Roger Jessup Lloyd

Roger Jessup Lloyd, 38, of Independence died Aug. 3 after a four-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig's Disease.
He was born in North Ridge, Calif., to Stephen Scott Lloyd and Catherine Ruth Jessup.
At a young age, his parents moved to Independence, where Roger spent the rest of his life. Roger grew up on the farm of his grandparent's, Charles and Evelyn Lloyd, on Buena Vista Road.
His father taught him a rigorous work ethic and the trade of farming. At a young age he knew how to drive the farm tractor and truck and sometimes missed school to do the farm chores. He still found time to play tennis and wrestle in high school. However, most of his time was spent by his father's side doing farm work.
Roger loved farming and was well known by the local farmers as a very capable, hardworking "kid." The responsibilities he carried at such a young age were impressive. Through his high school and college years, he dedicated many years to the Sperling Farm and other farms, managing up to 3,600 acres in the early 1990s.
He grew up and participated in the Lutheran Church, where he played the piano on occasion.
At the tender age of 14, Roger's attention was caught by a quiet girl by the name of Heide Creamer, a fellow classmate. Roger and Heide became high school sweethearts and both graduated from Central High in 1989. Roger and Heide married in 1992.
Roger continued farming on Buena Vista Road while doing long-haul truck driving for his Grandpa Jessup. In 2000, he made a career change to law enforcement. Roger succeeded in his pursuit and became a dedicated and proud member of the city of Independence Police Department for the remainder of his life.
He was recognized for his distinguished service, including the presentation of the Medal of Valor as well as the Purple Heart. Roger built many meaningful relationships at the IPD who truly became his extended family. His love and concern for the youth of the community drew him back to Central High, where he served as the School Resource Officer for three years. Roger was active in his community and knew practically everyone, especially the youth.
Roger always enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and camper. He enjoyed fast motorsports on the water as well as on the land. Many memorable moments were spent riding quads with his buddies. His family and many friends joined him annually at Cultus Lake, one of his favorite spots to enjoy life.
In the fall of 2006, Roger was diagnosed with ALS. Even through he struggled dealing with the disease, Roger was committed to staying active. He was passionate about his children's school life and activities. He coached their teams from the time they were old enough to play a sport. He loved to watch them succeed and compete. Roger was loved and respected by many.
Survivors include his wife, Heide; son, Brady; daughter Brooks; mother, Catherine Putnam of Dallas; grandmother, Evelyn Lloyd of Independence; and grandparents, Bert and Robin Jessup of Morgan Hill, Calif.
Celebration of life is at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at the Central High School gymnasium in Independence.
Contributions are suggested to the Roger Lloyd Memorial Account that has been established through the Independence Police Association, P.O. Box 7, Independence, OR 97351. Funds donated to this account will be used to support local youth programs. Contributions are also suggested to the ALS Association at www.ALSA.org .