Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona,
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Rodger Anello Zanotto, 66, was the go-to-guy for friends and family for most of his life. With a toothpick dangling from his lips he thoughtfully pioneered and led the Coconino National Forest in analyzing the data for the first Forest Plan from 1980 to 1987.
When the Australian Supreme Court needed to defend its firefighters from lawsuits after the 2003 Canberra bush fires, Rodger threw himself into the role of expert witness with the same energy he did everything in life. He had a bias for action, fearless in any endeavor, bold to the point of recklessness on occasion, but always trying to do the right thing in the end. Beloved of his friends and family, his easy manner and focused intensity served as examples to others and resulted in real changes in many areas of his personal and professional life. Rodger inspired others with love and leadership in unforgettable and profound ways.
In the end, Lou Gehrig's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) ended Rodger's life but not without a fight. He lost his booming, funny, thrilling voice which even now rings in our memory with the high emotions and energy he brought to any room, an extraordinary story teller, and a remarkable, magical, humorous, deep voice of (mostly) reason. A special and unforgettable twinkle in his eye signaled he was about to do something or had done something and was having trouble containing himself, waiting for the outcome to become apparent to others. First to laugh, even at himself, and first to offer comfort, even to his adversaries, he loved life and living. He chose aggressive treatment for the unstoppable disease right to the very end, as stubborn in defense of life as he was in love of friends and family. It was not possible to not feel strongly about Rodger Zanotto.
Rodger called Flagstaff home until his death on January 25, 2013 in a care facility in Phoenix, AZ. He was born on August 30, 1946 in Yreka California and spent his early years in California and Oregon working on his father's ranch and riding rodeo. He would later use those skills as an extra in movies and TV series shot in Arizona, or riding the Forest trails he loved. He attended Yreka High School and Chico State University in Northern California, graduating in soil science, and served on our behalf in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968. His service included duty in Viet Nam from 1966-1967 where he was severely wounded, a wound that did not stop him in any way but seemed to inspire him as a trial to overcome.
Rodger spent 31 years in the Federal government, most of it on the Coconino National Forest. Smoke got in his eyes one day and he was hooked, fighting fire with his friends and colleagues for over 30 years, first with the legendary Bill Buck and Steve Servis as one of Buck's Gray-haired Boys, then with Jim Bedlion, Ki Porter, Amos Coochyouma and Van Bateman, and later with the Arizona State Incident Management Team, all of them among the best firefighters and fire teams ever, anywhere. Like most firefighters the lure of the glory of fighting and winning against a wild fire stayed with him to the very end. After all, he never lost a fire fight: Every fire goes out eventually, and the flames of Rodger's last fire flickered out in 2010. Rodger retired from the Forest Service in 2001 as the principal staff officer in charge of natural resources like timber, wildlife, and soils, and promptly began new careers in real estate and consulting on a variety of leadership and management needs.
Among his greatest joys were hiking the Grand Canyon, especially rim-to-rim trips, and watching and helping his children, friends, and family grow in stature and wisdom. He was a mountain man long after that epoch passed and loved boating, hunting, and woodworking. He found comfort in all kinds of music, even disco in the old days, but country music with its strong story lines most of all. Rodger returned to Vietnam in 2001 to reflect on his service there and how it changed him and shaped him for the rest of his life. He loved good food, good company, and any situation where he could use his unique abilities with people. Monday mornings were just plain easier when Rodger was around. His sense of humor was the reason some people came to work early and stayed late. He took storytelling to a new level, and his love of life and family infused his words with power and passion.
Rodger and his family, a diverse group of talented and caring people, chose to include each other in everything long after formal bonds of marriage and family relationships changed. His great joy in his children, Kelley and Eric, surfaced in so many ways as he watched them and helped them grow in a tough old world. His example as a father and friend sustained them in many of life's trials and they stood by him to the end. Eric followed his Dad into the Forest Service. Rodger's extended family celebrated birthdays and holidays together, took vacations together, had dinners together, and interacted together in the little things in daily life.
He helped Craig and Chris Green through college and helped Craig and Hannah buy their first house. He was close to his sister, Patricia, to Sue's sister, Linda Jean McAlister, and to Heather's brother, Bob, who lives with his family in Virginia. Rodger was like a large bright star with a gravitational field of living energy that captured people and never let go, time and tides of life notwithstanding. Susan and Heather took turns standing watch over Rodger in the long and lonely hours, days, and months as Rodger's life slipped away.
Rodger's parents, Audrey and Anello Cipriano (John) Zanotto, and younger sister Katherine Jean Zanotto, died earlier in Rodger's life.
