Milledge Robert Rogers, better known as JR, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2011 in Nanaimo, BC. JR was born with Down’s syndrome on June 27, 1949, in Moncton, New Bruinswick in a day and age when people with disabilities were hidden away. This was not the case with JR. His loving parents, Milledge and Julia (Budd) kept Junior at home where he became an active member of the Humphrey community. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Glendine Rogers and Gertrude White (the late Arthur), his niece Nancy White, and nephew Allan White.
Junior is survived by his family: Barbara and George Randall of Nanaimo; Norma and Garry Huff of Petawawa; Allison and Linda Rogers of Cocagne, NB; and Aubrey and Margaret Rogers of Westmount, NS. He was a loving uncle to his special niece Christina and her husband Kevin McKinnon of Nanaimo. He will also be lovingly remembered by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and 2 great great nephews.
JR moved to Nanaimo in 1986. He was a participant at Clay Tree and Estevan Centre. He also spent several years with his sister Norma in Petawawa where he enjoyed fishing and attending church. While in Moncton, Junior attended the Humphrey Church of the Nazarene, singing hymns with all of his heart. He participated in early training for the disabled and later attended workshops now known as METS. He will be remembered by many for his attendance at the wrestling matches on Monday nights where he often got himself into a bit of trouble. He enjoyed bowling with the Special Olympics, music and dancing, beer and red ones ($50.00 bills). JR made life interesting for all who met him.
A Memorial Celebration will be held in Nanaimo in mid-May with family and friends sharing their memories of JR and his adventures.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Mountain View Care Home for their kindness and to Dr W.J. Ehman for his years of personal care.
Donations, in memory of JR, may be made to the Humphrey Church of the Nazarene, 229 McLaughlin Road, Moncton, NB E1A 4P4, or the Clay Tree Society, 838 Old Victoria Road, Nanaimo, BC.
Sands ~ Nanaimo
(250) 753-2032