Leslie "Roger" Roger Tompkins

Major Leslie Roger Tompkins, 80, of Spokane, WA, passed away February 20, 2023, at Sacred Heart Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. His memorial service will be held at Ball and Dodd Funeral Home, 5100 W. Wellesley Avenue, Spokane, on March 18, 2023, at 1:00 PM.

Roger is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Switzer Tompkins, step-children Peter and Courtney Rogers, daughter-in-law Mandy Rogers, and grandchildren Addison, Sophia and Simon Rogers.

Roger was raised in Nebraska on the Tompkins Corner Ranch with parents Harvey and Lois, siblings Linelle, Alan, and Neil. He learned how to milk cows, work in the hayfield, swing in the haymow, and all the other ranch chores. In school, he played whatever sport was in season, was in band, yearbook staff, and in the senior play. He also played piano. He received the Babe Ruth Award and was named outstanding athlete. He was Valedictorian of his class. He attained his undergraduate degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, and masters degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Roger had a lifelong love of flying. He got his private pilot’s license in college, and after graduation joined the United States Air Force. Following officer training school he flew fighters in Vietnam. The day he was to return home, the Tet Offensive hit and he barely escaped. He was stationed at multiple bases in the US, Japan, and Okinawa, functioning as a pilot, Forward Air Controller, pilot instructor, aircraft commander, flying the F-100 Super Sabre, T-38 and KC-135.

He earned 16 air medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal Small arms expert marksmanship Ribbon Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Fairchild AFB was his last assignment. He cherished his time in the military. Following AF retirement, he was hired as a pilot by United Airlines, flying DC-10s and 747s throughout the US, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand for 17 years. He retired from UAL after 9-11.

Roger was an avid golfer, racquetball player, hiker, model train enthusiast, water and snow skier. He loved: going to lunch with his fellow ROMEOs (retired old men eating out); drinking whisky with his two best friends; flowers; birds and wildlife; eating popcorn and watching Hallmark movies; Nebraska football and Gonzaga basketball with family and friends; and giving away watches from his vast collection. He would talk politics and religion with anyone, worked out every day, and became a champion shop walker.

Roger and Barbara traveled annually for 38 years to Hawaii, traveled all over Europe; North, Central, and South America; Africa; Australia; and more. They enjoyed hiking in Canada, Scotland, Switzerland, Germany, and Peru in particular.

Roger was a war hero, loving family man and friend, charitable and responsible citizen.

He will be greatly missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BallandDodd.com for the Tompkins family.