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In Memory of Worshipful Roger Merle Garretson

Worshipful Roger Garretson

Roger was born September 28, 1931 in Whitter, CA. He had five siblings: Eldon, Lester (deceased), Evan, Loren (deceased), and Lotus. Roger attended 12 different schools in CA, NM, and CO before graduating from high school. He enlisted in the Navy Reserve where he was taught photography, which became his lifelong passion.

Roger worked for Associated Telephone (later became GTE) before receiving his draft notice. He enlisted in the Air Force and served in Florida, California, Colorado, Texas and Korea. While on leave, he met his true love, Evelyn Morris and they married on April 9, 1954. They have three children; Kenneth Garretson, Kathleen Johnson, and Karen Davis (spouse Edward Davis); four grandchildren, Jericho and Jeriah Johnson, Michelle and Sherri Davis, and a great grandson, Julian Johnson.

After his military service, he returned to GTE. Roger sand in the church choir and serve on church boards while in Whitter and Rialto. He became active with the Boy Scouts and was known as the “Hike Master”. The family took many road trips and camped at numerous National Parks. Roger and Evelyn moved to Oak Park, California in 1979. Roger retired from GTE after 35 years and then spent a few years as a Government Communications Consultant working on projects at the Empire State Building and the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. He actively volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program while continuing his love of gardening, photography and videography. He started the Thousand Oaks Video Club, and was a member of the Los Angles Cinema and the international group “Ten Best of the West”. He received many commendations for his video and photography work.

Roger was initiated, passed, and raised in the Masonic Lodge in Rialto. He became involved in the Rainbow for Girls organization and received the Grand Cross of Colors. He then affiliated with Conejo Valley Lodge #807, service as Master twice. He received the Hiram Award for his support to the Lodge, facilitated the Child I.D. program, belonged to the Los Angeles Scottish Rite and the Al Malaikah Shrine, served as president of the Thousand Oaks Shrine Club as well as the Conejo Valley High Twelve Club.

Roger devoted his life to serving others.


Worshipful Roger Garretson

September 28, 1931 – June 26, 2018

Initiated: December 10, 1974

Passed: January 21, 1975

Raised: February 25, 1975

Affiliated with Conejo Valley Lodge #807: May 12, 1981

Master of Conejo Valley Lodge #807: 1983 & 1984

Hiram Award Recipient: 1988


Psalms 23

A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.


Acknowledgements

The family is very appreciative of the tremendous amount of support, comfort, thoughts, and prayers from the many friends and family members. A special “Thank You” to Rees Padfield PM, Howard “Buster” Smith PM and the Conejo Valley Masonic Lodge; to Jerome Perez for the excellent care-giving; to the wonderful staff at Buena Visita Hospice; to Meals on Wheels; to Debbie and Bill Kirsch; and, to Paul and Karen Garretson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the Conejo Valley Masonic Lodge #807 or a charity of your choice.

Roger signed up with the Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry. He requested that you join him in saving and enhancing the lives of thousands of people in need of your help. It only takes a few minutes to sign up, minutes that could mean years of life for someone else. For more information, please visit DonateLIFEcalifornia.org.


Worshipful Roger Garretson Memorabilia
Worshipful Roger Garretson of Thousand Oaks
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