Dr. Hugh Rogers, 50
Dr. Hugh Rogers 'reached the end of his earth's journey" on his birthday, April 1, 2009, due to injuries sustained in an airplane accident on the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Dr. Rogers was born in Concordia, Kan., on April 1, 1959, to Dr. Bob and Marjory Rogers.
He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 1985 and practiced veterinary medicine in Jackson, Wyo., and Driggs, Idaho, before moving to the Flathead Valley and purchasing Alpine Animal Hospital in Whitefish in 1997.
Dr. Rogers was a highly respected and extraordinarily compassionate doctor to all creatures great and small. In fact, it was James Herriot's book "All Creatures Great and Small" that inspired Hugh to become a veterinarian. He had an unwavering commitment to help animals and their owners in need, regularly working on call 24/7 for extended periods of time and often without days off. He frequently used his personal time and resources to help strays and shelter animals.
Dr. Rogers was an avid outdoorsman and spent as much time as possible enjoying the wilderness of Montana. He transitioned out of this life doing one of the activities that brought him the most joy, flying his Maule M-4 plane. Rogers also combined his love of flying with his life's mission to serve those in need by devoting his plane and his piloting skills to Angel Flight, a program providing free flights to children and adults who lack medical access.
Albert Schweitzer once said, " therefore search and see if there is not some place where you may invest your humanity." As his family, friends and clients can attest, Dr. Rogers never had to search. He creatively, graciously, and steadfastly invested his humanity in profound and lasting ways. He actively supported The Red Cross, Montana Food Bank, Kalispell Jaycees, Lighthouse Christian Home, Stumptown Art Studio, Whitefish Community Foundation, Backcountry Horseman, Human Therapy on Horseback, and The Muttshack Veterinarian Relief Organization.
He is survived by his wife, Roxane Rogers, of Whitefish; his parents, Dr. Bob and Marjory Rogers, of Kansas; and his siblings, Emily Fehr and Clark Rogers. He is also survived by a wide circle of friends and the staff of Alpine Animal Hospital; and, of course, leaves behind his beloved pets, Dusty, Chester, Prince, Slick and Bambino.
Services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish.
In light of Dr. Rogers' dedication to service, his family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to any of the following organizations for which he cared deeply:
Kansas State University Pet Tribute, 103 Trotter Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506; The Humane Society of Northwest Montana, P.O. Box 221, Kalispell, MT 59903; Angel Flight, 3161 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, CA 90405; Flathead County Search & Rescue, www.flatheadsar.com; Wildlife Return, 200 Stageline Drive, Whitefish, MT 59937; Montana Food Bank Network Inc., 5625 Expressway, Missoula, MT 59808.
This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.