Roger Alan McGath

On April 11th, 1966, Roger enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served as an Air Traffic Controller in the Air Force until his honorable discharge on December 3rd, 1969. For his service, he received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Roger attended Aurora University, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. He then attended Northern Illinois University, and he graduated with a Master’s of Science Degree in Education Administration, as well as a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education Administration. Upon moving to Oregon, he attended the University of Oregon, where he took additional Graduate Courses, and Portland State University, where he took a course in School Law.

On March 28th, 1970, Roger married the love of his life, Kay Mooneyham, in San Diego. They were married until his passing. Together, they had three children.

Roger began his career in teaching in 1972, as a 6th grade teacher in Kaneland, Illinois. In 1977, he began to work for Virgil Hamblin Plastering in El Cajon, California. He was an estimator and office manager. He left in 1992, and in 1993, he started working at Hubbard Ranch in Enterprise, Oregon, as a Project Manager and a Safety Manager. In 1995, he went to work for Enterprise Public School, where he worked as a Superintendent. He was there until 2001, when he went to work for Bronson Log Homes and Furniture. He then worked as an Interim Pastor for Enterprise Christian Church the summer and fall of 2001. In 2003, he went to work for Abundant Life Church in Damascus, Oregon. At Abundant Life Church, he served as the Construction Coordinator. He was also involved in building maintenance, as well as Adult Education.

Roger was very involved in the communities he lived in. Most recently, he attended Abundant Life Church. Prior to that, he attended Enterprise Christian Church, North Pacific Community Church in San Diego, and Aurora Adventist Christian Church. He served as a Sunday School Teacher, and was an elder. He was also involved with a number of other organizations, including the Lath/Plaster Association, Rotary International, Chamber of Commerce, Future Farmers of America, and the Confederation of School Administrators. In his spare time, he enjoyed walking, basketball, photography, and electrical wiring.

Roger is survived by his wife, Kay McGath of Gresham; his sister, Pat Archer of Cave Creek, Arizona; his brother, Richard McGath of Sarasota, Florida; his daughters, Sarah Schuhl of Gresham, and Anna Tapley of Temecula, California; his son, Trent McGath of Salem; and his grandchildren, Bryan and Megan Tapley of Temecula, California, Jacob and Sam Schuhl of Gresham, and Camden and Kendrey McGath of Salem.

A Memorial Service in Roger’s honor will be held on Monday, November 7th, 2016, at 11:30 am at the Abundant Life Church in Damascus.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Navigators (A ministry directly impacting military men and women), PO Box 6079, Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007-6679, referring to our account #121764; or online at navestaff.org/give/121764. Donations can also be made to Caring Bridge, Attention: Donation Processing Center, PO Box 6032, Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007-6632; online at caringbridge.org (click on donate to Caring Bridge), or by phone, (651) 789 – 2300.