It was the end of October 2012 when we arrived at the marina in San Diego. We arrived one day late - our wonderful crew, Marla, had arrived the day before. Marla was waiting for us at the dock as we pulled in.
After the "hellos"! and "well dones", (we had just arrived from Vancouver, Canada) Marla took us around and introduced us to almost every boat to meet the crews. Barbara, David & Kirsten were one of the first we met.
We couldn't take our eyes off of Zöe, she was very obviously their pride & joy. Every piece that was meant to be shiny, glistened - she looked brand new!
We sailed with the fleet of the 2012 Baja Ha-Ha to Cabo San Lucas. We met Barbara again at one of the land parties while we were enroute.
As we neared Cabo & the marina, we were given our slip assignment... We were going to "raft up" (tie up along side) with another sailboat. Then we turned the corner and saw our marina mates.....s/v Zöe!!!
Eeeeks!! We have to raft up with one of the most beautiful sailboats we have ever seen.... We stayed calm, cool & collected. We executed one of our best dockings - ever! We worried about our fenders rubbing on Zöe's hull, we worried about our lines and how we tied up to her, we just plainly worried about everything.... and then, David said a smiling "hello", asked if we wanted to give Scot Free Eh a fresh water rinse and handed John the water hose.....
The rest is history - we have crossed paths in Mexico, and visited many times in San Diego & Seattle - we will continue to keep on being in touch!
Your joy for life remains with me always!
Every once and a while in life you meet people who are living their dream, doing exactly what they want to, and enjoying every minute of it.
Their joy is a wonderful thing. In that you can take a few minutes to remember that this is what life is about, even though you may not be doing exactly what your dreams were when you first had them. Their own joy gives you hope.
And you are thankful for those people who touch your world and remind you that it is possible to dream big dreams, and also to live them.
David Rogers was one of those people in my life.
I had the privilege of working with him over 20 years ago when he helped our company produce a newsletter. He was always a joy to work with; fun, irreverent, creative beyond belief, my kind of guy!
And his love of sailing was a part of who he was. Living on board his boat with his wife Barbara and daughter Kirsten, sailing away whenever time allowed. Expanding his world, ocean by ocean. I was able to be there with him, if only vicariously. Thank you, David!
And he lived his life on his own terms: doing what he loved most with the people he loved most. You can’t ask for more than that.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.” Certainly, David’s life was a testimonial to that wisdom.
I wish you fair winds and following seas, my friend, wherever you are sailing now!
- Dan Mullene
Friendship
There isn't enough space to fit all the adventures and crazy stories that I have shared with Mr. Rogers. I had the great fortune to become David’s friend while we were both attending art school. There was a connection that became a friendship that lasted over forty plus years. He had an energy that sparked creativity, much laughter, and memorable events. Not only was he a friend, he was an inspiration and always challenged himself as well as those he met. We had many great experiences that I will hold ever so dear to my heart. My brother, I wish you smooth sailing and the wind at your back. Guawg sends his love. - Rikki
Christmas
I have many fond memories of Uncle David, but there is one in particular that sticks out.
Kirsten, I used to babysit you a few days a week while your parents worked. I would take the bus up to Broadway and then stay the night either at the house or on the boat. One morning while we were at the house someone (I'm not sure if it was a friend, neighbor or customer), asked your dad what he thought of having a baby. Without hesitation he replied back, "It's like waking up to Christmas morning...every single day!"
He loved you and your mom more than anything in the world and it showed. We love you guys too!
- Angie Lovin
Great Adventures with David and Barbara
When I think of David I think of his great mind and vision. He taught me about QR codes and was the first I heard suggest cell phones would take the place of wallets many years before this became a reality.
Together, Barbara and David showed me what a great relationship should be, mutual respect and admiration, with great adventure and fun. I loved hearing about their fearless adventures from Missouri, and they made me wonder… why am I in Missouri??
Some favorite adventures and memories Orval and I shared with Barbara and David, and we have been talking a lot about in the last week include: snow shoeing on a beautiful elevated train track in blinding snow, watching the super bowl even though they are NOT football fans, while eating crazy football snacks like cheese wiz, hiking in Kauai to a beautiful waterfall, participating in a 5K – Barbara and David in Bunny Ears, sailing on their beautiful home around Puget Sound, getting to assist (in a very small amount) decorating for Kirsten and Emil’s wedding, Going to the beach in San Diego, Barbara boogey boarding with me, David taking pictures of her, and never complaining even though he probably did not feel very good. Barbara and David are love.