He is survived by Susan Louise (McAlister) Zanotto, and their two children; Kelley Marie Zanotto of Mesa, Arizona and Eric Troy Zanotto of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He leaves behind his sister, Patricia Ann (Zanotto) Samples of Joseph, Oregon; and his life partner, Heather McKay Green of Flagstaff, Arizona. He will be desperately missed by his loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, in-laws, and Heathers' children, Christopher Reed and Craig James Green and daughter-in-law Hannah Naomi (Santilli-Gruver) Green.
We are broken hearted but we know Rodger lives on in each of us and in fact and is waiting for our reunion in the eternities. A celebration of this remarkable man's life and service will be held at the Elk's Lodge in Flagstaff on Saturday, February 9th at 1 pm, followed by a Mexican food buffet. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to the Arizona Chapter of the ALS Association at www.alsa.org
This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Rodger Anello Zanotto, 66, was the go-to-guy for friends and family for most of his life. With a toothpick dangling from his lips he thoughtfully pioneered and led the Coconino National Forest in analyzing the data for the first Forest Plan from 1980 to 1987.
When the Australian Supreme Court needed to defend its firefighters from lawsuits after the 2003 Canberra bush fires, Rodger threw himself into the role of expert witness with the same energy he did everything in life. He had a bias for action, fearless in any endeavor, bold to the point of recklessness on occasion, but always trying to do the right thing in the end. Beloved of his friends and family, his easy manner and focused intensity served as examples to others and resulted in real changes in many areas of his personal and professional life. Rodger inspired others with love and leadership in unforgettable and profound ways.
In the end, Lou Gehrig's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) ended Rodger's life but not without a fight. He lost his booming, funny, thrilling voice which even now rings in our memory with the high emotions and energy he brought to any room, an extraordinary story teller, and a remarkable, magical, humorous, deep voice of (mostly) reason. A special and unforgettable twinkle in his eye signaled he was about to do something or had done something and was having trouble containing himself, waiting for the outcome to become apparent to others. First to laugh, even at himself, and first to offer comfort, even to his adversaries, he loved life and living. He chose aggressive treatment for the unstoppable disease right to the very end, as stubborn in defense of life as he was in love of friends and family. It was not possible to not feel strongly about Rodger Zanotto.
Rodger called Flagstaff home until his death on January 25, 2013 in a care facility in Phoenix, AZ. He was born on August 30, 1946 in Yreka California and spent his early years in California and Oregon working on his father's ranch and riding rodeo. He would later use those skills as an extra in movies and TV series shot in Arizona, or riding the Forest trails he loved. He attended Yreka High School and Chico State University in Northern California, graduating in soil science, and served on our behalf in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968. His service included duty in Viet Nam from 1966-1967 where he was severely wounded, a wound that did not stop him in any way but seemed to inspire him as a trial to overcome.
Rodger spent 31 years in the Federal government, most of it on the Coconino National Forest. Smoke got in his eyes one day and he was hooked, fighting fire with his friends and colleagues for over 30 years, first with the legendary Bill Buck and Steve Servis as one of Buck's Gray-haired Boys, then with Jim Bedlion, Ki Porter, Amos Coochyouma and Van Bateman, and later with the Arizona State Incident Management Team, all of them among the best firefighters and fire teams ever, anywhere. Like most firefighters the lure of the glory of fighting and winning against a wild fire stayed with him to the very end. After all, he never lost a fire fight: Every fire goes out eventually, and the flames of Rodger's last fire flickered out in 2010. Rodger retired from the Forest Service in 2001 as the principal staff officer in charge of natural resources like timber, wildlife, and soils, and promptly began new careers in real estate and consulting on a variety of leadership and management needs.
Among his greatest joys were hiking the Grand Canyon, especially rim-to-rim trips, and watching and helping his children, friends, and family grow in stature and wisdom. He was a mountain man long after that epoch passed and loved boating, hunting, and woodworking. He found comfort in all kinds of music, even disco in the old days, but country music with its strong story lines most of all. Rodger returned to Vietnam in 2001 to reflect on his service there and how it changed him and shaped him for the rest of his life. He loved good food, good company, and any situation where he could use his unique abilities with people. Monday mornings were just plain easier when Rodger was around. His sense of humor was the reason some people came to work early and stayed late. He took storytelling to a new level, and his love of life and family infused his words with power and passion.
