Dr. Roger Harold John

Dr. Roger Harold John entered into rest on March 9, 2011, at his home from a heart attack.

A vigil service was held Sunday, March 13, 2011, at 7 p.m. in the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial was Monday, March 14, 2011, at 10 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church will interment following in the Grandview Cemetery.

He was born to Harold and Kathryn John on Oct. 23, 1944 in Sandpoint, Idaho. The family moved to Bonners Ferry in Roger’s freshman year.  

He graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1963. He worked for the Forest Service in Boundary County for many years. In 1967, Roger worked on the legendary Sundance fire, being gone from home long periods of time. He earned enough money on that fire to buy his 1969 Mercury Cougar for $3,200.  

Vietnam was very hot in the 60’s and Roger’s draft number was enroute, so he decided to join the National Guards in the Bonners Ferry unit. He had an honorable discharge after six years. It was very close call because his unit was almost called for Vietnam.  

Roger attended Boise State University, earning his bachelor of science degree in environmental health sciences. In 1972, he met Janice Anderson at Boise State. They were married Nov. 27, 1976, in Meridian, Idaho.

He worked for Boise Inter Agent Fire Center as a firefighter, but he also did some research for them. He earned a national award for his research there. Roger saved the government thousands of dollars but they only gave him $300.  

The family always laughed about that, saying “that’s the government for you”!  

Roger attended Chicago National College of Naprapathy. In 1982, he graduated with a doctorate degree and two days later the family was heading for Idaho in a U-Haul and a car full of stuff, including his parents, two sons, wife and himself. That was a very long trip! When they entered Idaho, Roger and and his wife jumped out of the car and kissed the ground, they were so happy to be back in God’s country.

He worked as naprapath in Bonners Ferry for 28 years.

Roger is survived by his wife Janice, sons Patrick Roger (Trish) John of Rock Springs, Wyo., Ryan Harold of Plover, Wis., daughter Robyn Kaylee (Rickey) Smith of Garland, Texas; two brothers: Roland (Cindi) John and Sonny (Patti) John all of Spokane, Wash.; two sisters: Arlene (Russ) Johnson of Pocatello, Idaho, and MaryAnne (Ron) Regher of Peoria, Ill.

Roger is also survived by many nieces and nephews; one step-grandson, Tucker Owens and a granddaughter Kaylee Jade Smith, due on April 18.

Memorials are recommended to Children to Children (an orphanage in Colombia, in care of Margaret Mellett), St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and St. Ann’s Catholic Church or to the Ministerial Association for the Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets for the needy.

Roger was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus with St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Roger loved his family, the outdoors, and all the people he helped throughout the years.

Family and friends are invited to sign Roger’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com  Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.