Roger Kenneth Hand, 64, of Helena, passed away at his home Friday, July 1, 2011, surrounded by his favorite ladies, Ann Black, Janice Rusek and Amanda Sather. He was born to Rosco (Rock) and Verna Hand on Feb. 19, 1947, in Helena.

Roger spent his childhood in Helena. After high school Roger moved to Palmer, Alaska, where he worked on a dairy farm. Later, he moved to Chandler, Ariz., where he started his career around farm equipment and then moved to Buckeye, Ariz., where he started with Sperry-New Holland farm equipment. Later he moved to Portland, Ore., where he became a service representative traveling the Pacific Northwest, including Hawaii and Alaska for Sperry-New Holland.

In his later years he started working for himself assembling farm equipment along with writing warranties for different companies.

Moving back to Helena, he began working for Abe Grossfield and the late Lee Reynolds. He also continued with assembling equipment and writing warranties on a limited basis.

While living in the Portland area, Roger’s passion for diving started. This passion took him to many amazing places worldwide. He would spend at least a week or two in the Bahamas every year.

He is survived by his companion and the love of his life, Ann Black of East Helena; sister, Virginia (Chuck) Johnson of Ferndale; niece, Stacy (Mark) Manahan of Montrose, Colo.; and nephew, Scott (Rhonda) Johnson of Denver.

A special thank you goes to Amanda Sather of Home Sweet Home Health Care, Hospice of St. Peter’s and Janice Rusek.

There will be public visitation all day today, July 5, at Retz Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, at Retz Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Forestvale Cemetery following the service. The family asks that any memorial contribution made to Lewis and Clark Humane Society. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.

Helena Independent Record, July 5, 2011