David Andrew Rogers
ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY –
David Andrew Rogers, 74, of 14 Bethune Street, died Thursday at his home.
Born in Al
exandria Bay on November 14, 1941 to Raymond and Levina Chayne Rogers. He lived his life in the village and on the river, except for a couple short excursions to Florida to work at the Bertram Yacht Company and the Island Queen Boat tours of Biscayne Bay and a visit to Chicago for training at Cummings Diesel School. David graduated from Alexandria Bay High School in 1959, where he played on the varsity football and basketball teams.
David was a “MAN OF THE RIVER”. He watched the ships, water, wind and clouds, before being a “river watcher” was an acknowledged classification. He was truly connected to the river. Enjoying the sun raising through the morning fog in the fall or savoring spectacular sunsets with a kaleidoscope of colors in the clouds of summer. He took pleasure in sharing his knowledge of boats with anyone seeking guidance. He was always available to recover folks stranded on the river at all hours and all weather conditions. His 100 ton Masters Certification with a towing endorsement, made him one of the few qualified Captains to recover and tow boats on the river. His life could not be separated from the River or the Marina.
He grew up working in the family Marina business, where he learned from some of the most talented mechanics and marine carpenters on the river. His father Ray Sr founded Rogers Texaco Marina in 1949, which became Rogers Marina. Ray Sr. operated the marina until his death in 1969, when David and his brother Ray Jr. took it over. In 1971 David became the sole owner and he operated the marina until it was sold and he retired in 2011. Beyond his understanding of marine engines, David had an aptitude for working with anything mechanical and constructed several of the Marina buildings himself. David was a technical design consultant for the marine division of Doug Nash Engineering in the 1980’s in the development of a marine transmission. He enjoyed building and outfitting boats, including three MISS BEHAVE’s constructed from the original Gar Wood Plans, a custom 23′ Formula outfitted with a pair of V8 inboard engines and a 16′ Formula Jr, with a single V8 inboard for David’s personal use.
Vintage Race boats became a big part of his life, owning and driving “Wild Blue” an E hydroplane and “High Hopes” an E service runabout. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the vintage boat community and sharing the things he learned about boats and motors.
David was passionate about the shooting sports. In 1967, he was a member of the skeet shooting squad from the Bay and competed in the Winchester Clay Bird Tournament, where he received a pair of presentation shot guns from Winchester for his efforts. He was a founding member of the Thousand Islands Sportsmen Club, where he worked to construct the original sporting clays course and rifle range, as well as the club house. David was an NRA member, certified Pistol Instructor and an avid supporter of the club until his death.
The Alexandra Bay Fire Department was large piece of his life, he committed his time and service for our community. A member of the department for over 58 Years, holding several ranks including chief from 1974 to 1980. His focus on a methodical approach and a need for safety, made him a good leader for the department.
David is survived by his dog, Katie Rogers (English Setter); a son David Andrew Rogers II and his wife Sherry; his Grandson Dustin Rogers and Granddaughter Shana Woodard; Cousins Ed & Nancy Smalling, Mark & Kristy Reynolds, Erin Reynolds, Dimitri Reynolds, Scott Smalling, Norby Smalling, Craig Reynolds, Jamie Rogers, Bowie Schumer, Debbie Regan, Tera Rogers – Little, Tina Rogers, Pam Rogers – Sayer, and Ginger Rogers.
Calling hours will be held from 6-9 pm Tuesday at Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. The funeral will be held on Wednesday at 11 am at the Reformed Church of the 1000 Isles with Pastor Jeff McIlrath officiating. Burial will be at Highland Park Cemetery.
David, you will be truly and dearly missed. Thank you for the times we knew each other.
RIP Dave
Rest In Peace Dave….
You are missed already.
Thank you for your friendship. Your advice and instruction will be with me forever. We will miss you more than you could ever know.
