Obituary of Roger Dale Vincent

A beautiful voice is now silent in the Magic Valley. Roger D. Vincent, 89, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2014, at his home in Twin Falls, with his devoted wife at his side. Roger was born in Filer, Idaho, on May 30, l925, to Edgar and Marian Vincent. His early life was spent on the Filer homestead where he helped on the family farm, working in the fields and milking cows in a setting much like “Little House on the Prairie.” He and his siblings walked or rode horses to their small rural school, Washington Grade School. As the youngest of the family, he longed for the day when he “wouldn’t have to bathe in leftover bathwater, sharing a tub in the middle of the kitchen.” He remembered the day that the family was able to install indoor plumbing, and when, as teenagers, he and his brother Leonard finally got their own bedroom, no longer having to share it with their older sister, June. Roger’s mother was a trained musician from Boston, and she helped open doors to his artistic interests. He began by learning the violin from a traveling teacher who brought his own instruments to the school, but Roger said he was “never any good at it.” He decided to purchase a clarinet with his own money and began playing in the Filer High School band – when he wasn’t competing on the football field or basketball court. He formed a dance band called “Melody Mates,” which regularly provided the music for many school and community dances. During high school Roger was an officer in the state chapter of FFA and was awarded the American Farmer Degree at the national convention. He was chosen for Boy’s State and served as class president during each of his years at Filer High. It was in the school choir that Roger began his singing career and was often featured as a soloist. Following graduation, Roger farmed for a year before the U.S. Army called, and he left for basic training in Texas with the 77th Infantry. World War II was in full swing, and he was sent to Japan on a troop ship of 6000 men as part of the planned invasion of the Japanese homeland. While en route, however, the atomic bomb was dropped, ending the war. For the next two years Roger was part of the occupation of Japan. Only on rare occasions would he speak of his war experiences, but it was apparent that they impacted him deeply, evidenced in part by his meticulously constructed photo albums made from his time in military service. Looking through the albums, he would fight back emotion while describing the rough two months on the ship, enduring extreme seasickness, cramped living quarters, fears about the impending conflict, and uncertainty about whether or not his brother was still alive. He displayed real compassion for the Japanese women and children who suffered from the devastation of the bombs that were dropped prior to his arrival on the Pacific Rim. He recalled some of the challenges of the post-war occupation, such as having to stay awake on guard duty, standing all night in pouring rain. During these difficult years, one bright spot was that he could maintain his involvement in music by playing saxophone in the Army Band. After his honorable discharge, Roger attended the University Of Idaho for two years, where he played clarinet and saxophone in a dance band on weekends to earn extra money. Sundays in Moscow found him singing in the church choir, and it was there he met his wife, Margaret Joy Wills. She says that, upon hearing him sing a solo, she decided she just HAD to meet this handsome man with the beautiful baritone voice! Roger and Margaret were married in 1950 and returned to Filer to begin a life of farming and sharing music together. Although Roger’s vocation was farming, he once confessed that if he could have supported a family by being a professional musician, this would have been his first choice. He was passionate about music and utilized it to serve the community in countless ways. Nearly every Magic Valley resident of his generation can recall being touched and inspired by his rich baritone voice at a funeral, wedding, concert or church service, often with Margaret at his side, accompanying him on the piano. Some of the signature selections for which he is fondly remembered include, “The Lord’s Prayer,” I Wonder as I Wander,” “For My Mother,” “Old Man River,” and “Edelweiss.” Roger directed the Methodist Church choir, first in Filer and then in Twin Falls, for a combined 35 years. He spearheaded numerous choral events, combining the choirs from various area churches, which ultimately lead to the formation of the still-active Magic Valley Chorale. Under his direction, the chorale brought delight and inspiration to the community with their many performances of “The Messiah,” as well as other oratorios and sacred works. He was a founding member of the musical theatre group, The Dilettantes, which continues to thrive today. Over the course of several decades, he was featured in numerous leading roles, starting with Billy Bigalow in the group’s first production, Carousel, in 1950. Other memorable roles were Captain von Trapp (Sound of Music), Caliph (Kismet), and Fred Graham (Kiss Me Kate). In 2000 he was inducted into the Dilettante Hall of Fame, and in 2010 Curtain Call Awards named him the recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award. Through the years, Roger has been featured as soloist in countless operas and musical presentations around the Magic Valley as well as the Boise Valley. During the winter months, when farming was slower, he had the opportunity to tour with a men’s quartet from Chicago called “The Serenaders.” For eight seasons, he traveled throughout the U.S. with them, concertizing and recording as part of the popular Community Concert Series. In 1990 Roger and Margaret received the prestigious Governor’s Award for the Arts. The Idaho Statesman also selected them for the Distinguished Citizens Award. Roger was a long-time member of Kiwanis, Masonic Lodge, American Legion post in Filer and the Farm Bureau. A legacy of hard work and innovation marked Roger’s life, and he always expressed the highest regard for those who would apply themselves with long hours of dedication and effort. He and Margaret passed on their strong work ethic in