Neil L. Rogers, III
1950 - 2020 Resident of Scotts Valley
Neil L. Rogers, III, passed into peace at home July 30, after an 8 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. His gentle yet powerful loving spirit comforted us while we kept his body at home for three peaceful nights, an old-fashioned and sacred tradition.
Loved for his character of integrity, kindness, humor, and servant leadership, Neil embodied the values of Scouting. Though he was too distracted by sports and girls in his teens to earn his “Eagle” rank, he mentored a record number of Eagle Scouts as Scoutmaster of Scotts Valley Boy Scout Troop 614.
Neil graduated El Cerrito High in 68 and UC Davis B.S. in horticulture in 73. He was recruited in 74 by Kappa Sigma brothers to National Semiconductor where he held numerous management positions in operations, logistics, and IT. While there, he earned his MBA from San Jose State in 1995, and later worked at IBM and Adaptec.
Neil was thrilled to teach a course at UC Berkeley Haas with his brilliant youngest brother, Paul. Downsized twice, Neil volunteered energetically at EDD’s ProMatch (Santa Clara) and Profile (Santa Cruz), directing the marketing department, and assisting other professionals in their job searches. He was also a Certified Life Coach, helped families and individuals.
Besides Neil’s involvement in Scouting, including great years as Troop 614 committee chair, he gave countless hours in service to Peace United Church of Christ on the buildings and grounds team and as a member of church council. The last volunteer role he took on was as a member of the CASA board of directors.
Deeply missed by wife Anne, children Lori Iles, Susan (Dan) Young, and Antonio (Nikki) Orozco (aka Anthony Rogers) and 13 grandchildren, also friends and extended family. Tragically preceded in death by children Michael Dinsmore, Sarah Rogers, and Jared Rogers and youngest siblings Paul and Julie Rogers.
We are so grateful for our loving caregivers, especially Leigh and Gina, and our amazing Hospice team, especially RN Lin, MSW Gina and HHA Belen. Donations to Hospice, Peace UCC, CASA, or BSA.
Neil’s niche may be visited at Santa Cruz Memorial’s Mariposa Garden. A celebration of Neil’s life will be held July 31, 2021. Contact Anne for details.