Roger Kenneth Hand, 64, of Helena, passed away at his home Friday, July 1, 2011, surrounded by his favorite ladies, Ann Black, Janice Rusek and Amanda Sather. He was born to Rosco (Rock) and Verna Hand on Feb. 19, 1947, in Helena.
Roger spent his childhood in Helena. After high school Roger moved to Palmer, Alaska, where he worked on a dairy farm. Later, he moved to Chandler, Ariz., where he started his career around farm equipment and then moved to Buckeye, Ariz., where he started with Sperry-New Holland farm equipment. Later he moved to Portland, Ore., where he became a service representative traveling the Pacific Northwest, including Hawaii and Alaska for Sperry-New Holland.
In his later years he started working for himself assembling farm equipment along with writing warranties for different companies.
Moving back to Helena, he began working for Abe Grossfield and the late Lee Reynolds. He also continued with assembling equipment and writing warranties on a limited basis.
While living in the Portland area, Roger’s passion for diving started. This passion took him to many amazing places worldwide. He would spend at least a week or two in the Bahamas every year.
He is survived by his companion and the love of his life, Ann Black of East Helena; sister, Virginia (Chuck) Johnson of Ferndale; niece, Stacy (Mark) Manahan of Montrose, Colo.; and nephew, Scott (Rhonda) Johnson of Denver.
A special thank you goes to Amanda Sather of Home Sweet Home Health Care, Hospice of St. Peter’s and Janice Rusek.
There will be public visitation all day today, July 5, at Retz Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, at Retz Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Forestvale Cemetery following the service. The family asks that any memorial contribution made to Lewis and Clark Human Society. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Bob Smart says
I worked summers at Rock Hand, back in the 60’s and got to know Roger back then. He was a great guy.
Connie Flaherty Erickson says
In 1950, my parents bought a home next door to Rock and Verna Hand. I was almost 4 years old and Roger was 3 1/2. For the next 6 or 7 years Roger was my best friend. We would build forts in Hand’s front yard and Verna or my Mom would make us sandwiches. In the summer, Rock would bring a stock tank and put it in their back yard; it was the neighborhood swimming pool. Roger even helped me learn to ride a bike. On many summer mornings, Roger would knock on our front door and ask, “Can the Con come out and play?” and away we would go on a new adventure. After dark when we had to come in, Roger and I would send messages between our houses with a pulley, rope, and clothes pins. Our families spent many Fourths of July together. Although we eventually went our separate ways, I will always look back on my childhood with fond memories of the fun times Roger and I had together. Rest in peace, Roger.
Beatty says
To Virginia, Chuck, family & friends of Roger,
Our sympathy is extended to you in the loss of our Masonic Brother Roger. Our prayer and condolences are with his family and special friends at this time.
From the Officers & Members of Boulder- Basin Lodge #41 AF & AM
george ballard says
Roger will be remembered as a warm hearted fun loving human being
I will rember the time he slid down the ramp in the back door of the store and knocked Babe to the floor
Cathy Bernatz Kemmis says
Roger and his family were exceedingly kind to my mom and me after my dad died. I have many good memories of working at Rock Hand & Co and working with Roger. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Doug Sutton says
I worked with Roger at Sperry New Holland. We were both Service Reps in Portland, OR. We became very good friends. My fondest memories involve two trips. The first to Acapulco and the second to Tahiti. His interest in diving started on those trips. My condolences to Rogers family.
Connie Williams says
We have lost a truely wonderful man and great friend. We last saw Roger at our home about 3-4 years ago and had such a special visit with him and his friends Doug and Sherri Sutton and Doug’s sister and brother-in-law, Michael and Cinda.
We had no idea that Roger was ill and are so saddened to hear of his passing. It is sad to think that we will not hear his great laugh again.