Roger Lee Obituary

Roger Douglas Lee, a steadfast keeper of the faith, was born on March 4, 1945, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to George Franklin Lee and Melba Morris, the youngest of five boys. He was called home on June 30, 2025, after a brief stay at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden, Utah, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

From an early age, Roger embraced life with energy and purpose. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged young, as a paperboy alongside his older brothers. Roger grew up in Ogden and graduated from Ogden High in 1963.

He had a passion for snow skiing and later in life volunteered on the Snowbasin ski patrol. He enjoyed running and loved playing baseball. He was also captivated by model airplanes. Roger developed a deep love for music, teaching himself to play both the guitar and the banjo. He often filled the house with music late into the night—so much so that his parents would occasionally flip the breaker just to get some sleep.

Roger attended Weber State before and after serving in the Brazilian Mission in 1964-66 in the state of São Paulo at the time the first stake was organized in the country. He loved his mission deeply and held a lifelong affection for those he served. Later in life, whenever Roger heard a foreign language, he would instinctively slip back into Portuguese—his mission language forever etched in his heart.

After his mission, Roger continued his pursuit of education, earning a BS in Political Science from Weber State, where he was voted “Most Preferred Man,” served as a rally man, and participated in student government. He earned a Master's of Public Administration from BYU, an MBA from Utah State, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Utah. He taught in the Business department at Salt Lake Community College. He also taught at Weber State University, the University of Utah, BYU, Westminster, Embry-Riddle, Park College, and anywhere he could get a “gig”.

Following his mission, Roger met his eternal companion, Gloria Salerno — his beloved “Angel,” as he affectionately called her. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on March 18, 1970.

Roger was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War, where he honorably served as a field medic. During his service, he was also set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had the opportunity to teach, fellowship, and even baptize servicemen while in Vietnam. Roger loved his country and was proud to be an American!

His love for the gospel is paramount. Roger found joy in serving in many callings within the Church. He was frequently seen running through the neighborhood memorizing scripture verses—often right down the middle of the road, much to the dismay of neighbors. He was proud to pick up all five of their children from their missions. Later in life, Roger and Gloria served together as missionaries in the Inner City Ogden Spanish Ward, continuing their shared devotion to the Lord and His work.

Known affectionately as “Boompa,” Roger cherished time with family—especially at Bear Lake, showing off his slalom ski beach-start, tubing with grandkids while yelling “full speed”, and leading songs around the campfire with his guitar.

Roger found joy in exploring the world and sharing the gospel, especially when it meant making memories with his family. He often said, “The only things you can take with you after this life, are the memories you make.” From road trips to Yuma AZ, trips to Europe, spontaneous day trips to Mexico City or weekend getaways in Brazil, he was always ready for an adventure. He cherished boys’ trips to Disneyland, back-to-back journeys from Guatemala to South Africa, and special visits to Washington, D.C. to visit Michelle and Brian. Whether skiing the Andes in Chile, walking the historic streets of Nauvoo or the Great Wall of China, teaching classes in Korea and Brazil, or enjoying the beauty of Italy while dreaming of being a tour guide in Pompeii, his life was full of adventure.

Roger had many jobs throughout his life, the most notable being a professor. He was known for ending every class with his signature “Quote of the Day.” He has a magnetic presence: loud, passionate, and, in his own words,"not the kind of passion found in the backseat of a car on a Friday night." He was a friend to everyone - accepting and loving people without judgment. His warmth, humor, and enthusiasm made people feel seen, valued, and loved.

He is survived by his wife Gloria Salerno, 5 children, Michelle (Brian) Deppe, Linnea (Egan) Wheeler, Matthew (Jodi), Nathan (Michelle), Jared (Corrianne) and 17 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents George Franklin and Melba Morris, two brothers, Morris and Richard “Dick” and grandson, Samuel “Sammy” Wheeler.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the many neighbors and all the homecare helpers who supported Roger over the past few years. A special thank you to the VA Home and Bristol Hospice team for their compassionate care in his final days.

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 7th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lindquist Mortuary, located at 869 S 2000 W, Syracuse, UT 84075.

On Tuesday, July 8th, there will also be a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Church building located at 3267 W 700 S, Syracuse, UT.

Interment at the Ben Lomond Cemetery 526 E 2850 N, North Ogden, UT

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the general missionary fund for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

General Missionary Fund: https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/missionary/

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