- Alice Reeves
Where in the world is Roger?
We met David "on the radio". We, the crew of Angelina, waited for the daylight crossing of the gulf stream from Rodriguez key to Gun key pass in the Bahamas. David came-up on the VHF and introduced himself and crew as "David, Barbara, and Kirsten Rogers on Vita". Our Texas accented ear heard "David, Barbara, Kirsten, and Roger". Days and miles later we met on the docks at Chub key and found Vita was short one crew member, Roger. David went into a lengthy explanation of Kirsten's little brother, Roger, who didn't get out much and actually lived in the bilge of Vita with a friend named Guag. This was the beginning of two great years in the Caribbean as buddy-boats. We were even called Velcro-boats and shared possibly the best two years of our lives. We have told this story for 20 years and will continue. Sail-on David.
- Rodney & Katrina, SV Angelina
A Counter Culture Hippie
It was very cool having a counter culture hippie Uncle to paint a little color in my (great but) vanilla childhood. My Uncle David, who never had patience for the formalities in life, was always very generous with me. Whether it was volunteering to coach my little league team for the year after the coach never showed up, trusting me to "babysit" the VW bus while on a sailing adventure, helping me improve a school project, letting me stowaway on the boat sailing the Bahamas or giving advice on business ventures; he would always come though.
We actually almost started a business venture together in the early 90's. We were sure this internet thing was going to be big and had a series of meetings to figure out what products we best could sell on a site we would develop. To my huge regret, we ultimately let other things take priority and never followed through. Shortly after there was a little local company called Amazon.com that went public that I've heard has done pretty well.
-Sam
He rocked Chuck Taylor’s
I don’t know a world without uncle David and the planet feels both heavier/lighter with him gone.
I know him as an explorer who made us feel welcome, welcome to be at the table, welcome to be our honest selves and welcome to share our smiles/struggles. He is the type of guy that you take your shoes off when you visit because you know you are going to feel at home and stay a while. My absolute favorite thing about him was how well he listened. He would ask you about your life, about your interests. He would nod and smile, laugh at jokes, an expert at being present in the moment. He would say that he loved to hear us talk about our passion/ideas. I always looked forward to telling him about my artistic ventures and often felt that he related to my train of thought. He would say to me that he was not worried about me, I have built much of my life on the confidence of those words.
- I loved how high his eyebrows would rise up when he smiled and the goofy looks that he would give me.
- I love that he always wanted to grow out his hair and beard.
- He rocked Chuck Taylor’s, especially when he dressed up.
- Cruising in his VW Bus.
- He would pull out the rum after a sailing trip like a true pirate.
- He talked about his car and or boat as if they were a family member.
- I love how much he loved Barbra and Kirsten.
- I love that he made my wife feel so welcome when she joined the family.
- I loved that he placed so much value in an idea, he would light up when you would tell him your new plans/ideas.
- I love that he would not tell folks where and what to do and support them when they got there.
- I love uncle David, always will.
-Kevin Seda-Kane
David's Welcome to the Family
I could not have been more pleased when I met David and Barbara. My son had chosen his in-laws well! :-) David made sure his humor helped create a welcoming atmosphere for 'the parents to meet' and Barbara's sweetness ensured it was a visit to remember. I flew home feeling blessed that my son had a loving family. - Edna
David the Prankster
When I told Roman about David's passing, we of course had many tears to shed, but as he started to settle down we were able to move on to sharing our favorite Uncle David stories.
The whole family had travelled to Bainbridge for Easter and David set up the camera and took a family photo on the steps (of an actual house that B&D lived in for short time). It was a great picture with Grandpa Fritz and baby Jett; four generations!
Now photoshop was a relatively new concept at the time and David copy and pasted Uncle John's face on top of every family member!!! It was incredibly funny, a little creepy and is a small example of how clever he was. Roman thought this was hilarious and AWESOME!
I thank David for living life to the fullest. He was such a wise man who knew what mattered most and could truly enjoy the smallest moments, even making the most mundane parts of life silly and enjoyable. I hope we can all let our goofy flags fly in his honor.
- Kara Centioli
Friend & Neighbor
I'll never forget the first time we met David. Steven and I had received an ominous letter from the City of Bainbridge Island telling us we had to pay an exorbitant amount of money for the "Local Improvement District" in our neighborhood. We were sitting in our living room in shock when there was a knock on the door. It was David. He was holding his letter, and he was in shock, too.
