Rodger Barrett Schumacher

March 1, 1926 – May 22, 2016

Rodger passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 22 at the age of 90. He lived a vibrant life with humor, kindness and cheer. He was born on March 1, 1926 in Binghamton, New York to Frederick and Geraldine Schumacher, the middle of three sons. Rodger graduated from Binghamton High School as Class President in 1944. He joined the Army and Navy between 1944 and 1946, having served as an Army Infantry Trainer and Certified M-1 Rifle Marksman; then as a member of the Amphibian Corp, and candidate for Annapolis Academy. The GI Bill helped Rodger attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he participated in ROTC Army Transportation Corp and graduated with honors with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. He married Patricia L. Ashley in Troy, New York in 1949 and had two daughters, Gail and Leslie in 1954 and 1956 respectively.

He earned a Mechanical Engineering license in New York, Ohio, New Jersey and Wisconsin. His professional life was primarily in sales and marketing in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) industry with Worthington Corporation for 22 years and then with Gustave A. Larson Company. His job promotions took him to four states – New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Wisconsin resulting in Vice President of Sales positions in both companies. The last 10 years of his working life, he was a business owner and manufacturer’s representative serving clients with HVAC companies.

Rodger was active all his life in the YMCA, teaching swimming lessons when he was still in high school and playing handball and racquetball most of his adult life. He was dedicated to his faith in God and served in many churches in roles ranging from worship leader to deacon. He was an avid amateur photographer and took photos of nature and scenic surroundings in the US, Mexico, Canada and Europe.

He and Patricia retired in 1988 and traveled full time in a motor home for 10 years, having visited all 50 states and National Parks throughout the US. They resided many summers in Chimicum, Washington and spent most winters in Tucson, Arizona, finally deciding to stop traveling in 1998. For the past 18 years, Rodger has been a permanent resident in Western Way RV Resort and has enjoyed many of the musical attractions around Tucson including the Tucson Symphony, Tucson Pops, and the University of Arizona Music Department concerts. Patricia passed away in 2012.

Rodger is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia and two brothers, Richard and Thomas. He is survived by fiancé Geraldine Barney , two daughters, Gail Schumacher and Leslie Dunkak, Mark Dunkak (son in law), Justin and Kourtni Dunkak (grandson and wife), and Xavier Dunkak (great grandson).

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, May 29, 2016 at 4:00 pm at the Holy Way Presbyterian Church, 4040 S. Bilbray Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85746. Send condolences to Desert Rose Heather Cremation and Burial, 1040 N. Columbus Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85711. Memorial gifts can be sent to The Holy Way Presbyterian Church in Rodger’s memory.

Arrangements under the direction of Desert Rose Heather Cremation & Burial, Tucson, AZ.