Rodger Keith Garner, loving husband, father, son, brother, friend to thousands and "Godfather" of West Michigan Soccer, passed away in his Kentwood, MI home Tuesday morning Jan. 15 at the age of 61. Throughout his life, Rodger made an indelible impact on everyone from casual acquaintances to those that knew him the best. He will be remembered for his unyielding positive disposition, wisdom, generosity and sincere concern for everyone in his orbit. For Rodger, others always came first. He was always willing to sacrifice his time, money and energy to make the lives of those around him (and sometimes complete strangers) a little bit better. Rodger grew up in Beavercreek, Ohio (just outside of Dayton) where he attended Beavercreek High School and the University of Dayton. He grew up loving sports and competition and became fascinated with the game of soccer at a time when it was among the most obscure of niche sports in America. Rodger spent much of his young adulthood growing the game in the Miami Valley as a player, coach and organizer. In Dayton, Rodger met the love his life in Nancy Snyder, to whom he proposed on a whim less than a year after meeting her. The two were married the day after Thanksgiving in 1979. Rodger and Nancy later brought two beautiful boys into the world in Matthew (born in 1983) and Sean (1986). Rodger considered Matt and Sean the crowning achievements of his life, as he gave all of himself to develop his kids into fine young men. In the early 90's, Rodger and his family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Rodger continued to pursue his passions of soccer and mentorship. In west Michigan. Rodger helped develop the local soccer scene in much the same way he had done in southwest Ohio. Almost completely unnoticeable upon his arrival, soccer in West Michigan has grown into big business and a nationally competitive force, thanks in no small part to Rodger's efforts. Rodger is most notably remembered for coaching stints at East Kentwood High School and Aquinas, but was also known to be a major player behind the scenes. During his 25-plus years in Grand Rapids, Rodger became one of the most respected goalkeeper trainers in the state, assisting in the development of goalkeepers from all over the area. When he wasn't on the pitch, Rodger could often be found on the tennis courts, golf course or at a sun-soaked, easy-going tropical rock concert holding his lovely wife in hand. He was a particular fan of Jimmy Buffett and Don Middlebrook. Rodger was at his most comfortable relaxing with close friends and family. He was often considered the life of the party. Professionally, Rodger worked for General Motors for more than 25 years, ending his tenure as the GM at Good Chevrolet Buick in Lowell. Having no connections to the city before taking the job, Rodger instantly became one of the most recognizable faces in town through his commercial and philanthropic ventures, as well as his trademark good nature. In Jan. 2017, Rodger was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He fought bravely and beautifully against the horrible disease and became a prominent advocate for MM awareness and a source of support and comfort for many people suffering from the same ailment. Rodger won his battle against MM, but lost the war, as the damage brought on by his fight paved the way for an even more insidious disease. At the beginning of the year, Rodger was diagnosed with advanced stage pancreatic cancer. Given no hope for survival, Rodger opted for hospice care. He spent the last week of his life in the company of those dearest to him. Rog, as he was most commonly referred to, left an enormous legacy in his 61 years. In the weeks since his diagnosis, he has been inundated with hundreds of people wishing to express their sincere, uncanned appreciation for all he had done for them and the way he lived his life. Rog is an inspiration to the thousands of lives he has touched and the many more he will indirectly impact by making those around him better people. Rodger is survived by Nancy, Matt, Sean, sisters Denese (Shirk) and Gloria (McDonald), Sharon (Barnett), as well as several in-laws nieces, nephews, special friends, colleagues, admirers and many more. he was preceded in death by loving parents Earl and Iona. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and the Grand Valley Soccer Association with the proceeds going to set up a memorial fund in Rog's name. Link to MMRF Rog fundraising page - https://tribute.themmrf.org/roggarner?fbclid=IwAR1ogYlgk-fBwLbVyuozl9pX7eccKTJBoSje93jNDkRGl5wUVFocjosoCOo



Service Information

Visitation
When: Saturday, January 19, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SEKentwood,MI 49508

Service
When: Saturday, January 19, 2019 4:00pm
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SEKentwood,MI 49508