Rodger and his family, a diverse group of talented and caring people, chose to include each other in everything long after formal bonds of marriage and family relationships changed. His great joy in his children, Kelley and Eric, surfaced in so many ways as he watched them and helped them grow in a tough old world. His example as a father and friend sustained them in many of life's trials and they stood by him to the end. Eric followed his Dad into the Forest Service. Rodger's extended family celebrated birthdays and holidays together, took vacations together, had dinners together, and interacted together in the little things in daily life.
He helped Craig and Chris Green through college and helped Craig and Hannah buy their first house. He was close to his sister, Patricia, to Sue's sister, Linda Jean McAlister, and to Heather's brother, Bob, who lives with his family in Virginia. Rodger was like a large bright star with a gravitational field of living energy that captured people and never let go, time and tides of life notwithstanding. Susan and Heather took turns standing watch over Rodger in the long and lonely hours, days, and months as Rodger's life slipped away.
Rodger's parents, Audrey and Anello Cipriano (John) Zanotto, and younger sister Katherine Jean Zanotto, died earlier in Rodger's life.
He is survived by Susan Louise (McAlister) Zanotto, and their two children; Kelley Marie Zanotto of Mesa, Arizona and Eric Troy Zanotto of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He leaves behind his sister, Patricia Ann (Zanotto) Samples of Joseph, Oregon; and his life partner, Heather McKay Green of Flagstaff, Arizona. He will be desperately missed by his loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, in-laws, and Heathers' children, Christopher Reed and Craig James Green and daughter-in-law Hannah Naomi (Santilli-Gruver) Green.
We are broken hearted but we know Rodger lives on in each of us and in fact and is waiting for our reunion in the eternities. A celebration of this remarkable man's life and service will be held at the Elk's Lodge in Flagstaff on Saturday, February 9th at 1 pm, followed by a Mexican food buffet. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to the Arizona Chapter of the ALS Association at www.alsa.org
This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.
Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona,
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Rodger Anello Zanotto, 66, was the go-to-guy for friends and family for most of his life. With a toothpick dangling from his lips he thoughtfully pioneered and led the Coconino National Forest in analyzing the data for the first Forest Plan from 1980 to 1987.
When the Australian Supreme Court needed to defend its firefighters from lawsuits after the 2003 Canberra bush fires, Rodger threw himself into the role of expert witness with the same energy he did everything in life. He had a bias for action, fearless in any endeavor, bold to the point of recklessness on occasion, but always trying to do the right thing in the end. Beloved of his friends and family, his easy manner and focused intensity served as examples to others and resulted in real changes in many areas of his personal and professional life. Rodger inspired others with love and leadership in unforgettable and profound ways.
In the end, Lou Gehrig's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) ended Rodger's life but not without a fight. He lost his booming, funny, thrilling voice which even now rings in our memory with the high emotions and energy he brought to any room, an extraordinary story teller, and a remarkable, magical, humorous, deep voice of (mostly) reason. A special and unforgettable twinkle in his eye signaled he was about to do something or had done something and was having trouble containing himself, waiting for the outcome to become apparent to others. First to laugh, even at himself, and first to offer comfort, even to his adversaries, he loved life and living. He chose aggressive treatment for the unstoppable disease right to the very end, as stubborn in defense of life as he was in love of friends and family. It was not possible to not feel strongly about Rodger Zanotto.
Rodger called Flagstaff home until his death on January 25, 2013 in a care facility in Phoenix, AZ. He was born on August 30, 1946 in Yreka California and spent his early years in California and Oregon working on his father's ranch and riding rodeo. He would later use those skills as an extra in movies and TV series shot in Arizona, or riding the Forest trails he loved. He attended Yreka High School and Chico State University in Northern California, graduating in soil science, and served on our behalf in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968. His service included duty in Viet Nam from 1966-1967 where he was severely wounded, a wound that did not stop him in any way but seemed to inspire him as a trial to overcome.
Rodger spent 31 years in the Federal government, most of it on the Coconino National Forest. Smoke got in his eyes one day and he was hooked, fighting fire with his friends and colleagues for over 30 years, first with the legendary Bill Buck and Steve Servis as one of Buck's Gray-haired Boys, then with Jim Bedlion, Ki Porter, Amos Coochyouma and Van Bateman, and later with the Arizona State Incident Management Team, all of them among the best firefighters and fire teams ever, anywhere. Like most firefighters the lure of the glory of fighting and winning against a wild fire stayed with him to the very end. After all, he never lost a fire fight: Every fire goes out eventually, and the flames of Rodger's last fire flickered out in 2010. Rodger retired from the Forest Service in 2001 as the principal staff officer in charge of natural resources like timber, wildlife, and soils, and promptly began new careers in real estate and consulting on a variety of leadership and management needs.
