Craig Rogers, exceptional in every way, shared his joie de vivre with everyone he encountered. If you’ve been to an art show in Port Townsend or visited the farmer’s market, you’ve likely met Craig Warren Rogers. A longtime resident of Jefferson County, he was omnipresent at art, music, food events, and celebrations of all kinds.
Passionate, adventurous, and persistent, Craig arrived on the planet he loved on October 26, 1955 at Hill Air Force Base in Utah accompanied by his twin brother, Kelly; he left unexpectedly but peacefully on March 27, 2024 from Tacoma, Washington, after suffering a stroke. In his child- and young adulthood, he loved making music and mischief with his brother Kelly and chatting into the night with his cousin Michael or sharing life with his sister Deidre. Gifted, but with some physical limitations from birth, with the continual love of his mother Shirae [Shirley Ray], his late father Warren, and stepfather Bill, plus other friends and family members, Craig lived not just a good life, but an extraordinary life. Close to his mom, sister Deidre, and his niece Serena, he mixed his resilient resolve and love of travel on many holidays and birthdays with his family. He traveled to Hawaii, Utah, Nevada, California, and beyond. He loved nothing better than sharing a meal with friends and family. Full of endless curiosity, an avid hiker, explorer, reader, he passionately pursued creative, philosophical, and political interests, making a difference and a splash wherever he went. He was active in the People First Movement, the Jefferson County Mixed Voices Team, and held the post of Community Liaison to promote inclusion.
Despite living with multiple physical challenges, Craig always pursued new interests to further his abilities in life, and this was especially true with his passion for art. Craig began developing his love for painting and drawing at the Gathering Place, where he learned to work with many different mediums, but he really shined working with oil pastels and paint. Painting became a way of life for Craig to express his deepest affections. “I consider myself a self-advocate and a role model, not only for people with disabilities, but also in the local art community. Although I have limited skills, I feel that I am a creative person, and that art has helped me overcome my physical pain.” Innovative and edgy with a bold and playful palette and style, Craig’s art was featured in countless local art shows and hangs on walls around the world.
Craig will be deeply missed by the friends and family he has left behind. His life will be celebrated at a memorial service at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds on Sunday, April 7th, at 4PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Gathering Place, in hopes of continuing the wonderful opportunities this facility provides to residents living with disabilities.
Craig is survived by his mother, Shirae Curd, his step-father Bill Curd; his sister Deidre Berg, and niece, Serena Hinds and husband Stephen, plus many devoted friends and relatives. A number of beloved relatives predeceased Craig, including His father Warren Rogers, and brother Kelly Rogers.