the rearing of their six children, all of whom were expected to share in the farm work, feed calves and do chores, while maintaining diligent practice on the piano and other instruments. As a farmer and businessman, Roger was a visionary before his time. He was constantly seeking to expand both his acreage and his dairy herd, at one point gaining recognition for operating the largest dairy in the state (250 head in 1961!). He was also named the Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year. In an era when the 40-acre farm was “plenty enough ground for any farmer,” Roger had an eye toward continuous expansion of his operation. He was extremely innovative and resourceful in modifying or improving his equipment, and was always seeking ways to operate with greater efficiency. There was nothing he loved more than buying a neglected piece of ground and transforming it into a clean, productive farm. Even during his final years – when he was no longer able to work or even dial a telephone – he would express the desire to make contacts concerning a farm he heard might be for sale. In spite of his long and demanding hours on the farm, Roger always seemed to find a way to support – both with his presence and his pocketbook – the family’s multitude of activities and interests. It would be impossible to calculate the number of hours he logged in attendance at his wife’s, children’s and grandchildren’s recitals and concerts, or sitting in the bleachers at volleyball, basketball, football and baseball games. Every performer/athlete could be assured that they would receive his wry and classic “You done good!” affirmation afterwards, followed by an invitation to stop on the way home for an ice cream treat. Always up for adventure, Roger would willingly hit the ski slopes of Sun Valley and try to keep up with the “young bucks” of the family. He would join a backyard game of HORSE, or simply sit and play Slap Jack with the grandkids. Trips overseas provided him and Margaret a wide variety of adventures, including skiing in the Alps with their Swiss exchange daughter, attending concerts in Vienna, and exploring the wonders of New Zealand. Roger especially enjoyed the freedom brought by piloting his small plane, and he was always prepared with an offer to fly friends or family to any location in order to save them driving time. He was an active member of the Twin Falls Flyers for 34 years, receiving the Safe Pilot award each of those years. Those who knew him remember Roger’s quick wit and unique sense of humor, which he never lost, even through his most critical health situations. While being admitted to the hospital for a serious stroke, he was asked, “What is your marital status?” His teasing answer: “Who wants to know?” When the ICU nurse was checking his heart monitor, he asked, “Is it a straight line?” Once, in an effort to get him to exert himself to stand up, a care center nurse said, “Come on, Roger, I’m not strong enough to pick you up off the floor.” Without missing a beat, he replied, “Better hire someone who is!” As his health declined as the result of two strokes, Roger briefly resided in various care centers before returning home to be cared for by his loving wife and faithful caretakers. He would especially perk up when his children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren came to visit. Grandkids were sure to be greeted with his endearing “Hey, Bumble!” and a friendly hand-squeezing contest. Each of them can relate their happy memories of his involvement in their lives, including his standing invitation at any hour of the day or night for hot tub parties with family and friends. They especially loved Grandpa’s “driving lessons” when they were small – being placed on his lap behind the wheel and heading down a country road, though they were barely able see over the steering wheel and completely unable to reach the pedals! A treasured tradition that marked the large Vincent family was their yearly camping adventure at Redfish Lake. Beginning with Roger and Margaret’s honeymoon in 1950 at Redfish Lake Lodge, the regular gathering continued every summer in honor of their August 13th anniversary. The couple celebrated 63 years this past year. Roger leaves behind his wife, Margaret, six children: Laura (Allen) Vizzutti of Seattle, WA; Jo Ann (Phil) Gerrish of Filer, ID; Janie (Ron) Griff of Twin Falls, ID; Carol Miller of Woodinville, WA; Roger W. Vincent of Filer, ID; and Susan Vincent of Las Vegas, NV. He was proud grandfather to Marcus, Nicholas and Gabriella Vizzutti; Anna Gerrish Fisher, Gabe, Vince, Luke, and Paul Gerrish; Kandis Griff Tutty, Lance Griff, Jerica Griff Jones, Andy and Brad Griff; Alexis, Jasmine and Sterling Miller; Kelsi, Chase, Taylor and Blake Vincent. He also had 14 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Leonard Vincent and was preceded in death by his sister, June Kyles Peterson; and his parents, Edgar and Marian Vincent The family wishes to express special appreciation to Roger’s compassionate and devoted caretakers, Fredonia Gilbert, Louisa Gulliford, and Ashli Easterday; his doctors, Trevor Satterfield and John Stephens; and the staff at Encompass Hospice, especially Donnie and Shannon. Many thanks to neighbors like Joe & John Kauffman, and Ron Jones, who would come at a moment’s notice when extra help was needed. It would be impossible to mention all of the other supportive friends, and we are deeply grateful and touched by your care. A celebration of Roger’s life will be held Thursday, June 19th at 4:00pm at the Twin Falls Methodist Church. Viewing for family and friends will take place at Rosenau Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 18th from 6:00 to 8:00pm. A private interment for family members will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in the early afternoon prior to Thursday’s celebration. Services will be under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home. Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.rosenaufuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a special scholarship fund for outstanding music students: Margaret and Roger Vincent Scholarship Fund Twin Falls Music Club Scholarship Foundation c/o Linda Aufderheide 156 Brooklane North Twin Falls, ID 83301