Roger Smart
January 20, 1948 ~ April 11, 2018
Roger G. Smart, age 70, of Fargo, ND, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Bethany Nursing Home under the care of Hospice.
Services will be held on Friday, April 13, at 7:00 p.m. for the vigil and Saturday, April 14, at 10:00 a.m. for the funeral at Holy Cross Catholic Church in West Fargo.
Roger G. Smart was born January 20, 1948 in Grand Forks, ND, however grew up in East Grand Forks, MN. Roger is the son of William and Mary Smart. He attended school at Sacred Heart School, graduating in 1966. Roger received his degree in Architectural Drafting and Estimating Technology under North Dakota State School of Science on a football scholarship where he played football and wrestled.
While attending college he met Veronica Schlosser from Edgeley, ND, they married on October 4, 1969. Roger and Veronica lived in Fargo, ND where Roger worked for Simonson Lumber Yard as a Draftsman. They had two sons, Michael and Steven. Once Michael started playing Hockey, Roger started coaching hockey. Roger and Veronica were very active in Cub Scouts. In 1981 Roger transferred to the Simonson Lumber Yard in Grafton, ND. While living in Grafton, Roger became very active with Boy Scout Troop 122. He took the troop to Banff, Alberta Canada for the World Jamboree. He also helped several scouts attend Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico and also helped many earn their Eagle Scout award. Roger was also very involved in the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight.
Roger and Veronica moved back to Fargo, ND in 1993. This is where they have been residing since. While living in Fargo, Roger worked at various lumber yards before retiring in 2010. Roger is a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.
His hobbies included woodworking, archery and attending the World of Outlaws sprint car races and traveled to Knoxville, TN for the Nationals.
Roger is survived by his wife, Veronica Smart; sons, Michael (Karen Willis) Smart and Steve Smart; mother, Mary Smart; brothers Scott (Cheryl) Smart, Gary (Sherri Denne) Smart; sisters Penny (Craig) Chatterton, Pam Murek and Shelie (Scott) Boushey; grandchildren Casey (Jason) Fearing, Matthew Smart and Lauren Smart; and great grandchild, Liam Fearing. Roger was preceded in death by his father William G. Smart.
So sorry to hear of Rogers passing. I worked with Roger at Simonson Lumber for awhile.He was such a kind caring man an d was well liked with many. My thoughts and prayers to the family’
Roger was a great guy and a great Scouter! I knew and worked with him at Camp Wilderness. Whenever I had a construction question for something at camp, Roger got a call from me.
The Nature building design and the initial layout of the adult shower were his. He also helped with the design for the Bog Walk.
In all the years I worked with him, he never said no to any request for help. There were times when I was frustrated or stressed about something not being completed at camp and he would laugh and essentially tell me everything would work out.
Guys like Roger made places like Camp Wilderness possible and I am proud to have called him my friend!
My condolences to all of you who knew and loved Roger. When I think of him, I think of someone who was always a gentle soul with a ready smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate his life.
I’m fortunate to have been a fellow classmate, SHHS, Class of ’66.
We are very sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Veronica and family, I am so sorry to hear about Roger, know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
So very sorry for your loss. We hope the memories that you hold in your hearts see you through the difficult days that lie ahead.
Roger and Roni have been our dear friends since they were my land lords in college. They are also God Parents to our son Zachary. We had so many great times playing cards and we couldn’t wait until Roger had brought out a new board game for us to play. Roger along with Roni helped remodel our Floral shop and always was willing to lend a helping hand. I will miss this man with one of the best smiles in the world. Even though we now live in Wisconsin ,anytime we were back in Fargo, it was like we had never left. Roger we will miss you but know you are resting with our dear Lord. Our love and prayers go out to Roni and the family. God Bless Always!
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Roger! Although we haven’t had contact for many years, we have many great memories of our time as neighbors in Grafton! Take care!
I got to know Roger by serving with him on the Properties Committee for the Northern Lights Council, Boy Scouts of America. He was knowledgeable and had valuable input on many ideas or proposals that came through our committee. He will be missed.
With prayer and sympathy,
Brian Norberg
Dilworth, MN
I got to Know Roger in the 70’s when he worked at Simonson Lumber, in Fargo. I worked for Advance Structures as a project manager and often called Roger for quotes on lumber, windows, framing ideas, to order materials etc. He was a very enjoyable person to work with. He was always in a great mood, eager to assist and created a very enjoyable experience. He had a very sincere sounding chuckle when you told him a short joke, and always seemed to have a smile on his face. I was saddened when he transferred to Grafton, however, we did bump into each other a couple times since then, and he always had the time to stop and catch up with each other.
My condolences to the family, he was truly one of the “Good Guys” that people enjoy having shared their lives with. I will always remember the big smile on his face, and his need to make everyone happier. In the Dog eat dog world we live in, he was truly a “Black Lab” kind of guy.
So very sorry to hear of your loss! It is sad that one must go & one must remain behind for awhile,but knowing you will see each other again!! My God wrap you & your family in his loving arms during these difficult days!
My prayers are with you.
May you rest in peace my good hockey friend. Will miss the talks with you!!!!