R. Rogers Obituary (1918

R. Max Rogers, age 93, passed away peacefully in his home in Provo, surrounded by his adoring family. He was born in Peterson, Utah to Curtis W. and Rachel Robison Rogers and was the last living grandchild of Aurelia Spencer Rogers. He attended Morgan High where he was an athlete and student-body president. After graduating from BYU he pursued a Masters Degree and a love affair ending in temple marriage to Florence Francis, also from Morgan. They just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. He completed his PhD at Stanford University and returned to BYU teaching German. He was a visionary educator, creating the BYU Study Abroad Program, and led the first student tour to Europe. He brought his talent for teaching languages to the Missionary Training Center where, as an advisor, his approach to teaching languages through immersion is still being used today. Later, with Dr. Arthur Watkins, Max coauthored nationally popular German text books. He was Chairman of the BYU Dept of Modern and Classical Languages, and Associate Dean of the College of Humanities from 1969-1981. The highlight of his long teaching career was receiving the Karl G. Maeser Teaching Excellence Award. He was also honored as Emeriti Alumni. He served his Lord and Church in many callings including Bishop's Counselor, Bishop, and High Councilor. Since retiring from BYU, he and Florence served two temple missions in the Swiss and Atlanta temples. He continued as a sealer in the Provo Temple until last year. He was active in his community in organizing and, for twelve years, coaching little league baseball. More recently he served as president of the Provo Golden Kiwanis Club. Max loved and supported BYU sports. He played tennis until he was over 90, with any who were foolish enough to try and beat him, including friends and family. Survivors include his wife, Florence, sons Francis (Leena Tolvanen), Paul (Susan Payne), both of Provo; Russell (Julie Boswell), Kanab; Joel (LeeAnn Parry), Spanish Fork; and daughters Kay Durrant, Logan; and Karalee Ransom (Jed), Newton; 33 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and three sisters. Funeral services will be Friday, Dec 23rd at 11:00 a.m., at Oak Hills 7th Ward Chapel, 1038 N. 1200 E. Provo. A viewing for family and friends will be held at the church from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be at the East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery at 4800 N. 650 E., Provo. Condolences may be sent through his obituary on www.bergmortuary.com. If preferred, the family suggests contributions in his name to the L.D.S. perpetual education fund, or L.D.S. philanthropies of your choice: http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/perpetual-education-fund/in-memoriam.html