”A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered”

Roger John Goetz left this world suddenly but peacefully, surrounded by all the love of his entire family on June 9, 2024.

He was predeceased by his father John George Goetz, his mother Mary Josephine Francis Lilley, his step-mom Mae Goetz and siblings Roy, Robert, Rose and Ruth. Also predeceasing Roger was his father-in-law Ralph Donald and bonus father-in-law & good friend Bill O’Neill.

Roger is survived by many siblings and extended family, but most importantly his wife of 52 years, Gloria, children Dusty, Roddy (Lisa), Misty and Windy. Roger leaves behind his adored grandchildren, Ramey (Dillon), Randey (Adam), Rayley, Hayley, Riley, Harley (Dawson), Theodore, Emmanuel and his precious great-grandchildren Rylar, Tatum, Avery and Zariaah. He will also be dearly missed by his morning coffee partner/mother-in-law Clara Donald.

Roger was born in Gimli but grew up in Selkirk. He was part of a family of 14 children, instantly taking to a leadership role to his younger siblings and a companion to the older ones. 

Coming from humble beginnings he knew the value of a dollar so for over 54 years, Roger was a hardworking man. 

Starting at Selkirk Fisheries at 16 years old, then onto Electro-Knit at 17. The next 19 years were spent working at Red River Brick & Tile before short stints at Pony Express, R&N Maintenance and Wallace & Wallace Fences.

He finally found his niche in steelwork with Rancan. For 26 years he travelled the roads back and forth to Alberta and home making memories and friends along the way. He enjoyed taking family members to work with him over the years, creating stories they still talk of today. Even after a heart attack in 2020, Roger wasn’t ready to give up. He returned to work for the next 3 years before finally deciding to give up one passion for another…time spent at home with family.

In and among those years he met his true love, Gloria, and they were married in 1971. A few short years later they started their family when Dusty came into their lives and very quickly after, Roddy arrived. They thought they had completed their family when Misty came along but were blessed to finalize it when Windy surprised them 8 years later.

Roger was everyone’s father. Always making sure any and all kids were taken care of. It was evident with his friends’ kids, the neighborhood kids and of course with the hockey boys he coached over the years. But his world changed when he became a grandfather; he wore the title “Papa” as a badge of honor, not only to 8 grandchildren, but was completely over the moon to be Papa to 4 great-grandchildren…his Little Buddy Rylar, his Super Hero Tatum, his Boo Boo Avery and his Princess Zariaah. 

Countless years were spent at hockey, soccer and baseball games, dance recitals and various other events. He never missed a championship game, an awards night or even the chance to play on a dart team with his kids and grandkids. Although he didn’t have many years to enjoy his great-grandkids’ activities, he will forever be in the stands at their future activities as their biggest cheerleader and coach. 

Roger was a friend to many. Earlier years were spent with good music, good beer and good friends. He never turned down the opportunity to have a dance at a social, a house party or whenever the mood hit him! Later years he enjoyed the simplicity of having his family return home for holidays or just to spend an evening chatting, laughing, eating and playing cards. A lucky slot machine and a good buffet would make him smile from ear to ear and boy was he lucky every time…at both!

He took pride in keeping his yard looking flawless and after a long day of doing his favorite activity…riding the lawn mower with country music blasting through the neighborhood, he would end the night with a hermit cookie or two, a glass of chocolate milk and if not a Senators or Jets game, some WWE on tv. 

A quiet gentle man by nature, he tried to put on a tough exterior but deep down he had a soft heart. Whether the loss of an old friend, a loved one or even a pet, he couldn’t hide his emotions and carried it with him throughout the years. The lines on his face told a story of a man that lived a full life and every silver hair was rightfully earned. 

When his poor health started getting the better of him very recently, he still did everything he could to enjoy all the work he put into his home and life. Short walks around the yard and cups of coffee in the screen porch became the highlights of his days. He quickly learned to make sure his kids knew to work hard but take the time to sit and enjoy the little things. He made sure to drive home the idea that family is everything, to let bad things go to the past and leave them there, to take care of Ma, to eat the cake and take the picture because tomorrow is not promised…not even to the good ones; and man, was he the greatest!

Roger’s honorary pallbearers are Cory Peebles, Ian Peebles, Rod (Billy) Goetz, Randy Goetz, Barry Boyce and Mike Popovic.

Roger has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date. 

The family would like to thank Val and Dr Badenhorst of SMC. Dr. J. Ducas, Dr. R. Ducas and all the doctors and nurses of St. Boniface ACCU Floors 5&6. Also, to Rick and staff of Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services. 

“Tell the truth. Sing with passion. Work with laughter. Love with heart. ‘Cause that’s all that matters in the end.”- Kris Kristofferson

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Roger’s memorial page using the comment field below.