Roger Reece

Roger Reece, 82, of Grants Pass, passed away on February 26, 2018 at Rogue Valley Medical Center. Roger was born on November 20, 1935, in Roseburg, Oregon, to Clarence and Margaret Reece. Where he attended Melrose Grade school and graduated from Roseburg High School in 1953. Roger worked from 1954 -1970 for the Oregon State Highway Department on the survey crew for the construction of I-5 from Rice Hill to Canyonville. After obtaining his Professional Land Surveyor’s license in 1970 he moved his family to Grants Pass and joined Richard L Templin Engineering and Surveying. In 1984 he purchased Templin’s engineering practice and renamed it Roger T Reece Land Surveying. Roger was elected Josephine County Surveyor in 1984 and held office from 1984 -1996.

Roger was active in the community and his professional affiliations. His volunteerism led to the development of the All Sports Park and North Valley High School athletic fields. Roger also was a member of the Rotary Club of Grants Pass, Active 20/30 Club and was a member and past president of the Rogue River Chapter of the Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon. As a member of the Grants Pass Golf Club for over 30 years he involved himself in many improvement projects.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His love for Elizabeth started in 1952, when she made him learn how to dance. Roger married Betty on February 26, 1954. They had two sons, David and Bruce, and daughter (deceased) Sheryl.

Roger will be remembered for many things: Big game hunter (many trophies remain in the garage), water skier (even learned how to barefoot), snow skier and the one-handed golfer who took most everyone’s money he played against. He was always excited to see his great-grandchildren and his grandchildren. Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf, and restoring vintage cars.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Reece, son David Jess Reece and his wife Nancy of Albany, Oregon, and son Bruce and his wife Danielle of Selma, Oregon. He has 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Donations can be made in his name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 2701 NW Vaughn St, Suite 203 Portland, OR 97201.

There will be a celebration of life for Roger from 11 AM to 2 PM on Saturday March 10 at their home in Grants Pass (155 Kingsgate Way). Friends and family alike are invited to share stories, and remember Roger.