Rodgers Sweetland died suddenly at his home on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007.
He was born Jan. 29, 1911 in Long Beach, Calif. to Arthur Hale and Inez Sweetland.
Rodgers grew up in Long Beach, where he attended public schools. His father died when he was 12, so he, as the eldest of three children, had to help his mother feed and raise the other children.
He wanted to fly planes for the Navy, but, even after learning to fly on his own, he was turned down by the Navy for medical reasons.
He then decided he needed a career so applied to the California Highway Patrol, the U.S. Border Patrol and the Long Beach Fire Department. The fire department came through first and he hired on for what was to be a life-changing experience. He retired from fire service in 1966 as fire boat captain for the city of Long Beach.
In 1935 Rodgers met and married Esther Seaver, the love of his life. Together they raised two daughters. In 1976 Rodgers and Esther moved to Scatchet Head on South Whidbey, where he later became a water commissioner for that district.
With the passing of is beautiful Esther; Rodgers decided to downsize and found Regency on Whidbey in Oak Harbor. He was one of the original residents there and so loved the care he received by all of the staff.
Rodgers is survived by his two daughters: Nancy Jordan with husband Don of Oak Harbor and Elizabeth Anne Sweetland of Surprise, Ariz. He also leaves five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
At his request no public services will be held for Rodgers, rather a small family gathering will be held in the near future.
Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.