Feb. 23, 1943 - May 11, 2009

Roger Leland Lehnert passed away suddenly of natural causes at home on Monday, May 11.

He was born on Feb. 23, 1943, in Corvallis to Harold and Catherine Lehnert. Roger remembered fondly his years growing up in Corvallis. At a very early age he began helping at Lehnert's Print Co., a printing and stationary business owned by his parents, located in downtown Corvallis. At Corvallis High School he began showing his abilities as a leader, where he was elected as a Demolay officer. Roger was very involved with the area Parks and Recreation Department to help ensure the community had facilities that could be enjoyed by kids and families.

He attended Southern Oregon University, where along with his education, he played collegiate basketball. While in college, Roger attended his brother Richard's wedding, where he was introduced to Cheryl Cooley, whom he would marry and begin a family with in Corvallis.

Roger's educational career started in 1965 in Corvallis. He spent a few years working in the classroom as both a kindergarten and fourth-grade teacher. Upon receiving his master's degree from Oregon State University (Go Beavs! as Roger would have to say, being an avid OSU fan), he began his administrative career in the Corvallis area. After a few years, the family moved to Richland, Wash., where he was a principal at a newly formed K-12 school (now Hanford High School). In 1983, he achieved his doctoral degree from Washington State University (Go Cougs! - a close second to the Beavers). He held other various administrative positions in the Richland area before accepting the position of Ferndale School District Superintendent in 1990. He had with passion and dedication given the last 19 years of his life to the Ferndale area children and schools, working to ensure that the needs of the kids always came first.

In his precious time away from the office, Roger enjoyed growing his beautiful award-winning roses, golfing, and hosting what he referred to as the annual FUG invitational golf tournament with special friends from various parts of the country. He enjoyed traveling to his favorite destinations, such as Kauai and Arizona, where he could relax in the sun. Roger took great pride in his skill on the barbecue and his family enjoyed what were lovingly referred to as Kahuna burgers. He cherished any time spent with his family. He was a very loving and proud husband, father, and grandfather who openly shared his hugs and affection with everyone in his family.

Roger is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Cheryl; daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Brian Trimble of Richland; and son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Michelle Lehnert of Blaine, Wash. Papa Roger will be greatly missed by his four beloved grandchildren, Jordan, Trevor "The Trev," Mackenzie "Pookster," and Carson "Bud." He is also survived by nephew Reed Lehnert (and family) of Vancouver, Wash.; nephew, Ryan Lehnert (and family) of Pendleton; sister-in-law Judy Szabo of Pendleton; mother-in-law, Pat Cooley of Eugene; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Vicki and Tom White of Portland; nephew, Thom White (and family) of Troutdale; and niece, Susan Hager (and family), of Vancouver, Wash.

Roger was preceded in death by his dear parents, Harold and Catherine, and his only brother, Richard.

Following a private family service, a public celebration of Roger's life will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at Cascadia Elementary School, 6175 Church Road, Ferndale.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the Roger Lehnert Memorial Scholarship Fund at any KeyBank location. Arrangements are by Moles Greenacres Funeral Home, Memorial Park and On-site Crematory.