Roger Lesher

Lesher, Roger P. Slipped the surly bonds of lung disease and touched the face of God on August 5, 2011 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital with his twin sister, Nancy at his side. Roger was born on October 4, 1948 to Edgar and Margaret Lesher in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is survived by the mothers of his children and enduring friends, Lois Lesher and Laura Lesher. He leaves behind his sons, Jason (Kara), Zachary (Ashley) and Alexander; his daughter, Whitney; and grandchildren, Aaron, Jeana, Allie and Ryan. Roger's brothers, Ted and Daniel; sisters, Karen, Nancy, Sarah, Deborah, Megan and Valerie; and many nieces and nephews also survive him, as do his brothers of the heart, Dave, Jack, Stan, Ron, Joaquin, and Tariq who helped shepherd him through his final days. Roger was an inherently shy and frugal man with a generous, loving heart and an inquisitive mind. He attended University High School, Ann Arbor High School and graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He spent his entire career at Barnes Group Associated Spring in Ann Arbor and Saline. With coworker Jack Starzec, he invented an arcuate spring, patented in 1991 and used today in every American Ford car to modulate transmission shifting. His primary avocations were flying his 1946 Ercoupe, attending Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-ins at Oshkosh each year, and giving 55 children their first flights as a Young Eagles volunteer pilot. He loved classic movies, oldies music, tinkering and hunting. A memorial service will be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel on Sunday, August 14 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 12:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to St. Joseph Mercy Home Care and Hospice. Please visit www.muehligannarbor.com to leave the family your thoughts and condolences.