Roger Gaines

Obituary of Roger Quinn Gaines

Roger Quinn Gaines, LTC. Ret. USA, passed away on May 24, 2014, in Swedish Hospital, Seattle, Washington, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in Olympia, Washington. Roger was surrounded by family at the time of his death. He was born on November 14, 1935 in Boston, Massachusetts, to Samuel and Ellen Gaines. Roger was raised in Lebanon, Pensylvania, by his aunt and uncle, Dr. John and Karlene Groh. He attended the Fessenden School in Boston for middle school, and then went to Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania, for high school. After high school, Roger attended the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, graduating in 1959. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, serving for over 21 years as a distinguished Infantry and Intelligence Officer. Roger was an Army Ranger, after completing the Ranger school at Benning, Georgia, in one of his early assignments. He served three tours in the Vietnam War; however, his third tour was redirected very early and he was selected to be an aide to a three star general in Korea. He also served in many command positions in various locations in Germany and in different states of the Mainland USA, and attended many different advance schools through the military, retiring in 1981 to Olympia, where attended The Evergreen State College to earn a Master’s Degree in Recreation Management. Previously, Roger was married to Janice Strong, which ended in divorce, and to Judy Kissler, who preceded him in death in 1995. In 1996, he married Sandra “Sandy” Strathdee. Roger worked at Fort Lewis as the director of the skating arena after retiring from the military. After his marriage to Sandy, he joined her in selling and servicing gymnastics equipment, until their retirement in 2006. A highlight of his while in the gymnastics field was working at the gymnastics venue at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Roger and Sandy traveled extensively, often going to Europe. They also have been to Australia and New Zealand, but they always found time to spend a month or more each year in Hawaii, where they have many friends. Roger loved to travel with his grandchildren also. Roger was an avid tennis player (both competitively and recreationally), a biker, and former runner, and was often seen at the Valley Athletic Club, either playing tennis or working out. Roger was a class act. He never found fault with others, and never met an enemy (outside of war). His family was everything to him. He regarded all of his children as “His kids” – he had no stepchildren, only children. The same applied to grandchildren, who could do no wrong. He had six children and 17 grandchildren. Roger also loved his Catholic faith, and led a Bible study group at Sacred Heart and St. Michael’s for over 20 years. He also assisted in teaching RCIA at St. Martin’s University in the past. He was member of the USO; VA (lifetime); West Point Association of Graduates; NRA; Valley Athletic Club; Hickam, AFB, Officer’s Club; USTA; and the West Point Class of 1959. Roger is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; six children and spouses, and 17 grandchildren: Natalie (Chris) Huey – Brian; Kristen (Gene) Catena -Carmen, Giulia, Alessia and Michael; Eric (Natasha) Kissler – Christopher, Kyle, Cameron and Katie; Kimberly (Adam) Dare – Bailey; Karen (Darrell) McQuiston – Cassidy and Alex; Kristi (Gabriel) Rutledge – Johnny, Maisy and Olive; and Autumn and Miranda Zukauskas.; sister, Glenellen Stefaniac. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the USO, Wounded Warriors, West Point Class of 1959 Fund, or your favorite charity. Please leave memories of Roger or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.
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