Roger was born in Omaha, Nebraska, to Holden and Mildred Capps and was the second of four boys. He graduated from Grant High School in 1955 after his family moved to Portland. Roger followed his brother Walter in being the first of their family to complete college, graduating from PSU in 1960. He obtained a Master's degree in education from Colorado State College in 1962 and taught before moving home to continue his career in education.
His brother, Doug and sister-in-law, Elizabeth, introduced him to his lifelong love, Janice Sahleen. Roger and Jan married in 1965 and had two children. They moved to Eastmoreland, where they lived for 47 years. Family time was full of humor, music, athletics (running, biking, hiking, tennis and golf), travel and social gatherings.
Roger started his career as a principal in North Clackamas School District in 1969 and built strong relationships with co-educators, which extended past his retirement in 1997. After retirement, his interest in improving lives of children continued, leading volunteer groups in Mexico and Guatemala. He was an active member of the PSU Alumni Board.
Raised in a Lutheran household, Roger continued his faith with involvement at Moreland Presbyterian Church, tending its garden. He was the 'glue' of the family, bringing people together. He loved engaging others in conversation, joking, talking sports and sharing his energy and delight in living.
Roger had cardiac amyloidosis. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Drs. Walter and Donald Capps; and by his niece, Dr. Lisa Capps.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jan; brother, Doug Capps (Elizabeth) of Portland; children, Kirsten Holmquist of Edgewood, Washington; Eric Capps (Gina) of Salt Lake City; and five grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2019, at Moreland Presbyterian Church.
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