Roger H. Mascarenas

Roger H. Mascarenas

LAYTON- Roger H. Mascarenas passed away Monday, March 25, 2013 surrounded by his loved ones, after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Dixon, New Mexico on March 15, 1933 to Albert and Amanda (Griego) Mascarenas. He left his home to join the US Army. He was proud to have served in a MASH unit during the Korean Conflict. We have all benefited from his emergency training.

In July 1958, he married Helen Valdez, his one true love, and resided in Utah since then. He not only married Helen, but her entire family. Roger was immediately accepted, loved, and treasured. For the past seven years, Roger had been Helen''s primary caregiver. His tender care for his wife was something to behold. A lovely, love story will remain in our hearts and memories as they are reunited. He was by her side when she passed away just five weeks ago, and only upon her passing did he succumb to his illness. "Let us begin where we left off, my love."

This gentle man always had a kind word for everyone, and possessed a generous heart. He was the favorite uncle, the favorite brother in law, always having time for his special relationship with everyone to encourage, or just have a wonderful conversation. He was fully engaged in the moment. He had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around. Roger was extremely active and fit. He enjoyed planting and tending to his garden and took pride in his yard. After his service with the US Army, he was employed at Hill AFB and retired, after 37 years. He then worked for Iomega for a number of years before retiring again.

He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He was a faithful man, and with Helen served many family members in the Sacraments of Baptism, and Confirmation.

Roger was a loving father and adored his children; Rita (Evan) Stevens, Ken Mascarenas, Monica Peterson. His children helped him take care of their mother, and they never left his side during his decline. He is survived by his children, grandchildren: Brooke, Dustin, Veronica, Dakota, Jayden, Austin, Carson, Brayden, Cody; and eight great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and one new grandchild due in July. His brother and sisters of the Dixon, NM area: Alfonso (Mary) Mascarenas, sisters, Dila Sanchez, Edna (Tony) Espinoza, Esther (Nelson) Romero, and sisters-in-law, Teresa Mascarenas and Pauline Mascarenas of NM. He is also survived by his wife''s family, who considered him their own: Ed (Josephine) Valdez, Robert (Michelle) Valdez, Anna Valdez-Willie (Ron), and many nieces and nephews in both families.

He was preceded in death by his wife, and grandsons Landon Stevens and Preston Mascarenas, his parents, brothers, Arturo, Lee (Dora) and Roy, brother-in-law Tony, in-laws Mike and Mary Valdez, and his brother-in-law, Mike, to whom he also attended to with kindness and compassion. Where Roger was present, there was light, laughter, and happiness. He was ever optimistic, and had such enthusiasm for life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, family, friends, and neighbors alike.

Years ago I knew you

It seems so long ago

When I was young as you were too

All those years before

As if you never left me

You never left my side

As if time never passed us

But oh the time did fly

I miss the way it was

When it was you and I and them

But I love how it is now

When it is you and I again

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 210 Chapel St., Layton, UT on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 2 p.m. prior to the service, a visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd.

Interment, Lindquist''s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd., So. Ogden, UT.

The family would like to thank Legacy Hospice for the loving and attentive care given to their father, Telisa, Ken, and especially Stephanie Reed, our angel.