Our beloved and dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, Roger Dee Burgoyne, from Tempe, Arizona, chose to leave this mortal life, Saturday, the 22nd day of November, 2014. He was 88 years old. He will be greatly missed, yet we are pleased with his decision to move on to greater endeavors as he has had much desire to continue to love and serve, having so very much that is good and praiseworthy to offer. His life here has blessed us all immensely and will continue to bless our lives forever as he helps prepare a place for us on the other side of the veil.
Roger was born in Montpelier, Bear Lake County, Idaho, the 12th day of June, 1926, the fourth of five sons and one daughter, to Sydney Eynon Burgoyne and Beatrice Holmes Burgoyne. He brought much joy into their growing family circle. As Roger grew and matured, he met and married his sweetheart, Charlotte Mary Tillotson Burgoyne, from Ogden, Utah, in the Salt Lake Temple. They created a wonderful family of eight children; two sons and six daughters, together. This August, they celebrated 68 years of marriage.
Roger lived a full and accomplished life. He served in the Army Air Corp (Air Force) in pilot training during the war, married, graduated with a physics degree from Utah State University, and was called and served without purse or script, a proselytizing mission to the Eastern States for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while his sweet bride of a couple years, finished her schooling and cared for their baby daughter at home. Afterwards, he continued his education and became an attorney at law by profession, receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Utah. He compiled in his book, “I Didn’t Do Everything”, and in other writings, his experience, scientific theory and poetry, leaving a legacy of thought and understanding. He is a man of skill and talent, a man of depth, compassion and intelligence. His children and grandchildren will particularly miss his ever loving council and teaching.
He sadly leaves behind his dearly loved wife and sweetheart, Charlotte, and their many children; Charlotte Mary Thompson (Gary), Kathleen Campbell (Terrell), Roger T. Burgoyne (Lori), Margaret Cowgur (Stephen), Janet Burgoyne, Sylvia Pember (Keith), Martha Burgoyne and Eric T. Burgoyne (Ellen) and daughter designate, Cindy Bland; the 40 grandchildren and spouses, 101 and still counting great grandchildren; and his one remaining brother, Rodney W. Burgoyne (Toni) and two sisters-in-law, Marianne H. Burgoyne and Helen S. Burgoyne, besides many nieces and nephews and other extended family members and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents and brothers; Edward E. Burgoyne and spouses, Robert H. Burgoyne, David S. Burgoyne, and sister, Joyce B. Slack Terry and spouses; and last but not forgotten, infant grand and great grandchildren and other extended family members and friends. Surely there was a joyous homecoming reunion and family celebration as he arrived.
The funeral service will be held, Saturday, November 29th, 2014 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel on 2707 South College Avenue in Tempe, Arizona at 10 a.m., preceded by a viewing in the afore mentioned building, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. The burial will commence on Monday, December 1st, 2014, in the Montpelier City Cemetery in Montpelier, Idaho, following a family graveside service at noon