NEWBURGH – Forrest O. Rogers, 89, passed away peacefully April 9, 2007, at Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor. He had valiantly struggled for more than 10 years with declining health. He was born Jan. 23, 1918, in Newburgh, the son of Florian O. and Emily (Knowles) Rogers. He grew up learning to farm with his father, and even purchased calves of his own as a young boy. He attended local schools. In 1941, he married Beatrice Cummings and they settled in Newburgh. During World War II, he entered the U.S. Army, 73rd Battalion Medical Corp. After his military service, he returned to farm life in Newburgh. He also served as a Newburgh selectman for 27 years, drove school bus for 20 years, and served for 10 years as fire warden. He devotedly cared for his wife, Beatrice, at home before she passed away in 1992. Forrest was a long time member of Archon Masonic Lodge, No. 75 of East Dixmont and attended the East Dixmont Community Church. Forrest was an honorable, independent, hardworking man who taught us all how to deal with growing older with dignity, persistence and a bit of humor. He did his own cooking, cleaning, yard work, putting up winter firewood and raising his garden. Forrest was an extremely frugal man, but last year he bought himself a new John Deere riding lawn mower. He took some convincing because he felt guilty for spending the money. However, it made him smile broadly while riding on it. All of us who have observed the way Forrest had lived his life have learned the importance of keeping on going and not letting anything cause one to give up. He will be greatly missed by all of us who knew and loved him. We extend our thanks to David Rocker, MD, who took such good care of Forrest’s medical needs. He is survived by his sister, Geraldine Prescott of Newburgh; a son, Roland Welch; a daughter, Gloria (Welch) Guillette, both of Lebanon, Pa.; nephews, Terry, Jerry and Barry Prescott; his very special friend, Georgie Knight of Newburgh; several special cousins, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by many very dear friends and neighbors. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, where an evening Masonic memorial service will be conducted 7 p.m. by the officers and members of Archon Lodge No. 75 of Dixmont. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, with Pastor Timothy Boone, pastor of the East Dixmont Community Church, officiating. After the service everyone is invited for a continued time of remembrance and refreshments at the East Dixmont Community Church. Private committal will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 65 South Park St., Bangor, ME 04401. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com A life well lived
FORREST O. ROGERS
