Obituary of Charles F. Rogers

"Start every day helping others: ask nothing in return" Buzz was born on October 23, 1934 in Tucson, AZ. to Charles and Josephine J. Rogers. His father was the Dean of Music at the University of Arizona and his mother was a High School English teacher/counselor. The family, two daughters and Buzz, moved back East where his father worked for Ferguson tractor Co. a division of Ford Motor Co. and his mother taught at Wayne University, Dearborn, Michigan. Just prior to his Junior High School his parents divorced and Buzz, sisters and mother moved to Beverly Hills, California so the older sister could pursue a film Career. During his sophomore year at Beverly Hills High School his mother became seriously ill and he and his mother moved to Phoenix, AZ. where he graduated West Phoenix High School. Since a very early age he was a severe stutterer and also suffered from social anxiety disorders. He spent many years correcting both issues. Thinking a change of venue might help, Buzz volunteered for the Army and was deployed to Korea. Upon returning he spent one year in Jr. College and then enrolled at Arizona State University. In his junior year he became reacquainted with high school alum, Dixie Goble, and a year later they married and she became a teacher when he graduated. While in college at Arizona State University, Buzz and three friends and the Arizona Bank had started a new hog raising facility in Chandler, Arizona. 12 Years later they were the 3rd largest on the West Coast, the first, for Buzz, of four interesting, educational business endeavors. Right after marriage and graduation he joined the Traveler's Insurance Co. as a management trainee in 1960. He and Dixie adopted their first child, Cynthia in 1967 just prior to their moving to Palo Alto, California where Buzz was promoted to Agency Manager in a new office. In 1970, they adopted their son Christopher. After 10 years with a larger corporation, he declined a transfer to San Francisco and started a new career in the auto industry in Palo Alto. Two years as top salesman for Nissan and then 8 years as General Manager/Co-Owner of Palo Alto Datsun. It was wonderful living and working right next to Stanford University but seeking a quieter, calmer atmosphere they then moved 39 miles to Santa Cruz on the ocean seeking a more rural and quieter community with apple orchards and horses plus great weather. Utilizing his real estate license acquired while at Palo Alto Datsun he started real estate sales at 4 Seasuns Properties in Aptos, CA. a suburb of Santa Cruz. After 3 years they purchased the company and operated it for the next 11 years, He and Dixie were then divorced and Buzz spent the next 20 years as a Broker/Associate with Bailey Properties in Aptos. During the course of a long and distinguished 60 year marketing career, he received many honors and awards from his peers. Top salesman many times, then upper management and then partner and owner. He was President of the Santa Cruz Association of realtors, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Community Service Award, Realtor of the Year both Santa Cruz Association and Bailey Properties and served on many committees. He also served at the California Association and the Santa Cruz Association as an arbitrator and mediator for professional standards. Buzz loved to volunteer and spent many years at the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz helping community members resolve everyday issues this also included being a small claims court mediator and working the crisis/suicide prevention hot lines. He was also a Bayshore Rotarian and a Palo Alto B.P.O.E. Elks In his spare time he could always be found doing something physical and active. He was the Arizona and New Mexico State boys 18 and under doubles champion in tennis. Participated in 3 National Handball tournaments, 3 Western Regional tourneys and numerous West Coast Contests. Always quick to admit "entering is one thing, winning is another". Played inter-service basketball in the Far East, and boxed in a few "smokers". He loved to play bridge and shot pool and would take either side of a debate on world events or politics. Buzz was known to read 2 or 3 books a week on any subject. He will be remembered for a fierce love of country and devotion to family and an insatiable desire to achieve, a commitment to excellence in business and sports as well as unwavering support for those less fortunate then himself and he did it all with a wild and somewhat wicked sense of humor (self-effacing). He loved to make people laugh. Buzz loved his family and was immensely proud of what his children have accomplished and how they both truly care for others, and are kind and helpful to all. Both are successful in health related fields. His daughter and son in law have made him a proud Grampa to Elizabeth. He is survived by his much loved children, Cynthia Rogers and spouse Daniel Spilman, Christopher Rogers and companion Anita Nadal, granddaughter Elizabeth and his special and beloved niece Helen Hudson Weaver, husband John and daughters Grace and Amy Jo. Also sister Jane Dill and daughter BeaJo and Monty and Carol plus cousins Jessica, Monica and Erika and his lifelong friend Dixie Rogers Rees. Throughout his life he was blessed with the gift of many long and close friendships. His 35 years with Santa Cruz Association of Realtors, 33 years with Cabrillo Spa fitness and 20 years with Imperial Courts tennis and handball left him with many wonderful friends; including but not limited to the Musitellis, Loves, Earls, Baileys and the agents and many more including the Gurleys, Sullivans, and CML. A Celebration of Life will be announce at a later date. To share your thoughts join us on Buzz Rogers Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/charles.rogers.902266