Calvin Rogers Obituary

I wish to send my deepest, heartfelt sympathy to Helen and the entire Rogers family. You need to know that I share .your grief. Cal became my violin teacher when I was 14 years old. ( June 22, 1953) I continued to study with Him until graduation from Ashland College in 1960. I started my career as a music teacher in Mt Vernon, O. I knew I could always go Cal. He was my mentor, my advisor, and forever, my friend. In my memory he will always be "bigger than life" as the most important influence in my early life. For this I am ever grateful. My love of the violin, after nearly 50 years remains mixed up with memories of my first teacher. I still play and I still remember.

Cal was a great friend and was insturmental (pun not intended) in starting us on our world travels by arranging a trip to Australia, New Zealand and Figi. We have truly missed Cal and Helen since they left Colorado.

Cal was my violin teacher and friend for years--6th grade through my Ashland University years. I would not have been the musician that I am without his influence. Also, I treasure my Chapel Choir years with him. He will definitely be greatly missed.

I will never forget Cal, he was instrumental in my journey as a vocalist. I still remember the night he and Noxy came in to Ricardo's restaurant where my husband Chuck and I were performing. I also remember at my graduation from college in 1980 when I kissed the top of his bald head as he passed out Cross Pens to the graduating seniors (I still have the pen!) Cal was an inspiration and a gift - I don't think he really knew how much he helped me as a vocalist, his techniques and exercises really helped me to shine in my college years, and gave me the tools to continue as a vocalist after college. I am so grateful to him for everything that he did for me. The photo attached (sorry so grainy) is during our annual Madrigal Feastes - Amy Stoch-Poynton, Cal Rogers & Rita Weirich! Rest in Peace Cal, you will be missed by all of those you have touched!

Cal was a great teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend to me in the many years we were together at Ashland College. I especially value the fun times we shared on the numerous domestic and European choir tours. Cal's day-to-day wisdom, humor, and kindness were equally important in my youth as student and faculty colleague. May his soul rest in peace, and my light perpetual shine upon him. I send my love and condolence to dear Helen, Sally, Susie and Debbie on their loss. We, Cal's musical children, share in your great loss.

Cal inspired me and is largely responsible for my success in music. Every week I use a choral rehearsal technique that I learned from singing in his AC choir. My wife, Julie, and I met in Cal's choir. He changed my life. My prayers are with Noxie and his family.

Cal was a mentor, teacher, and friend.

Such a wonderful, musically talented man....who was such an asset to Ashland College/University for so many years! We feel blessed to have known him! Geneva and Phil Gentle (Glendale, AZ)

I'll always Remember Cal from college choir tour days and later after graduation when we would run into each other at music conventions. Best wishes to Cal's family in this time of loss.

Appreciated his musicianship and friendship at AU.

Betsy and I extend our sympathies to Cal's family and many friends. Cal was one of the most devoted and motivated people I have known in advancing the cause of fine music -- though his activities as performer, conductor, educator, and tireless advocate. Without his influence, many things people now take for granted simply would not exist. It was my privilege to know and work with him at Ashland College from 1970-77, and I'm grateful to him for giving me the chance to test my musical wings. Thank you, Cal; may you rest in peace.

RIP Cal- A wonderful musician, administrator, and colleague.
Cal hired me as Director of Bands at Ashland University in 1972.
Curt Wilson
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To my one and only favorite Uncle: Your passion for life made you larger than life. I can only imagine how many lives you touched through your music. You certainly touched my life and I will carry all of my happy memories with me forever. My husband Jim, sons Tony and Dylan and I are celebrating a life well lived. Someday when we meet again I will have a special bottle of Zinfandel to share with you. Holly Cats! We miss you terribly.