Roger Gordon Gagos' Obituary
Roger Gordon Gagos was born on February 10th, 1943 in Sacramento, CA, and passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, August 22nd at the age of 74 in Escondido, CA.
Roger is survived by his wife Gretchen Gagos, daughter Theresa Gagos, son-in-law Brent Bystedt, son Michael Gagos, and daughter-in-law Vanessa Gagos.
Roger had a lifelong passion for music, electronics, and radio communication. He was a loving husband, father, and pet guardian, most recently to his dog Button. Roger touched the many lives of his friends through countless hobbies and activities, including his volunteer work with various organizations.
As a child, Roger grew up in West Los Angeles, Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. At the young age of 14, he became an amateur radio operator, building his first ham radios by hand. Roger was active in local radio clubs, including the Escondido Amateur Radio Society (EARS). His last call sign was K6EQ, as an Extra Class.
As a young man, Roger proudly served his country for a full term with the United States Coast Guard as a Communications Electronics Technician. He would often joke, “When you signed up for the Coast Guard, they never told you which coast you were going to be guarding.” Roger served aboard the USCG Cutter Minnetonka during his Vietnam War tour.
Roger graduated from Cal State Long Beach and worked at Motorola and other radio communication companies for over 30 years. Roger excelled working in sales for his clients, including local police and fire departments, because he knew the equipment inside and out. He was also an instrumental project manager for installation of the very first cellular phone towers in San Diego County.
Roger's varied interests in music led him to meet his beloved wife, Gretchen, through the North County Bluegrass and Folk Club, where he served as the club's President for a time. He could often be seen entertaining the crowd with his guitar or mandolin during the club's monthly meetings and at music festivals. Roger combined his musical talents with others by performing in a popular bluegrass band named “Down the Road." They were twice selected as the San Diego Bluegrass Society's Fan's Choice, winners of the 2000 Southwest's National Bluegrass Playoffs, and played at the annual International Bluegrass Music Association Festival held in Louisville, KY. Later in life, Roger was able to enjoy full-time RVing with Gretchen, where he continued to play bluegrass and folk music with other musicians around the country.
Roger will be remembered for his warm, caring and optimistic personality. He cherished his family, and often said that his children's successes were his life's most treasured accomplishment.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Roger's name to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (https://www.themmrf.org/donate-to-mmrf/).
A private family burial service with military honors was conducted on September 4th at Miramar National Cemetery, coordinated by Alhiser-Comer Mortuary. A memorial service will follow at a later date to be scheduled by the family. Please contact 760-807-2756 for details.
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