Michael “Bear” Rogers of Bainbridge Island passed away peacefully in the comfort of his family on July 16th, 2019. He was 66 years old.
Mike was born on December 14th, 1952 in Seattle, Washington to Toyo and John Rogers. He and his family resided in the White Center neighborhood of Seattle before moving to Bainbridge Island in the Spring of 1954. Mike loved growing up on Bainbridge Island, and would often share memories of life on the family farm near Island Center, where he spent his childhood with his parents and two siblings.
Mike was an exceptional athlete during his years at Bainbridge High School playing football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling. Mike had many fun stories to share of his time working summer jobs on the Island such as at the local bowling alley, gas station, and strawberry farms.
Mike graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1971, and went on to attended Seattle Central Community College where he played on the baseball team. In the summer of 1972, Mike traveled to Alaska to work in a cannery. He gained a strong love for the nature, wildlife, and the locals of Alaska. Mike briefly moved to Kodiak, AK before being given the opportunity to work on a crab fishing vessel in the Bering Sea. This opportunity turned out to be Mike’s calling. For the next 18 years, he made a career crab fishing aboard many vessels; most notably the F/V Wizard. Mike married his wife, Cherie, on January 28th, 1984 in Poulsbo. In 1989, he began working road construction in Kitsap County to be closer to his family. In 1997, he began working for the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, retiring in 2012 as a Hearings Officer.
Mike had an uncanny ability to make people laugh with his gift of storytelling, and larger-than-life personality. He had a big heart, and smile to match. His greatest passions were sports, motorcycles, storytelling, family, and friends. His wife and daughters meant the world to him. He will be sincerely missed.
Mike is survived by is wife of 34 years, Cherie Rogers; Daughter Maria Rogers, Daughter Amanda Rogers, Sister Ida Rogers, Brother John Rogers, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Friends and Family are invited to celebrate Mike’s life on Saturday, August 3rd, 2019 at 3:00pm at the Cook Family Funeral Home on Bainbridge Island. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bainbridge Island Japanese-American Community.
