26 Jul Roger Paul Koos

April 22, 1949 — July 18, 2023

Our Father, Grandfather, and friend Roger Koos exited this life on July 18th after a courageous and valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.  

Roger was born in Ogden, UT to Joseph and Joyce Koos, but spent his childhood living in Midvale, UT – graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1967.  Roger attended Weber State College and the University of Utah and graduating with a degree in Engineering Technologies.  During his adult life Roger lived throughout the Salt Lake Valley, San Jose, CA, and St. George, UT.  Roger enjoyed his professional career as a Program Manager for Unisys and Sun Microsystems as well as a Realtor selling and flipping homes later in life.  

Roger was a proud Navy Vietnam Veteran – serving in the Pacific from 1968-1971.  He was honored to serve on the Destroyer USS Duncan as a Machinist Mate with the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class.  His shipmates called him Salty Koozer and their brotherhood and friendship stayed strong until the end of Roger’s life voyage. Roger generously gave back to his Veteran community as a proud volunteer with the VA Hospital for seven years. 

Roger truly lived life with a sense of adventure and passion. He cared for everyone around him with a selfless and positive presence that made an lasting, fond impression on anyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.  His quick wit, humor, and unforgettable smile never faded – even at the end.  Roger explored life with intention and curiosity; whether hitting the open road on his Harley and Corvette or immersed in nature fishing, hiking, hunting with family and friends. Tennis and Golf were two constant pleasures in Roger’s life. Playing double’s tennis in national tournaments, grabbing a round of golf with buddies anytime he could, or a simple volley back and forth on the court with his daughter and grandson always brought out that dashing Roger smile.

Above all else, Roger loved his family.  The birth of his daughter, Kandice melted the heart of this handsome hippie and started a beautiful, endearing relationship that meant the world to both Diana and Kandice. Roger was Kandice’s hero and best friend. Roger was a devoted grandfather to Madden and the past seven years to his two step grandchildren Braxton and Breklyn. His family will always hold his love closely in their hearts and cherish the love from this humble and generous man. Roger could have written the book on how to live life to the fullest and pass in the next journey with dignity and grace.  His words facing any adversity in life……And So, The Adventure Begins!

He is preceded in death his Joseph and Joyce Koos (parents), and Bill Koos (Brother).

He is survived by his daughter Kandice Koos, Madden Koos-Walters (grandson), Jim Koos (brother), Barbara Koos (sister), Richard Koos (brother), and Diana Baxter (special friend).

As Roger believed in life and golf: “Keep your sense of humor. There’s enough stress in life not to let bad shots ruin a game you are supposed to enjoy.” – Amy Alcott 

We will be celebrating Roger’s life with a service on August, 4th, 2023 at City View Mortuary: 1001 E 11th Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84103.  The service will be from 4-6pm with a reception celebrating his life from 6-8pm.  Please come with any stories or memories to share with family and friends.  In lieu of flowers, the family would ask for a donations to be made in Roger’s name to either the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (npcf.us))

Service Video Link: https://youtu.be/V2bGFZeH4YM