life-long friends through the club over the years. The 4:00 pm cocktail hour with hearty hors d’oeuvres was a favorite of Bill’s! Additional travels in the RV with special friends included many destinations across the United States and Canada. Another favorite traveling memory of Bill’s was a helicopter ride up to the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska, where he got to exit the helicopter and walk around.

Attending grandchildren’s sporting events was another favorite pastime of Bill’s where he was often times one of the most vocal fans in the stands.

Bill was predeceased by his father, mother, father in-law John Carvalho, mother in-law Marie Scarbrough, son-in-law Brian LaDelle, and his favorite dog Babe.

Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dolores, daughters Nancy Rogers (David Aliotti) of Monterey, Diane Lonn (Dave) of McKinleyville, Sharon LaDelle, of Eureka, and Carol Rogers (Kenny Sauers) of Fortuna; by his grandchildren, Elise Aliotti of San Francisco, Louis Lonn (Michelle) of Arcata, Riley Lonn of McKinleyville, Brian Hope (Kristen) of Eureka, Andra Amaroso (Clinton) of Redding, Michelle Rodrigues (Stephan) of Eureka, Amanda Stonebarger (Jason) of Fairfield, and Cory Stonebarger of Blue Lake; by his great-grandchildren Raylee, Jace, Derek, Shane, Hanna, Nathan, and Caiden; and many other in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the Humboldt County Historical Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Mad River Community Hospital and the amazing staff of the ER, ICU, Pain Management Clinic, and Wound Care departments for the excellent and compassionate care they provided to Bill during his time there. Also, a special thank you to neighbors Mark and Jenny for always being there to lend a hand. A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at the Plaza View Room, Jacoby Storehouse, Arcata, CA, on April 16, 2022 from 2:30 p.m to 5:00 p.m.

Two quotes symbolize Bill’s life: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years,” Abraham Lincoln; and “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it over?” John Wooden.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Bill Rogers’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.