Rogers Arvard Smith, 62, returned home to his Heavenly Father on June 3, 2020 after a 3-year battle with lung cancer. He passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 7, 1958 in El Paso, Texas to Arvard R. Smith and Lenna Whetten Smith who were ecstatic to finally have a son after having 5 daughters! Two more sons and a daughter completed their family. Rogers grew up in El Paso until the age of 12 when his family moved “back home” to Mesa, Arizona. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1976 where he played the drums in the marching band. Rogers served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1977 – 1979 in the Buenos Aires Argentina North Mission. He attended BYU where he met his dear wife Katherine Brinkman and they were married on September 11, 1982 in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple. Together they have 5 children and 6 grandchildren. Their first son died shortly after birth.
Rogers was a salesman- one of his first jobs was selling time shares at the Roundhouse Resort in Pinetop, Arizona. The last 30 years of his life he worked for the airlines, beginning with America West, which became US Airways, which is now American Airlines.
Rogers loved to fly and traveled the world, but his favorite destinations were visiting his children and grandchildren. He loved traveling to Mexico and especially visiting his lifelong friends he made while on his mission to Argentina. He was able to take his wife, kids, and former missionary companions on several of those trips to Argentina.
Rogers is survived by his wife: Katherine Smith; children: Kristin Pett (Ryan), Trenton Smith, Alyssa Palfreyman (Sam), Desiree Smith; 3 grandsons and 3 granddaughters; his mother: Lenna Smith; 6 sisters and 1 brother. He was preceded in death by their son Christopher; father Arvard R. Smith; and a brother Kevin Smith.
Rogers was a great husband, father, friend and was loved by all he associated with. He was a lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in various callings throughout his life. He had a strong testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and co-workers.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, June 10th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.
My heart and condolences go out to the family. He was a very special person and will miss him. May Heavenly Father comfort all his family.
We love you.❤️
I’m so very sorry Katherine. My heart breaks for you and your family. May God continue to speak peace to your soul 🙏😇❤️🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing the details of his life, I learned so much. I remember him so much for his quiet kindness and how his face lit up when he smiled. So much love to you all.
Katherine- Rogers was able to serve and love everyone he came in contact with. You supported, helped him, and loved him into heaven.
Quiet kindness! That is who Rogers is! College roommates and friends hanging out. Rogers quietly swooped up the best of our bunch and we (at least me) said “when did this happen?” Rogers will be soooo missed. I’m sending all my love to Katherine and her family.💕
Rogers was a great first cousin! We loved visiting him and his family every other odd Thanksgiving in El Paso, (traveling from Mesa), Whetten reunions in Colonia Juarez/Dublan, Mejico; and he, Arvard, & Lenna bring my brother, sister and me to Grandma Smith’s in Pine over the years. Great memories. Love shines bright! Best wishes to his family. Len Allen.
Katherine I’m so sorry for your loss. May you be blessed an comforted. My thoughts an prayers for you an your family! Your so strong for all that you have gone through. You remind me so much like your sweet mom! May you have peace at this time , knowing that one day you will reunite with your husband an your sweet family.
May Heavenly Father bless you and your family and lift you up in your hour of sorrow and loss.
Rogers will be missed by so many. His humility and service touched many of us. What a wonderful man. Love you all
Two things I will always remember about Rogers: seeing him jogging around the neighborhood and watching him take the attendance count in Sacrament meetings. I consider him a friend and always enjoyed talking to him. May you find peace and Heavenly Father’s love at this time of your loss.
We love the Smith Family and are saddened to learn of Rogers’ departure. From the Dominican Republic we send our love with prayers of peace and comfort to Katherine and the family.
We loved Rogers. We admired his conviction to God and his family as well as the submissive courage he showed in his battle with cancer. We will miss him. Katherine, may you and your family be blessed with peace and know that many are keeping you in their prayers at this time.
Our family mourns with you during this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort as you reflect on Rogers’ wonderful life.
Rogers was a special man and will be missed by all whose life he touched. Witty, compassionate and charming, I have many memories to look back on and smile.
We will miss Rogers. All our long talks about Argentina and running strategies :). He always had a smile and kind a word! We love him and your sweet family ❤️
We love the Rogers Smith family! We loved exchanging greetings with Rogers while we jogged in the mornings. He always wore a smile and exuded a quiet confidence. His goodness is evident in the lives of his family. We have the utmost respect for you all. Rogers taught us how to be resolved and patient in our sufferings. We send our love and prayers for peace to your sweet family.
Oh how we’ll miss this special faithful man. Rogers was a gentle giant! Although our hearts are saddened by his passing, his sweet demeanor and kindness will remain with us always. Rogers loved serving others. It was evident by the way he lived his life. We love you and your sweet family Katherine, and we feel so blessed to have had your family touch and influence our lives for good. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you always.
What a blessing it was for us to know Rogers.
He was such a kind and genuine man.
The world around him was a better place because of his goodness and his smile that he shared with everyone. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.