Richie Rogers, Renaissance Man Who Made a Difference

R.I.P., Richie Rogers, whose Memorial Service was held at San Diego First Church of the Nazarene (the relevant section is three-quarters of the way through the video).

The story of Richie’s incredible journey is one of profound spiritual meaning. He used his own personal set-backs and challenges to help others triumphantly overcome life’s trials with strength and resilience; qualities he cultivated and used in service to others that endeared him to his many friends and admirers. Richie’s narrative as expressed in this wonderful memorial offered by clergy, employers, friends and family in San Diego, where he made his home, is especially meaningful during what Christians as a community and their calendar universally refer to as Advent –the coming of the Christmas season – a time of new beginnings and redemption.

In the end Richie Rogers found an authentic community of love and acceptance in San Diego. He enthusiastically used life’s lessons garnered from his two Masters Degrees in Theology, a martial arts Black Belt in Karate, along with an IMbd film credit. In 1959 Richie became an Indiana State Champion Wrestler. Along with his well-honed athletic skills, love of coaching and mentoring youth, Richie’s considerable musicianship made him a welcomed addition to his church and the broader San Diego community where he lived out his adult life cultivating and sharing his may talents with dedication and an unwavering faith in God.

For those who may have wondered “Whatever happened to Richie Rogers?,” the Memorial Service, seen on Facebook in the video-link, from San Diego First Church of the Nazarene, where he served, tells a personal story of Richie’s struggles, overcoming, and triumphs. Above all he’s remembered for his many fruitful good works and the Christian love he shared with others, all of which attest that he devoted his life energies and time to positively impacting the lives of both young and old across racial, religious, gender, and class differences, living out his faith until finally succumbing to colon cancer. Richie Rogers, native son of East Chicago’s Indiana Harbor will be sorely missed.R.I.P. D. Day Media 2019

(I could locate no photos of Richie in his later years. If you have one, please forward it and I will include it here.)