Obituary of Rodger Hunter Sesna

Rodger Hunter Sesna, 74, passed away of dementia on September 10, 2019 in Lacey, Washington.  He was born August 13, 1945 to Thurley “Ted” and Ruth Sesna in Fortuna, California, where he grew up, graduated from Fortuna Union High in 1963, and attended Humboldt State College in Arcata, California (1963-1968).

Rodger enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968. He was a CH-47 Helicopter pilot and safety officer, and served a tour of duty in Vietnam.  Upon his return from Vietnam, he eloped with his sweetheart Linda Hensley, and they were married May 27, 1971 in Reno, Nevada. Rodger was stationed at many Army posts during his 20-year career, including spending time in Korea and Germany. While in the service, he finished his BA degree at Regents College (1987). He arranged to retire in September 1988 from Ft. Lewis Army Base, Washington.

Professionally, Rodger worked as a safety officer for the Washington State Department of Ecology (1989-2013), and also worked on Ecology’s after-hours Spill Team. Committed to community service, he became a volunteer fire fighter with Lacey Fire Department District 3.

Rodger had a passion for golf; he started playing when he was 12 years old and continued his entire life, winning several club championships.  A great golfer, he was known for his long drive.  An avid Mariners and Seahawks fan, he also enjoyed fishing, travel, and family activities. 

Rodger was a very kind, generous, fair, and humble man.  He had a great sense of humor and will be remembered for his goof ball antics.  He took great pleasure in helping others, and was a good mentor.  He also was a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather, and great friend to all who knew him.  He will be missed beyond words.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda Sesna; son, Shawn Sesna (wife, Kayleen) of Olympia; daughter, Dawn McLean (husband, Tim) of Tenino, Washington; grandchildren, Brandon and Brooke Collins, Jace and Emmry Sesna, Tiana and Kamryn McLean; sister, Shirley Sesna of Corvallis, Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 28, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at South Sound Manor, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.

Memorial donations may be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087 or online by clicking HERE;  or to The Alzheimer’s Association, 19031 33rd Ave. W #301, Lynnwood, WA 98036, or online by clicking HERE.