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ROGER MERLE KANGAS
Date of Passing: Jan 24, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryROGER MERLE KANGAS 1944 - 2015 It's Happy Hour, I'll be right there! In Tucson, Arizona on January 24, 2015 our Dad, Husband, Brother, Grandpa and Mentor to many, was recruited to begin his next journey "without notice". Roger joined his parents, Melvin/Ida Kangas and sister Marilyn that warm, sunny, Saturday afternoon and proudly reflected with them on his years growing up a "farm boy" in the Ponoka area near Wetaskiwin, Alberta where he was born. Celebrating Roger's life - his wife/best friend and partner, Jean. The ultimate pride of a parents' life, children Ryan Kangas (Erin) Winnipeg, Rachel Darnley (Dave) Alberta, and Ryan Hart (Reverly) Winnipeg. The innocence, magic and joy of seven grandchildren Camryn, Holden, Abigail, Cole, Jacob, Breann and Emelia. Also celebrating Roger's life, sister Donna Stewart (John), nieces Cindy Bonnet (Rick), Chele Taylor (Dale) and nephews Mark Stewart (Tina) and Michael Stewart (Langelle), all of Alberta. Roger truly loved his family and especially celebrated family gatherings. He treasured the moments and memories this past summer when everyone came together to celebrate his milestone 70th! Roger was an educator, receiving his Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Alberta in 1967 and his Masters Degree from the University of Oregon in 1969. His career included teaching, university lecturing, school administration positions from Vice-Principal to Principal to Superintendent of Schools. He also served as an Administration Consultant for the Alberta Department of Education. Roger was recruited to Winnipeg in 1986 as Chief Executive Officer of the St. Vital School Division. He was known for his keenness of vision, his strong ability to empower others to move forward together with a common purpose. Described by a friend and colleague, "while Roger was well known for his expertise in crisis management, his real legacy extends to his efforts directed at child advocacy and teacher excellence. Innovation, mentorship programs, leadership programs were just a few initiatives, fueled by a legendary work ethic complimented by his charismatic leadership skills." In 1990, Roger and Jean started their own educational consulting firm and continued to work in education serving the students and communities of Indian & Northern Affairs Canada across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. The diversity of their work and the inspiration of the many dynamic people they worked with resulted in an extremely exciting and rewarding career. After twenty some years, they retired their company in 2012. As a "Life Member" of The Association of Kinsmen Clubs for his outstanding contribution of Kinsmenship in Alberta, retirement rekindled Roger's involvement in Kinsmen as he joined the The All Saints Kinsmen Club in Winnipeg and enthusiastically participated in the service club activities. One of his favorite events was volunteering at "The Peaceful Village", a Manitoba School Improvement Project, dedicated to Youth and Community Renewal. Golf, gardening, and gatherings with family and friends was enjoyed year round in retirement as Roger and Jean loved their summers in Winnipeg and winters in Arizona. As snowbirds for over 20 years, many close and genuine friends were made all over the United States and Canada. Please remember Roger for his incredible love of life, his endless energy and his consistent drive to facilitate the success of others. Roger was and always will be a true motivation to us all. Rest peacefully, my friend, we'll see you soon........ at Happy Hour. Cremation has taken place as per Roger's wishes. Come Share Your Memories, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm on Thursday, July 30, 2015, St. Boniface Golf Club, 100 Youville Street, Winnipeg, MB. Should you so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Manitoba School Improvement Program In support of The Peaceful Village 201 - 357 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg, MB, R3A 0E3 Website: www.msip.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 28, 2015
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Sending condolences Jean..and family...I was thinking of you and Roger..wondering if you guys were still around Wpg...then I saw the obituary from 2015...awe...it was wonderful to have shared a part of your journey together, you two were the best teachers I met and friends..Thank you! always be a friend Jean! - Posted by: Carmelle Moar(Monias) of St. Theresa Point Mb Canada (student..friend..) on: Sep 05, 2020
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So very to see that Roger passed. I often would see him in the Village and when I hadn't for some time now, well, that's how I found out. I'm sorry Jean. I always have fond memories of days gone by. - Posted by: Roberta Jeffrey (Friend) on: Oct 07, 2015
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Dear Jean, So sorry to hear about Roger's passing. We always thought of him as larger than life. We are thinking about you and your family. Regards, Joan and John - Posted by: joan and john ilavsky (friends ) on: Sep 12, 2015
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Dear Jean, Ryan, Rachel, Sister Donna and families. I am so saddened at your loss of your husband, father, grandfather and brother. Here am I just printing off a copy of the obituary for my cousin Roger Kangas. On June 6 and 7, 2015 many cousins were gathered on Vancouver Island to remember our Aunt Taimi and Roger. A cousin had a lovely collage for Roger and this obituary was featured so I sent searching to find it. Wow what a life he lead and did so much good to help others, You are missed in our families, Love and prayers, Rest in Peace Roger and may the Perpetual Light Shine Upon you. Carol and Arnold Penno and family. - Posted by: Carol Penno (Cousin) on: Jun 15, 2015
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It was a short but meaningful meeting. God bless all. - Posted by: Gloria Felske () on: May 05, 2015
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Roger, Deb and I will forever be grateful for the mentorship, passion, work, and fun we shared at St Vital in those early days of automation. You were life-changing for the two of us. God will have his hands full with his new Superintendent arriving with a list of ideas! - Posted by: Donna and Deb Graboweski (Co-Vision Workers) on: Mar 30, 2015
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I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Jean, Ryan, Rachel and Ryan and all members of their loving family - Roger and I met in 1986. Roger's commitment to delivering a better education to the children of the St. Vital School Division was unshakeable. Roger's commitment both to the education system and educating those who would instruct our children derived from his love of his family and his desire that his children be the best they could be by being provided with the educational tools to achieve their goals. I am going to miss sitting in their living room and reminiscing on all the personal and professional changes Roger and Jean adopted and adapted for the betterment of education. Love and prayers to you Jean, and your family. - Posted by: A J 'Sandy' MacIver (friend) on: Mar 30, 2015
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Many great memories of adventures in education whether in the relative 'quiet' of St. Vital ,or consulting - traveling to remote corners of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and NW Ontario learning the realities of schools and life there. Always a warm and generous welcome. Sincere condolences to Jean and the rest of the family. - Posted by: George and Carol Gartrell (friends, colleagues) on: Mar 28, 2015
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Dear Roger, I will always remember you and the opportunities you gave me to be the very best school administrator that I could be! I'm toasting you this evening at "Happy Hour" and remembering the good days. I am also thinking of your very dear Jean and your entire family, hoping that their tears will soon become smiles, laughter, and joy when they think of you. RIP Roger. You left us far too soon... - Posted by: Terry Borys (Colleague) on: Mar 28, 2015