Barry Clyde Rogers

 

Sept. 29, 1951 – 

Dec. 30, 2022

 Barry Rogers was the second child born to Clyde and Carole Rogers in Rupert, Idaho. His siblings included older brother, Steven, and younger siblings, Jana, Joel, Brad, and Kevin.

 Raised on a farm north of Rupert, Barry always had an abundance of energy, always pushing the limits of age, strength, and parents. As Barry grew his energy was focused on many projects and hobbies.

 At an early age (5 or 6) Barry was driving a John Deere tractor from field to home. Coming down the hill he thought it was wise to release the clutch and coast to the bottom and drive and turn into the house at the bottom of the hill. As the tractor gained speed he feared a scolding if he missed the turn into the drive, so he turned the wheel and hit a large poplar tree, adjacent to the drive, throwing him into the field and breaking the tractor in half. It was his Dad who got the scolding from his Mother, for putting Barry in such a predicament at such an early age. Barry survived without severe injury and no scolding.

 Barry always enjoyed animals. Not only your regular farm animals, but tropical fish. Throughout his life he loved collecting tropical fish and even mating fish to raise offspring. He, at times, had 10 or more aquariums in his home or business. On the farm he raised hogs and registered Suffolk sheep. He always managed to draw, not only his father, but the whole family into his projects. Feeding and caring for his stock eventually involved all of his family. With access to free feed he generally made a good profit from his endeavors. 

 After his move to McCall he expanded his animal interests to include mules, horses, goats, and even Highlander beef. He always had something new or was planning to begin something different.

 As a young man he, along with his Dad, would build go-carts. It began with a small motorized scooter using the hind wheels of a younger brother’s tricycle. Those wheels lasted less than a quarter mile. Next were several versions of go-carts to fly up and down the gravel road. He learned to weld at his father’s side and put lessons learned from that and mechanical repair to use as he refurbished old tractors found in the McCall area. Motorcycles were a fleeting fad, as Barry continued through his teen years. No number of scrapes, bruises, or near misses stopped him from climbing the steepest hills and descending into the deepest valleys. A four-wheeler accident later in life may have caused the decline in his final years.

 Farm life and animals were not his only interests. He enjoyed construction and flying wire-controlled airplanes with his friend Kenny Wakewood. He was often found, with one or more younger brothers on board, peddling his bike to exotic locations like the camp of Uncle Walt’s sheepherder, “Coyote Bill.” He loved hunting, fishing, trail rides and building. He enjoyed life and was ready to share his escapades with his brothers and son.

 Barry was an excellent singer with a deep, resounding voice. As a young man he was often asked to perform for different events and high school musical productions, later being joined by his brothers, Joel and Kevin, to perform for wedding and community programs. As a young man (sixth grade) he was required to take band or choir. His Mother insisted each of her children learn to read music notes. He learned the trumpet and later learned to play guitar. Along with his singing voice, he fulfilled his Mother’s wishes.

 As a high school athlete, Barry excelled as a running back for Minico High School, earning a state title. Another activity that his Dad became fully absorbed in. Attending most games, it was his Dad, along with the Minico Boosters, that cheered the athletic excellence Barry demonstrated.

 Barry married Anna Schulthess in 1974, and they were blessed with three children, Heidi, Heather, and Gabe. Barry and Anna later divorced.

 While in McCall, Barry and Anna hosted a family reunion with great food, a plane ride over the mountains and valley, and interaction with his menagerie of animals. It was enjoyed by all and a great memory.

 Barry apprenticed as an electrician under his uncle, Glen Rogers, and then Chuck Dairy, owner of Dairy’s Electric, before receiving his electrician’s license. He then began his own business, first in Rupert, then in McCall, Idaho. He developed a sound reputation and gained many friends and business partners throughout the years in the Rupert and McCall areas.

 In 2013, Barry started a new life with Debra Overacker, and spent his last 10 years with her. They were extremely happy and in love those last years, and Debra was a great companion and took excellent care of Barry as his health slowly declined.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Steven. 

 He is survived by Debra Overacker-Rogers; children, Heidi, Heather, and Gabe; grandchildren, Cody, Elsie, Abigail, Lillian, Rosalie, and Ashley; and Debbie’s children, Ryan, Stacie, and Derek, whom he was very close to.

 Barry was a good older brother. He taught his younger brothers many things, and some were even good! He loved life and enjoyed those around him, unless they crossed him. In that case, he had a very long memory.

 Rest in Peace, Big Brother.