Roger Lee Vail

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Roger Lee Vail, age 78, on March 31, 2025. Roger’s life was defined by his unwavering kindness, his spiritual wisdom, and his deep love for his family and community. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, understanding, and an ever-present sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew him.

Roger was a man who never met a stranger, always ready with a warm smile, a listening ear, and a generous heart. He was incredibly loving and affectionate, extending forgiveness and the olive branch to anyone in need. His spirituality was a guiding light throughout his life, with a belief that there was so much more to this world than we could ever imagine.

He was a devoted husband to his beloved Lucy Moore Vail, the light of his life, and a proud father to his daughters, Pamela Lee Vail and Veronica Mary Vail, who forever held his heart. Roger's love for his family ran deep—steadfast and soul-rooted. He reminded us often, in quiet words, gentle acts, and cups of coffee, that love is our greatest calling and togetherness our truest gift.

He was welcomed into eternity by his parents, Hugh and Shirley Vail, his brother, Jeffrey Vail, Pamela Durston, and his beloved dogs Mitzi, Cedric, Mac, Jenna, Sammy, and Rosie.

Roger’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who remain—his loving wife, his treasured daughters, his beloved cousin Holly Green, his sister Linda Roman, and a wide circle of close friends and family: brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews who adored him as their own. To them, he was more than family—he was a guiding light, a quiet strength, a presence that will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Roger’s life was rich with passions. He loved the outdoors, particularly golf and gardening, and took great pride tending to his plants and his home. He had a special love for animals, and they, in turn, loved him back. He was known for his amazing ability to whistle, a talent that brought smiles to the faces of those who heard it. A fan of Michigan sports, he often found himself disappointed by their performances but continued to support them with enthusiasm.

An accomplished Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Roger spent 25 years serving his community, always with the utmost care and dedication. He also served his country in the Vietnam War, a time he spoke of with honesty and humility of how it changed and influenced his life. Outside of his professional roles, Roger was an avid learner, with interests in ancient history, different cultures, languages, and spiritual growth. He loved a good game of euchre (shoestring time!), cooking for his family, snapping photos, spending hours with friends and family, and often shared his corny jokes that brought laughter into every room he entered. We often said we learn something new about him every day; so many stories of adventure and fun, hidden talents, and words of wisdom lived beneath that smiling (and sometimes smirking) exterior.

Roger believed in the power of personal growth, and his favorite sayings reflected this deep wisdom: “What am I meant to learn from this?” “Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy.” “Align your four bodies: spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional.” “You take yourself wherever you go.” Always ready with a life lesson to impart, Roger cherished the opportunity to share his experiences and anecdotes with those around him.

A memorial service will be held in his honor on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman East Lansing Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. All are welcome to celebrate Roger’s life, and we invite those who knew and loved him to join us as we reflect on his extraordinary life and the countless ways he touched the lives of others.

If you feel moved to honor Roger’s legacy, the family kindly invites you to make a donation to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) - a cause that held a special place in his heart, 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128. For those who prefer to send flowers, the family warmly requests arrangements bursting with color. Roger had a particular fondness for purple flowers, something that always made him smile.

Roger’s warm and loving spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was, and always will be, a beacon of love, kindness, and unwavering faith that those who love us never leave us, and that there is so much more out there than we will ever know.