Wellington S. Rogers Jr.

Wellington was born November 15, 1927 and was a 2nd generation Californian. He graduated from Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Welly continued his education and graduated with a Master’s Degree from California State University Los Angeles. He was a nationally ranked competitor in Spring Board Diving and Gymnastics. He taught Science and Coached water sports in the Long Beach area for over 60 years.

All who knew and loved Wellington knew how much he loved the outdoors and all living creatures. One of his proudest achievements was being elected President of the Orange County Cetacean Society. He was an avid scuba diver and was able to feed his family dinner off of the abalone and lobster that he caught while they lived on Catalina. He loved astronomy and built his own 6-inch telescope. He and his wife Valerie shared a love for monarch butterflies and hummingbirds and created a habitat for their winged friends. He also enjoyed reading, gardening, playing piano, composing and debating any topic.

Wellington is survived by his wife Valerie, her daughters Brenda Kelly and Karen Iwakoshi, their spouses Mike Kelly and Michael Iwakoshi. His three children; Stephen Rogers and his wife Marti, Vali Rogers-DeVries and her husband David, Glenn Rogers and his wife Pam, and their mother Ruth Rogers. Twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild also survive him. His parents, Wellington and Elizabeth Rogers and his brother Ralph Rogers preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Friday, June 1, 2018 12 noon in the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel.

Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421