James Keith Rogers

ALBION – James Keith Rogers, of Albion, passed away, in his home early Saturday morning April 15, 2017, surrounded by family. He left this world peacefully, knowing his destination and the love of his Savior that would greet him. Keith’s passing was hastened by recent complications to a stroke he suffered more than 18 years ago—and from which, he had developed remarkable independence and activity these many years.

Born in Moab, Utah, on May 7, 1933, Keith was the fourth of nine children born to Clarence Mace Rogers and Reva Marinda Washburn Rogers of Blanding. Raised in the beautiful red rocks of San Juan county, much of Keith’s early life was spent on horseback or working the family’s livestock and farm. Early experiences included everything from hunting and adventuring on Elk Mountain and the Comb Wash to leading a team of federal archeologists (on horseback) into the canyons that would become Lake Powell. Keith’s was a life of adventure and achievement and he never stopped striving and learning. A favorite quote of his (sometimes, following near disasters) was: “Now, what can we learn from that?”

Keith was the first of his family to attend college—at Dixie. Having returned from serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, this period of time accelerated the adventure and learning that would set the course of his life as he immediately joined the football team (having never played the game) and eventually became a coach. This first advanced academic experience led him to achieving BS and MS degrees at BYU and eventually a PhD from Michigan State, with graduate studies at Florida State and Cal Berkeley along the way.

Keith’s career was anchored by his almost 30 years as a professor at Brigham Young University in the college of education. He was renowned for innovative teaching methods, challenging his students to learn and excel, and arriving every morning before 6:00 am. He was a pioneer in the use of Multiple Intelligence theory and other research in teaching methods and teacher development. He helped found BYU’s Community Education program that worked with rural school boards in Utah and helped create entire systems of education in rural Bolivia—work for which he was honored by the Partners of the America’s educational trust. Always a teacher, Keith’s early work as a cowhand, uranium miner, hunting guide, football coach, and school principle only served to broaden his perspective and fuel his thirst for knowledge.

During his studies at BYU, he met and married Juanita Taft of Bicknell, Utah (now deceased) and together they had four children; Lisa Rogers Bullock, PhD (deceased) (Ed), Keith Taft Rogers, Tiffany Rogers, MD (Keren), and Courtney Rogers (Tracy Ann). Six grandchildren followed, who will remember their grandfather for never having slowed down—and his many, many tutorials on geology and the rocks he loved until the end!

In 1986, Keith married Lorna Jones in the Provo, UT temple. During their 30 plus year marriage, Keith and Lorna traveled and lived around the country (with a visiting professorship at the University of Florida among other things) and eventually settled in Albion, ID. Lorna’s entry into Keith’s life and broader family has been a blessing that words cannot capture. Her loyalty, service, and love have served as an example to her grandchildren and Keith relied on her in every way possible until the end. In addition to his wife, Lorna; and his children; and grandchildren; Keith is survived by three siblings, Marjorie Rogers Shomaker (Merrill), Sandra Rogers Stott (Shan), Lydia Rogers Palmer (Max) and his sister-in-law, Arlene Rogers.

Keith’s faith and works in the Gospel and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints never waivered and his funeral services and interment will be administered this Saturday in a way befitting a son of God and faithful holder of His priesthood as well as a proud veteran.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Albion LDS Church, 889 S. Main St., in Albion, with Bishop Jason Phillips officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Declo Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, April 21, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, preceding the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests the donations be made to the Albion Historical Society, in care of Rasmussen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 878, Burley, ID 83318-0878.