It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Roger Gunter. Born in February 1933, in Kemmerer, Roger completed his life’s journey Friday, Oct. 9, in North Ogden.
He loved his hometown and remained a lifelong resident vowing never to leave. In his younger years, he helped with the family sheep-raising business before beginning a 46-year career in the coal mines to provide for his family. He remained an active member of the UMWA union for 75 years.
Roger married his schoolmate, Lorna, and their union of 72 years included raising three children. He also served in the U.S. Army for two years at Ft Hunter Liggett. Roger could not start a morning without Cocoa Crispies, which he relished. His passions included hunting elk, antelope and grouse, as well as camping and fishing.
A week before his passing, at age 93, he was able to shoot his last antelope alongside the nephew whom he had taken on his very first antelope hunt. Roger was famous for his antelope jerky, although the recipe always remained top secret.
In his later years, he began playing pool at the senior center, enjoying attending tournaments and placing in many of them. He was always known for his grumpiness, but it was part of who he was and helped keep him tough and independent until the end. He stayed active by plowing multitudes of snow on his four-wheeler each winter.
He enjoyed an array of TV shows, including “Let’s Make a Deal,” the “Judge” shows and Me-TV westerns, including “The Rifleman,” “Bonanza,” and “Wagon Train,” which he watched like clockwork.
He always kept watch over the family property, making sure no one trespassed. With binoculars in hand, he would meet trespassers at the bottom of the hill. Roger was a faithful member of the Catholic and Knights of Columbus.
The decedent was preceded in death by his wife, Lorna; son, Rodney; parents, Rudolph and Minnie; siblings, Marie Nelson, Ronald Gunter, Teddy Gunter, Jeanette Gagliardi and Rudy Gunter; niece, Jill Chamberlain; and many uncles and aunts.
He is survived by his daughters, Debbie Harker and Margie Barker; grandchildren, Heather Hardy, Jason Harker, Dan Thatcher, Mary Bennett, Laurie Bronson, Jolene Mitchell and Jocelyn Rosewood; great-grandchildren, Hayden Thatcher, Ashlyn Thatcher, Spencer Harker, Tanner Harker, Zakiah Harker, Kaycee Harker, Blayke Harker, Alex Bennett, Sam Bennett, Liz Bennett, Jaxson Bronson, Kya Bronson, Berkly Bronson, Rosalind Mitchell and Abigail Mitchell; sister-in-law, Sandee Gunter; and many nieces and nephews.
