Roger Jonathan Ayala, Jr.

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Roger Jonathan Ayala, Jr. who was indeed a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Roger was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Roger knew him as a well-respected man.

His parents were Rogelio and Cecelia Ayala. Roger was raised in Arleta, California and San Diego, California. Even as a youngster, Roger learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Roger was able to put his natural abilities to work. Roger was raised with two older brothers Rick and Mike. Roger had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Roger, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Roger's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Roger enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Roger took part in baseball and football. In his spare time he liked to work out.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Roger was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. Roger was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Roger upheld his standards. His primary occupation was a student. Roger was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Roger was an Navy veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in 1st Recon and 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion and spent much of his military service station in Camp Pendleton. Roger completed tours in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of HM2.

Roger was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Roger’s favorites was Champ, a bull mastiff. They were best friends for 6 years.

Roger passed away on August 19, 2016 at San Diego, California. He is survived by his father Rogelio and his brothers Mike and Rick. Services were held at Glen Abbey Mortuary. Roger was laid to rest in Miramar National Cemetery.

All who knew him would agree that Roger was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Roger Jonathan Ayala, Jr. did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.