From an early age, it was evident that Roger was destined to be an engineer. He enjoyed taking things apart just to see if he could put them back together. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1971 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He served in the US Army and then began his career with Hyster designing lift trucks. Among his professional accomplishments is a patent for co-inventing a new vehicle suspension system. In the mid-1990s, he embarked on a larger scale project, designing the home that he and Cheryl built together. In his retirement, Roger enjoyed designing sets and building intricate props for local theatre companies as a way to marry his design and woodworking skills with Cheryl’s love of acting.
Roger had an eye for photography, capturing moments and telling stories through pictures. He has worked with the Pittock Mansion and many local theatres. He especially enjoyed documenting the beauty of nature through sunsets and flowers.
An avid cyclist for as long as anyone can remember, Roger’s childhood mode of transportation evolved into a lifetime passion, as he raced competitively through 2015. He was versatile in his discipline, sprinting through short track time trials and completing many long rides including the infamous “Seattle to Portland” and numerous “centuries”. His favorite races were hill climbs, with the annual Mt. Ashland Hill Climb ranking at the top of his list, as it also provided the backdrop for special time with Cheryl enjoying the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Roger dedicated many hours to coaching his daughter Lindsay’s Little League softball teams as she was growing up. It was an experience that was special to both of them and reflects Roger’s commitment to helping others achieve their full potential. Donations in Roger’s memory can be directed to Friends of Baseball (http://www.friendsofbaseball.org/rogernelson/) to help provide opportunities for underserved youth in our local community to experience positive engagement through baseball and softball programs focused on developing commitment, setting and attaining goals, and learning to respect oneself and others.
Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18