Imants Roga

Imants Roga Imants Igors Roga passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his loving family October 20, 2016. Thankfully his suffering was brief as he left us within 3 weeks of being diagnosed with cancer. Imants was born January 31,1940 in Riga, Latvia. In 1944 he and his family escaped from Latvia when they heard the bombing during the Russian invasion. They were able to flag down the conductor of the last train to leave Latvia. They were sent to a Displaced Persons camp in Germany. In the ensuing 6 years they were transferred 3 different times to camps fenced with barbed wire. The family arrived in 1951 through Ellis Island. Imants vividly remembered all immigrants being herded like cattle and deloused with insecticides. The family considered this a small price to pay as they proudly stepped onto American soil. The family was sponsored by the Lutheran Church of Saginaw, Michigan. While living in the church basement their mother aggressively sought out and found Jobs to support the family. Imants spoke of learning to speak English while listening to cowboy westerns such as The Cisco Kid, Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger and Hop-along Cassidy. He enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in France during the Vietnam War, These life experiences instilled in him his love for his country and the freedom that he never took for granted. After attending college in Saginaw, Imants was hired by United Air Lines. He jumped at the opportunity when offered a position in Eugene, He retired in 2000 after 35 years of employment with United Air Lines. He immediately started work part-time at Enterprise Car Rental because, he said "I just enjoy being around people". The gentleman that he was, he always opened the car doors for the ladies. That same year he retired from the Army Reserves, but Imants remained active in The American Legion until his passing. He helped start a group called The Legion Riders, Imants was a voracious reader (especially world history) and retained his ability to speak fluent Latvian throughout his life with his brother and close Latvian friends located in Michigan. He truly loved road adventures with his wife Peggy by his side. They enjoyed traveling back roads to small town America. Imants would enthusiastically inquired about the local history - and where he might find the best and biggest ice cream cone in town! Ice cream cones will be served at the Celebration. Once a year he and his buddy Kerry hopped on their Harley Cruisers for a 3 to 4 day adventure, taking their last ride in June of this year. Imants is predeceased by his parents, Vilis and Larissa Roga. He is survived by his sister, Astride Webster of Saginaw, Michigan; brother Andrejs Roga (Carol) of Auburn, Michigan. His wife Peggy Mischkot- Roga. His daughter Ginette Roga Smith (Eric) and grandsons Cade and Chase of Tigard, Oregon. His step-children, Lynette Mischkot Mattson (Chris) and granddaughter Lindsey of Boise, Idaho; Ted Mischkot (Lisa) and granddaughter Eloise of Bend, Oregon; JP Mischkot of Eugene, Oregon. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday November 25th at the Country Inn (4100 County Farm Road, Eugene, OR 97408) from 2:00 to 4:00. A full Military Color Guard will be playing Taps around 4:00. Please join us and bring your memories to share. The family encourages you to sign the Guestbook at Musgroves.com The family wishes to express their gratitude for the compassionate, professional, respectful, and gentle care provided to Imants and his family by Sacred Heart Hospice. If you desire, consider making a donation in Imants' memory to Sacred Heart Hospice or American Legion Post #83 (PO Box 40643, Eugene, OR 97404) Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com