Roger Michael Lichter

Roger Michael Lichter was born June 10, 1929 in Denver Colorado, through the union of Mabel Neil and William Lichter.

After high school, he left Denver, move to Los Angeles to pursue a degree in education at Compton Junior College; and graduated in June 15, 1950.

While continuing his education at the Los Angeles State College of Applied Arts and Sciences, he was drafted in May, 1951 through 1953, to serve in US Army as a medic during the Korean War. (He never spoke of his service years, but felt keenly bonded to the T.V. series M.A.S.H. He would watched the show relentlessly, reflecting only on the accuracy of details being laced with the complexity of sadness and laughter.)

After he was discharged, he completed his education and graduated with a Bachelors Arts Degree on June18, 1954. Although he began his haled teaching journey at Banning High School, he was later part of a select chosen, to complete the staff administration at the newly opened “Carson High School”.

As a faithful young man, full of life and embarking on a teaching career, in his spare time he attended the “Catholic Club Lamont”. There, while grounded in service, to honor the catholic faith and God, he met Antoinette Lichter. They married on June 29,1957, and through their union, Karen Savage, Carl Lichter, Teresa Averill, and Denise Lichter were born and completed his family. Roger was a quiet, devoted man to his family and faith. While loyal to his work and stability, he never missed a day on the job or a Sunday of worship.

For 40 years, he taught Math, Trigonometry, English and History with pride and became an honorable “Carson Colt Hero” during teaching tenure. Colleagues and students alike, respected him and have been quoted remembering him for his quiet persistence and tough kindness.

He had a love for nostalgia, nature and beautiful things. Often, he was able to point out fine details in art and music from his era and could be heard whistling a “Bing Crosby” tune. Searching for collectibles coins, stamps or occasionally butterflies, made him happy.

In the early years, the family traveled in the summer months, on cross country trips to historical locations, and to visit his beloved mother; “Mable” in Colorado. Because he was intelligent and curious, you could find him reading placards at museums and national monuments. As others walked forward, he stayed back, encouraging us to read all the details in the story, behind the actual events.

An admirer of strength and athleticism, he would energetically recite colorful and unbelievable tales about characters saying things like...“He was 6’ 4”, 300lbs, shoulders twice the size as mine and had tremendous hands!”

His thirst for thriftiness included favorite past times like clipping coupons, getting a box of cereal for one cent, only to give them away while boasting of the deal he scored.

His grand children were a joy to him. During his retirement, to enjoy a conversation over lunch or plan trips to Disneyland and the San Diego zoo brought him pleasure and happiness. Roger was simple but yet complex, true to himself his as his river ran deep. He said one time, “I have no regrets and I did the best I could”.

He will be greatly missed and remembered by a host family and friends. Good job, well done.

Roger Lichter was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Dorothy Tinsely and Phyllis Williamson and his grandchild Joshua Averill. Left to carry on his legacy are his wife, Antoinette Lichter, son, Carl, daughters, Karen, Teresa, Denise and three grandchildren, Cody Sivadge, Kyle Sivadge and Kendall Averill.

Acknowledgments:

Nancy Stewart

Chris Rubacha

Nights of Columbus

Father John of Christ Cathedral

Monsignor Doug Cook

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