Along with Barbara and David and another family, we entered the Byzantine world of attending City Council meetings and drafting letters of protest. Those four years (or was it more?--it seemed like an eternity) turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because the end result was our friendship with David, Barbara, and Kirsten. What luck!
Later they went on their sailing trip in the Caribbean, then bought a different house down the block (where Kirsten still reigned as Princess of Park Avenue), and finally to Zoe. No matter where they lived, we managed to be the recipients of Barbara's unparalleled hospitality and David's wit and humor.
I have only one beef with David---that he didn't force me to buy a Mac sooner. I went through years of crappy PCs until I learned the joys of Macintosh. David patiently navigated me through this new landscape, including my unending questions like, "Why is the little red x on the left instead of the right?"
In the past two years it was hard to see David decline, but he never lost the ability to make me smile. Thanks, friend, for knocking on our door.
- Margaret Nevinski
Cruising Friendships
David and Barbara were our very first cruising friends, as we found our sailboats, SV Zoe and SV Shindig, tied up at the same visitor’s dock in Santa Cruz, two days after we had left out San Francisco Bay. We were delighted to learn they were going out on their second cruising adventure, and we found many things to talk about immediately, We continued to cross paths naturally as we ventured down the California Coast. David shared his excitement about his daughter Kirsten joining them for the Baja Ha Ha portion of their trip to Cabo San Lucas. Later that cruising year, we kept in touch over emails and treasured times when we would see them again on the water.
Barbara and David's close partnership in their marriage as well as their strong family were a model to us. And after seeing the many photos posted here, we only knew a very small part of their life. Rob particularly likes the Bunny suit debut.
When David’s illness took him suddenly out of Mexico, we were shocked that this part of their journey was changing. David and Barbara's blog kept them close to our hearts. We loved seeing the launch of their family business to support and extend their fight against cancer to others.
We are immensely saddened by David’s passing, but are honored that we have met such a lovely family. We love you, David, Barbara and Kirsten.
- Nancy and Rob Novak
Memories from Lauren
I have such fond, funny and entertaining memories of you! There was never a dull moment; from elaborate Halloween parties, to funny stories, accents and funny faces, taking advantage of every opportunity to attract attention to us in public ( which was always some what humiliating for the awkward preteen/teenager) and of course the sailing trips! Every encounter always ended with a laugh and smile on my face. I will have these memories for a lifetime And I cannot thank David enough for bringing such a refreshing and light look on life!
Thank you for always supporting and loving me no matter the physical distance between us.
- Lauren Hume
Never stop giving
What an unusual and generous celebration you gave to David's care staff at the hospital - they will surely remember it for quite a while. That says so much about your family!
Allowing an examination to establish David's GI diagnosis was also an incredibly constructive way to deal with your grief. This is exactly the sort of gift that can translate into better future care for others. Even after he is gone, David keeps on giving…
- Scott and Ann
Ohana
I find David's passing hard to accept. Like a beautiful sunset, you want it too stay just a little longer but you have to let it go. I too enjoyed engaging David on every occasion. His quick wit and intelligence and just his love of life and people. I made a lasting impression on me in a very short time.
This Thursday morning at 08:15 I had pulled up the anchor at Roche Harbor and made for Mosquito Pass. I had decided to sail back toward Bainbridge and home. By 09:05 I was fishing at the mouth of Mosquito Bay where it joins Haro Strait. I had just landed a nice Pink salmon when I heard the unmistakable exhale of an Orca approaching. I looked up to see an entire pod coming directly at Ohana. Shortly I was surrounded. They had stopped their directional swimming and began circling and diving. A few salmon where soon becoming flying fish trying to vacate the water when one beautiful animal stood on his tail to survey this surface creature with whom they shared their fishing grounds. I clicked this shot and sat down amazed at what had just happened. Hard to believe. An encounter that close. Very powerful. Very captivating and unforgettable.
- David Hallett
Marriage Proposals and Saving Dogs
In 2010 I asked your dad for his permission to marry you. I didn't really know what the tradition was about or what was supposed to be said. Your parents are the best example of a marriage I've ever seen, so my only source of insight was unavailable for this particular question. Anyways, I asked him to join me for lunch so he could give me some "career" advice. We met at a spot in downtown on 3rd (it's gone now I think) and after some formalities I just began to blab and blab for what seemed like forever. And he just kept nodding and like a rookie it just made me more nervous and so I kept blathering on. I have no idea what I said at all because the adrenalin was making me want to sprint away - David is a smarter man than I and I was convinced that he would say something that would make me sound dumb and not worthy. Also, I remember my face being very hot.
