Roger John Furness , Rog, Red, Big Red, The Viking, Big Red Cloud Chief, Dad, Father, Papa
It is with a shattered and broken heart that I share the news of the passing of my father.
His Sunrise was on 01/03/1942 to parents John Edmund and Della Spencer Furness
And his Sunset was on 04/04/2021 during his sleep where he passed away peacefully at home.
My Dad would like to let you know that his work here is done. He received a call, a sort of an offer you cannot refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends that he has not seen in a long time.
I believe he travelled every highway known to man, and others that were not even there…. He was a trailblazer to say the least!
He made his own path and invited his loved ones to travel with him at every opportunity. He had a passion for seeking out the “thrill of the ride” whether it was hang gliding, collecting antique cars, guns, motorcycles, scuba diving, boating, waterskiing, snow skiing, fishing and the list continues.
He was a man with the BIGGEST heart I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, he was always there with a big bear hug and to gently wipe away those tears. My Father did everything he could for the less fortunate and saw great potential in others, he gave everyone more than one chance to prove themselves and never expected anything in return other than for them to flourish. He was there for countless hockey, basketball, football,soccer, ballet recitals, and many other special occasions in his 6 children's lives.
He graduated from Highland High School class of 1960 and shortly after graduation he served in the South Australia mission.
When he returned from his mission, he married his highschool sweetheart Sharron Drury on January 29th 1965, they were married for 56 glorious and adventurous years. He had a very lucrative career in the logistics community where he formed life lasting friendships.
After moving several times throughout several states, they finally settled back in Salt Lake City, Utah where they raised 5 boys and 1 girl. Gregory(Monica) Furness, Jeffery Furness, Cory Furness, Tina Furness, Ryan (Leah) Furness, and Jason (Kristi) Furness, 8 grandchildren Britton, Samantha, Kaitlin, Gavin, Graham, Taeg, Quinn and Isla.
Roger was preceded in death by his father, John Edmund, and his mother Della Spencer, his sister Mary and brother Edward.
He is survived by his wife Sharron, and his 6 children. Numerous nephews, nieces , several cousins, aunts and uncles.
A funeral service will be held in his honor on April 16th, 2021 at 11:00am
Monument Ward 1005 South 2000 East Salt Lake City, Utah
Due to the pandemic, and Covid-19 funeral services will be condensed.
The family wishes to thank all the many friends that have reached out on my fathers behalf.
