Mr. Roger Ralph Pillen

He was the only child born to Ralph Whiting Pillen and Eleanor Elizabeth (Brunson) Pillen in Flint, Michigan. He grew up on Softwater Lake and enjoyed hunting with his dad and working on cars. He learned how to Indian dance from the Order of the Arrows that he was a member of. He was also known to cause some havoc with his cousin Jeff. He took after his father and was a local football star at Gains High School. He came out to California in 1957 with his mother, wife, cousin and dog (Gussie) after the sudden death of his father. After they settled in San Diego he had his first daughter Kimberly. While he was trying to find work, he had an arrangement with the landlord to do painting and handyman jobs to help pay rent until he got a job at City Chevrolet when it was on Kettner and Ash. The marriage soon ended and he was back on the market.

He helped set up Courtesy Chevrolet in Mission Valley as one of its original employees in 1961 and continued to work there 44 years until the cancer stopped him. He met Jeanette (Turrin) and after he recovered from a serious motorcycle accident they were married February 10, 1967 (39 years). They bought a house in San Carlos and made it their home. They were finally blessed with a daughter, Susan, and enjoyed spending time together as a family.

Roger enjoyed the outdoors and went on frequent trips in the family camper and he even learned how to snow ski when he was 50. Even from a young age he enjoyed classic cars, which may not be surprising since he was surrounded by General Motors plants. When he was a child his father made him a bow and he continued to enjoy archery. He was interested in history and especially liked to learn about his Native American (Chippewa tribe) roots.

Animals of all kind (dogs, geese, squirrels) gravitated to him and he was especially close to his childhood dachshund, Gussie. He was able to fix almost anything and had a very strong work ethic. The Golden Oldies and Motown were his favorite music and you could always count on him to get up and dance at a wedding. His pretty blue eyes lit up when he was around his grandchildren Amanda and Brett and they lit up around him.

He was diagnosed with Melanoma cancer that spread to his brain and lung after having a seizure at work on November 28, 2005. He fought a brave battle against the cancer but finally surrendered on September 17, 2006 in his home.

What most people will remember is that he was always there to help. No matter what you needed or when you needed it, he was willing. His unselfishness and patience set him apart from the crowd.

He will be missed.

Arrangements under the direction of Goodbody Mortuary in San Diego, CA, (619)582-1700.