Bend, OR

Longtime Marin County resident Roger K. Daniels passed away January 1, 2023 in Sacramento, CA. Roger was born and grew up in Missoula, Montana. He graduated from Missoula County High School in 1954. He joined the Navy, serving in Japan and Korea as an ET3 on the USS Shields and as a Sonar Technician on the USS Cusk submarine. After his service Roger worked as a Communications Engineer at AT&T for 30+ years, including years at AT&T High-Seas Service Radio Station in Pt. Reyes. He retired in his 50s at which time he pursued his real passion: running. Roger loved running! He loved the trails around Marin County, CA, and the Dipsea Trail was quite possibly his favorite. Although running for years, it wasn't until after his 40th birthday that Roger ran in his first race – a 5k in Novato, CA - and he never looked back! Roger went on to compete in races all over the world, in various distances – marathons, 50k, 50-milers, and, Roger was a 10-time finisher of the world-renowned Western States 100-mile Endurance Run.

Next, Roger decided to take on triathlons, teaching himself to swim properly so as to be competitive. With his trademark tenacity and can-do attitude, he qualified multiple times for the Ironman Championship in Hawaii well into his 70’s. A proud highlight, in 1984, Roger had the honor to represent the USA as part of the Cadre Team responsible for carrying the Olympic flame across the United States to Los Angeles for the 1984 Summer Olympics.

A commemorative torch from this experience hung proudly in his home. Roger loved to talk with anyone about running, exercise, or the great outdoors. He loved coaching! There were so many throughout his life that he joyfully coached, both formally and informally, on the finer aspects of trail running, and he would always take the time to give an encouraging pep talk. Roger will be remembered for his gentle spirit, easy smile, kind eyes - and as a tough-as-nails competitor as soon as the race started! He had such a love of the great outdoors and was at joy running along the mountain trails. Roger is survived by his former wife, Bonnie; their four children, Scott, Michael, Kerri and Stefanie; their spouses, Jessica, Michiko, Bob and Ron; three grandchildren, Ari, Austin and Bali; his sister, Connie and brother Bill; cherished friends, beloved running companions, and running communities across California and Central Oregon. His family plans to announce remembrance events in Oregon and California in Roger’s honor in the future.