Ray and you were so special to our family when we lived in the Bay and moved long distance for almost 90 years. Dad, John Keeler Sr., considered Ray the father he never had and you a forever friend. So many memories. There was always a boat reserved for us at our disposal when visiting for many, many years.. Dad and I were shocked when we heard the details from my cousins, Doittie and Chuck Barker.. Another River Rat Dynasty comes to an end. Celebrate with all your family and friends up above.
Peace,
Kathy Keeler, John Keeler Sr., and in Spirit Beverly and John Keeler Jr.,
Thank you David for all the help and knowledge you have given me over the many years. A true legend of the boating community of the Thousand Islands. You will be surely be missed missed.
That was a great obit – it’s hardly long enough for such a great guy.
I would like to add that he also was an avid pilot and loved flying very much.
A couple of years ago when he was unable to fly himself I was able to ride along when Buck Boatright took him up for a ride over the T.I.s He was like a kid again. He will be missed.
It was a pleasure to shoot with Dave, he always had a smile and a joke!
I want to send my deepest condolence to Mr. Rogers family for there lost. I did not know your love one. But I am new to the 1000 Island Sportsman Club. Mr. Rogers being one of the original founders of the club. I volunteered as a Range Safety Officer and hope to carry on the well being of the club. Again sorry for your loss and May he Rest In Pease.
Dave Rogers was one of the nicest, most friendly men I have ever met. The Bay can be hectic at times, but a visit with Dave brought you back to the things that were important, the beauty of the river and the good people around it. I will never forget him. I won’t miss his constant ribbing about my boat being powered by an outboard. That just wasn’t Dave. His family is very fortunate that he was part of their lives.
David was so kind to us each time Tim and I came to visit Alex Bay with the kids and was so thoughtful to send flowers when Tim passed. He was definitely one of a kind.
David-
How sad we are to learn that you have left us, and how sorry that we cannot be there to say good bye. God bless you as you go to join your beloved Dad. Thank you for taking care of us for lo these many years, Paul and Twyla Webb, “Flox” and “Twyla B.”
When it comes to someone who had a heart a big as all outdoors, Dave is in my Hall of Fame. He will be missed, but his kindness and love will live forever in my heart. Rest in God’s Peace Dave.
I have known David for abut 55 plus years, since my father bought a place on Fairyland Island in the late 1950’s. I have a great deal of respect for this individual. I always looked forward to coming to first Ray’s and then David’s Marina. He was a very smart and likeable friend. He knew engines and boats like nobody else, he was humble and a person you knew you could trust. I will sorely miss him. Alex Bay will not be the same without him.
My condolences to the family of Dave. I didn’t have much contact with members of the Class of ’59 after I left town in ’63, but had the opportunity to chat with Dave at our 50th class reunion and at subsequent biennial class get-togethers. I enjoyed talking with him and his sense of humor. He accomplished a lot in his life time. I’m sure he’ll be missed by folks in the village of Alex Bay, his family and friends.
Dave and I shared the love of flying. I would land in Maxson’s steal him away from the Marina ( a rare event!) and we would just fly around the islands for hours. Of course, he kept all our wooden boats afloat and running. He always let me park the Curlew in his boathouse if there was not room at the public dock. My last time with Dave was this summer shooting sporting clays. All of Chippewa will miss him.
Dave, you will be missed. My condolences to the family of Dave. R.I.P.
I was a classmate of Dave’s–graduating with him in ’59–I have been so fortunate to have been able to return to the Bay regularly all these years–and being able to meet with Dave at casual class gatherings–he so loved the river and everything that went with it. I’m sure he’ll be missed by so many who knew him over the years. RIP, Dave.
Dave, You sure helped our families and friends with your boat repairs of all kinds and with River Lore and adventure, from the 1950s onward, all well beyond any business concerns. Thank You. The Bay and the River and your Friends miss you. –Bruce
Dave will be missed. Actually, I’ve missed Rogers Marina since it changed hands! My grandfather (Bo Meyer) and father, Dave Meyer, had Dave and crew work on our antique boat (Seven Isles) many times! He was always so nice to me – the curious kid, who loved looking at all the boats, and asking all kinds of questions about what he was doing to them)! RIP!