Roger Kenward Sexton

Roger Kenward Sexton - father, grandfather, husband, brother, Marine, Survivor - passed away at the home of his daughter and son-in-law on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, after a valiant and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Surrounded by his loving family and the caring assistance of Walla Walla Hospice, Roger was finally able to find peace.

Roger was born in Oakland, California, on September 26, 1946, to Kenward and Enrica (Adami) Sexton, the middle of three children, between his older sister, Pamela, and his younger sister, Patricia. His youth was spent in the Northern California Bay Area, where he excelled at wrestling, developed a love for skiing, and formed friendships that lasted his lifetime. After graduating from Skyline High School in 1964, Roger enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, honorably serving his country in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. Upon completion of his tour, he returned to the Bay Area and married the love of his life, Diane Rodrick, on September 7, 1968, and began his academic journey at California Polytechnic Institute San Louis Obispo. In 1971 Roger earned his degree in Construction Management, quickly promoting and building a successful career in estimation, eventually reaching the role of Senior Estimator/Vice President for Tutor Perini Construction, one of the largest general contractors in the United States. Confidence, discipline, and determination to succeed were all vital components to Roger's character, which assisted him in being cast on Season 6 of the reality TV show Survivor in 2002. However, the other more challenging aspects of his character eventually prevailed, leading to his eventual demise, but provided lasting memories of the exacerbating force that was Roger. His constant drive and amazing physicality allowed him a lifelong pursuit of his love for backpacking in the high country of the Sierra Nevada's, skiing the powdered bowls of California, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado, mastering the powdered terrain while helicopter skiing in the Ruby Mountains, and riding the dusty trails of Southern California on his mountain bike.

Above all else, Roger was an amazing provider to his family, cherishing his role as a father to his daughters, Heather and Amy. Unfortunately, Roger lost his sweet daughter, Heather, at the young age of 16 due to viral pneumonia on October 22, 1992, a loss still felt by all who knew her. However, the love Roger felt for Heather carried over to the love he felt for his grandchildren, Drew and Hadley, keeping her memory alive through them and becoming their endearing Be Pa. Therefore, it is with love that we say goodbye, or as Be Pa would often say, "see you later, alligator, in a while, crocodile, don't let the moles slow you down."

Roger is survived by his wife, Diane, of 54 years; his daughter Amy (Brian Evensen); his grandchildren, Drew and Hadley Evensen; and his two sisters, Pamela Mills (Peter) and Patricia Markowitz (Mitch); as well as numerous friends, cousins, nieces and nephews. Proceeding him in death were both his parents, Kenward and Enrica Sexton, and his beloved daughter, Heather Sexton. A celebration of life will be held this Spring at the Sexton family home in Walla Walla.