Roger Harold John

Dr. Roger Harold John entered into rest on March 9, 2011 at his home from a heart attack. A vigil service will be held Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 7:00pm in the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, March 14, 2011 at 10:00am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church with interment following in the Grandview Cemetery. He was born to Harold and Kathryn John on October 23, 1944 in Sandpoint, Idaho. The family moved to Bonners Ferry in Roger’s freshman year. He graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1963. He worked for the Forest Service in Boundary County for many years. In 1967 Roger worked on the legendary Sundance fire, being gone from home long periods of time. He earned enough money on that fire to buy his 1969 Mercury Cougar for $3,200. Vietnam was very hot in the 60’s and Roger’s draft number was on root. So he decided to join the National Guards in the Bonners Ferry unit. He had an honorable discharge after 6 years. It was very close call because his unit was almost called for Vietnam. Roger attended Boise State earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health Sciences. In 1972 he met Janice Anderson at Boise State. They were married November 27, 1976 in Meridian, Idaho. He worked for Boise Inter Agent Fire Center as a fire fighter, but he also did some research for them. He earned a National Award for his research there. Roger saved the government thousands of dollars but they only gave him $300. We always laughed about that saying, “that’s the government for you”! Roger attended Chicago National College of Naprapathy. In 1982 he graduated with a Doctorate Degree and 2 days later we were heading for Idaho in a U-Haul and a car full of stuff, including his parents, our 2 sons, wife and himself. That was a very long trip! When we entered Idaho, Roger and I jumped out of the car and kissed the ground, we were so happy to be back in God’s country. He worked as Napratha in Bonners Ferry for 28 years. Roger is survived by his wife Janice, sons Patrick Roger (Trish) John of Rock Springs, Wyoming, Ryan Harold of Plover, Wisconsin, daughter Robyn Kaylee (Rickey) Smith of Garland, Texas, 2 brothers Roland (Cindi) John and Sonny (Patti) John all of Spokane, Washington, 2 sisters Arlene (Russ) Johnson of Pocatello, Idaho and MaryAnne (Ron) Regher of Peoria, Illinois. Roger is also survived by many nieces and nephews, 1 step-grandson Tucker Owens and a granddaughter Kaylee Jade Smith due on April 18th. Memorials are recommended to Children to Children (an orphanage in Colombia, in care of Margaret Mellett), St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and St. Ann’s Catholic Church or to the Ministerial Association for the Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets for the needy. Roger was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus with St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Roger loved his family, the outdoors, and all the people he helped throughout the years. Family and friends are invited to sign Roger’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.