Roger Clayton Bazzill

On Saturday, May 2, Roger succumbed after a difficult battle with lung cancer. He fought the disease valiantly. Success was not to be in his future. As per his request, a family service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix with burial following. In early November, a Celebration of Life memorial will be held for all his friends and family. Roger’s wish was that we not be tearful and sad. He wanted his life celebrated with a party and happy memories.

Roger was born in North Freedom, Wisconsin on September 15, 1938. As was the custom of that time and area, he was born at home in the parlor of his family farm. He was the youngest of six children. He has four sisters and one brother. His parents were Harry and Emma Bazzill. Roger had many happy memories of his early years and developed a love for hunting and fishing.

Roger graduated from Baraboo, Wisconsin High School in 1956 and shortly thereafter joined the Navy where he was assigned for four years. He was based in Long Beach, CA and it was there he met his wife to be, Janis. They were married on January 11, 1959. When Roger’s Navy duties were completed, they moved to San Luis Obispo, CA where Roger began his college studies at California Polytechnic University. His desire was to become a teacher in the Industrial Arts field. He completed his BA degree in 1963. During his college years business opportunities caused his focus to change. Janis and Roger purchased their first hair salon in San Luis Obispo in 1962 and within a year had purchased another salon in Santa Maria. A teaching career was left behind as other business opportunities became available and a relocation to Torrance, CA was made where he was involved in various businesses until 1972.

Roger and Janis have three children, sons Brian (Nancy) Lompoc, CA and Todd (Christine) San Francisco, CA and a daughter Kathy Gustafson (Jeff) Sacramento, CA. Great family experiences which revolved around camping, boating, fishing and canoeing were their focus in their children’s growing up years. Roger and Janis have four grandchildren.

In 1972 Roger moved to Lompoc, CA to start a new career with Allstate Insurance Co. He owned his own agency until 1997 when he sold his business and retired. Roger and Janis moved to Anderson, CA and purchased a walnut farm and built a new home. They discovered walnut farms were a lot of work and their long-time friends who lived in Sun Lakes were enjoying the lifestyle that they wanted. The new home and walnut farm were sold and the move was made to Sun Lakes in 2000. Absolutely no regrets! He loved his life and friends in Sun Lakes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Roger’s name be sent to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 1700 Owens Street, Suite 190, San Francisco, CA 94158; online at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate.

Memories that you wish to share of Roger may be left at www.valleyofthesun.com.