Roger Gavin Loudon Obituary (2023)

Roger Loudon, 81, of Yakima, Washington, returned to his maker all too soon, on December 13, 2023, at Memorial Hospital, when lung cancer abruptly shortened his life. He came into this world on a hot summer day, August 23, 1942, in an unlikely facility, a nursing home in Wapato, Washington. Roger, the eldest of four, and his family grew up in rural Harrah, Washington. As the oldest, he was a role model to his younger siblings. He graduated from White Swan High School in 1960, and later JM Perry. Roger joined the Army Reserves with the 737th Transportation Company, at 22 years old, and served for 5 years 2 months. He was called to active duty to defend his country with the 737th "Wild Fuelers" in May 1968, where he served in the Vietnam War for 15 months. In his professional life he was a trained machinist, and owned Russel Scale Company, selling and servicing commercial scales in the Pacific Northwest. He also wrote some of the industrys first computer programs. Soon after returning home from Vietnam, he married his first wife, Ineta (Cleaver), and they had two wonderful children. He took many opportunities to bring his family fishing and camping, instilling appreciation for the outdoors and family values. He taught his children to be creative and independent thinkers which they passed down to the next generation. Roger was an active member of the VFW and American Legion, where he later met his wife, Patty (Hitchcock). Roger and Patty shared many laughs, drinks, and adventures. They grew vegetables in the garden, shared homemade wine (his first wine humorously dubbed "Stinky Pink"), and their home was always welcoming. Roger was someone you could always count on, selflessly helping people simply because they needed help. He could build or invent just about anything, and was a life-long learner, who patiently shared his knowledge with others. He was always interested in puzzles and loved to solve problems in general. He meticulously built the wood stove that heated his home for decades. In Rogers eyes, anything in his path might (and often did) become a tool to improve or fix a problem. His mind was always working, and his hands were never idle. He loved sharing survival and practical skills such as teaching others to work a bow drill to light a fire, even at the expense of his flooring. He loved visiting and talking with anyone who had an ear, no one was a stranger for long. He loved riding motorcycles so much that he still rode them at 80 years old. It is impossible to include all the rich details of his life in one written work. Roger was the most positive and inquisitive man you could ever meet. He left knowledge and love with everyone he knew. Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Gavin "Bud" and Anne (Messer) Loudon, and his sister, Janice Prichard. Roger is survived by his wife, Patty, his first wife, Ineta, his sister, Bonnie Evans, brother, Kelly (Barbara) Loudon, daughter, Jeanne Maxey, son, Lee Loudon, step-daughter, Danielle (Cody) Wilson, grandchildren, Ricky (Rachel) Maxey, Katy (Michael) Zink, and Chloe, step-grandchildren, Hayden and Liem, and great grandchild, Taylor. He also leaves behind many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends from over the years. Roger lives on in our hearts and minds, each of us carrying a piece of him with us. The world is better because of him. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 11:00am, at Brookside Funeral Home (500 West Prospect Place, Moxee, WA). Following the service, we invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life at The American Legion Post 36 (1120 N 34th Ave, Yakima, WA). In his memory, donations may be made payable to the American Legion Post 36 in Yakima and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Hoping for no more war and everyone a good life, see you later, 73 NZ7A SK. Celebration of Life Brookside Funeral Home Monday, January 8, 2024 11:00 AM 500 W. Prospect Rd Moxee, WA 98936