DIETER ROGER

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DIETER ROGER On the morning of October 16, 2010 surrounded by his whole family, Dieter Roger passed away unexpectedly. Dieter was born in 1927 in the beautiful town of Tambach-Dietharz, Germany. He received a degree in art and architecture from the Kunsthochschule in Hamburg, Germany where he met and fell in love with Gisela. When she moved to America for a year, he wrote her daily and finally proposed by mail. They were married in 1957 when Gisela returned to Germany. They soon moved to the United States so Dieter could work with architect Phillip Johnson in New York and later Walter Gropius in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Margerit was born. A few years later, they moved back to Mainz, Germany, where Kerstin was born. In 1967 Dieter got an opportunity of a lifetime, to be a Full Professor in the Architecture Faculty at the University of Manitoba, and the young family moved to Winnipeg. Dieter taught there for 25 years, passing on his love of learning and designing to his students. His own love for learning led him to begin research on architectural and then historical topics. Over the years, he published many German articles and booklets, and did displays and presentations about architecture, German-Canadian history, Dr. Ferdinand Eckhart (Winnipeg Art Gallery) and other topics. He was a respected Board member of the German-Canadian Cultural Association, and actively represented German culture and history in his chosen home, Canada. In 1999 he received the German Bundesverdienstkreuz (like the Order of Canada) for his efforts in German-Canadian history. He leaves to celebrate his rich and full life his wife and the light of his life, Gisela. At her side are their children Kerstin (Patrick) and Margerit (Sinda), and grandchildren Lucas and Madeleine. Mourning his loss in Hamburg, Germany are his brother Uwe and his wife Christine, and their family, as well as friends in Canada and overseas. He is remembered for his love of writing wonderful poetry for every family event, his passion for art and ideas, his photographic memory, and his ability to play and win at almost every chess game well into his last days. We will miss his presence immensely, but will carry him with us forever. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Fort Garry M.B. Church (1771 Pembina Hwy., R3T 2G6) on Friday, October 22. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fort Garry M.B. Church or the Winnipeg Art Gallery Studio Programs (300 Memorial Blvd, Winnipeg, R3C 1V1) NEIL BARDAL INC. FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2010