August 16, 1919 – February 27, 2008

On Feb. 27, 2008, Bracebridge lost a good man. Buck Rogers (a.k.a. Edward “Allan” Rogers) passed away after a two-week stay at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

He was born Aug. 16, 1919 in Frankfurt, Ontario. His family moved to Belleville before settling in Peterborough. For most of his working life, he was a police officer.

Buck’s career began in 1941 with five years as a corporal in the Canadian Army’s Provost Corps. In 1946, he became chief of police in Havelock, Ontario for one year before joining the Ontario Provincial Police. He was an OPP constable for 29 years from 1948 to 1977. He was stationed in Kingston, then Toronto, followed by 11 years in Stayner before settling in Bracebridge in 1965.

Once he retired, Buck wasn’t content to sit around. He drove for Muskoka Transport and worked at the courthouse for a time. When he finally retired once again, he still wasn’t ready to sit around just yet. He busied himself with the numerous benevolent organizations of which he was a member.

Buck was a charter member of the legion in Frankfurt after the war and, for a time, the Lions Club in Stayner.

He was a member in good standing of the Scottish Rite; Masonic Lodge, where he attained his 32nd degree; Muskoka Shrine Club; Rameses Shrine; and the Royal Canadian Legion. Buck was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star where he was a life member. He held office of Worthy Patron four times. When his wife Florence was living, they actively supported the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Last but not least, he was a member of the Muskoka Area Police and Firefighters Retirees.

Visiting his friends at the seniors centre and going for coffee with the boys at Fresh Kutz were favourite stops in his later years. Most Sundays he attended St. Thomas Anglican Church.

Buck was predeceased by his parents George and Anita Rogers, his brothers Jack and Harry, and his wife of 55 years Florence Rogers (née Simmons) whom he married on Aug. 31, 1940 in Peterborough, Ontario.

He is survived by his children Grant Rogers (Debbie Reid), Glen Rogers (Cathy) and Anita Rogers-Hillman (Rick Hillman). He is also survived by his grandchildren Alison, Melanie, Scott, Dylan and Madeleine Rogers, Willow Hillman, Shelby Leslie, Codi Bulmer, and Genise, Jaime-Lynn and Darren Reid.

The funeral service took place on March 3, 2008 at St. Thomas Anglican Church in Bracebridge, officiated by Rev. Kelly Baetz. Pallbearers were Grant Rogers, Glen Rogers, Scott Rogers, Dylan Rogers, Rick Hillman and Darren Reid.

Interment took place March 4, 2008 at Highland Park Cemetery in Peterborough.