I finally paused and he warmly said, "well I think that just sounds great." And that was that.
Also, the time when Mogli fell off the dingy, and David, the guy who didn't like chihuahuas leapt across the dingy to scoop him out of the water.
- Emil
Favorite David memories from Kara
He made a video for Sam and I during our wedding. Maybe all 3 of you came up with questions to ask our guests and record them answering them. It was so fun and creative. I also love it because my Dad is on the video and got the question of "where is Kara's tattoo?"...totally caught my Dad off guard! It's funny! I have no tattoos.
I love David's sense of humor. And Creativity.
And generosity. I think about pictures that I have seen and stories I have heard about David coaching Sam's baseball team. Seriously...how did that come about?!? Doesn't seem like David's thing, yet he did it!
David's voice just kind of makes you smile. And those expressive eye brows! He is definitely a character!
Taking us on the boat! I had never sailed before! Hoisting myself And the boys up, up in the bosuns Chair. They took the 4 of us camping on Blake Island. We stayed in the tent, & your parents in the boat. The next morning, B & D brought over *hot coffee* and cinnamon rolls, I think. We are all sitting around the campfire. We are a little rough, as your are when you've spent the night in a tent. You're parents are fresh & clean, as you are when you've stayed the night at home. David says, "this is the best camping experience I've had." He just has a way of delivery. In that moment, it was pretty funny.
And I know I told Barbara this, but david has always joked about how everyone loves Barbara (oh, I know who you really want to talk to, who you have come to see, etc.). Well, Roman has expressed on a few different occasions now how he misses Uncle David. So, I told Barbara, "it's not just about YOU!" Roman loves David independently of who he is married to!
And probably my most favorite thing about David is just how much he loves Barbara and how much she loves him. Watching those two has always been an inspiration.
On a Boat, a poem from Vinne
He looks far away
Where colors danced of blue, red and gray
Kind, gentle soul
Sailing beyond what earth bestow
Where spirits met to sing their songs
guided his breath all along
Rocking on sturdy ground made of wood
Smell of seaweed brushing by where he stood
Behold, the sun, the only true star, is setting
Morning will be, never forgetting.
An adventurous spirit - From Jay
One thing I remember about your Dad was how readily he welcomed me into the family when I first started dating Angie. You and the cousins were all pretty young and the only one Uncle John, Uncle Dave, Uncle Bob and Grandpa Fritz could really give a hard time to was me. Your dad was always part of the fun but in a good-natured and friendly way. I've always enjoyed the holidays and the time spent chatting with him. His adventurous spirit (leaving his job to sail, selling his home to live on his boat) his ability to set and achieve goals (sail again in x number of years…) have inspired me to be more adventurous myself both with my career and where we make our home. Your dad's relationship with your mom is also something I've aspired to have with Angie. The way they are best friends after so many years together is a great model for our entire family. It's no wonder that we have been able to avoid divorce throughout the entire family on the Orth/Kane/Rogers side. Amazing example for generations and certainly not the norm.
John & Carol's Favorite David Moments
- Barbara and David’s wedding reception at Sam & Patty’s.
- 1973 trip to Monterey California in our new ‘ 72 Chevelle Malibu while John went to school.
- Looking for Coca Cola signs, bottles and anything related to it.
- David chasing down Rosie the dog while Barbara was gardening.
- New Year’s Eve dinners at the Four Seas restaurant in China Town.
- David and Barbara living on Belvidere Street before we moved from White Center.
- David living on the edge on Fontenac Street at the top of the gully.
- Dance lessons with David and Barbara – the Prom Night!
- David taking Carol and I out on our first sail boat ride. We thought we were so cool.
- Remodeling of the house off Othello Street and all of the neat antiques.
- David’s return from Taiwan with the iron Transformers before they were known here at home.
- David’s many jokes and great humor about the Orth Women at family holiday gatherings.
- David as the Easter Bunny at their new home on Bainbridge in the upscale homeowner’s estates.
- Meeting David at the office as he explained the “new” computer by Apple called the Macintosh.
- The day Kirsten arrived and the joy he had in his heart to have his own child. What was he to do? He was almost speechless and even said so.
- Dinners at Shakey’s Pizza with the family.
- Freda the Ford Falcon that replaced the VW Bug that traveled all over this country with Barbara.
- David’s help in designing JKANE & Co. logo and branding materials.
- Head photographer at Monica’s wedding. Couldn’t ask for better.
- David and Barbara’s first custom built sailboat and their trip with Grandpa Fritz and Grandma Shirley to Canada.