Among his greatest joys were hiking the Grand Canyon, especially rim-to-rim trips, and watching and helping his children, friends, and family grow in stature and wisdom. He was a mountain man long after that epoch passed and loved boating, hunting, and woodworking. He found comfort in all kinds of music, even disco in the old days, but country music with its strong story lines most of all. Rodger returned to Vietnam in 2001 to reflect on his service there and how it changed him and shaped him for the rest of his life. He loved good food, good company, and any situation where he could use his unique abilities with people. Monday mornings were just plain easier when Rodger was around. His sense of humor was the reason some people came to work early and stayed late. He took storytelling to a new level, and his love of life and family infused his words with power and passion.
Rodger and his family, a diverse group of talented and caring people, chose to include each other in everything long after formal bonds of marriage and family relationships changed. His great joy in his children, Kelley and Eric, surfaced in so many ways as he watched them and helped them grow in a tough old world. His example as a father and friend sustained them in many of life's trials and they stood by him to the end. Eric followed his Dad into the Forest Service. Rodger's extended family celebrated birthdays and holidays together, took vacations together, had dinners together, and interacted together in the little things in daily life.
He helped Craig and Chris Green through college and helped Craig and Hannah buy their first house. He was close to his sister, Patricia, to Sue's sister, Linda Jean McAlister, and to Heather's brother, Bob, who lives with his family in Virginia. Rodger was like a large bright star with a gravitational field of living energy that captured people and never let go, time and tides of life notwithstanding. Susan and Heather took turns standing watch over Rodger in the long and lonely hours, days, and months as Rodger's life slipped away.
Rodger's parents, Audrey and Anello Cipriano (John) Zanotto, and younger sister Katherine Jean Zanotto, died earlier in Rodger's life.
He is survived by Susan Louise (McAlister) Zanotto, and their two children; Kelley Marie Zanotto of Mesa, Arizona and Eric Troy Zanotto of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He leaves behind his sister, Patricia Ann (Zanotto) Samples of Joseph, Oregon; and his life partner, Heather McKay Green of Flagstaff, Arizona. He will be desperately missed by his loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, in-laws, and Heathers' children, Christopher Reed and Craig James Green and daughter-in-law Hannah Naomi (Santilli-Gruver) Green.
We are broken hearted but we know Rodger lives on in each of us and in fact and is waiting for our reunion in the eternities. A celebration of this remarkable man's life and service will be held at the Elk's Lodge in Flagstaff on Saturday, February 9th at 1 pm, followed by a Mexican food buffet. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to the Arizona Chapter of the ALS Association at www.alsa.org
This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Rodger Anello Zanotto, 66, was the go-to-guy for friends and family for most of his life. With a toothpick dangling from his lips he thoughtfully pioneered and led the Coconino National Forest in analyzing the data for the first Forest Plan from 1980 to 1987.
When the Australian Supreme Court needed to defend its firefighters from lawsuits after the 2003 Canberra bush fires, Rodger threw himself into the role of expert witness with the same energy he did everything in life. He had a bias for action, fearless in any endeavor, bold to the point of recklessness on occasion, but always trying to do the right thing in the end. Beloved of his friends and family, his easy manner and focused intensity served as examples to others and resulted in real changes in many areas of his personal and professional life. Rodger inspired others with love and leadership in unforgettable and profound ways.
In the end, Lou Gehrig's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) ended Rodger's life but not without a fight. He lost his booming, funny, thrilling voice which even now rings in our memory with the high emotions and energy he brought to any room, an extraordinary story teller, and a remarkable, magical, humorous, deep voice of (mostly) reason. A special and unforgettable twinkle in his eye signaled he was about to do something or had done something and was having trouble containing himself, waiting for the outcome to become apparent to others. First to laugh, even at himself, and first to offer comfort, even to his adversaries, he loved life and living. He chose aggressive treatment for the unstoppable disease right to the very end, as stubborn in defense of life as he was in love of friends and family. It was not possible to not feel strongly about Rodger Zanotto.
Rodger called Flagstaff home until his death on January 25, 2013 in a care facility in Phoenix, AZ. He was born on August 30, 1946 in Yreka California and spent his early years in California and Oregon working on his father's ranch and riding rodeo. He would later use those skills as an extra in movies and TV series shot in Arizona, or riding the Forest trails he loved. He attended Yreka High School and Chico State University in Northern California, graduating in soil science, and served on our behalf in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968. His service included duty in Viet Nam from 1966-1967 where he was severely wounded, a wound that did not stop him in any way but seemed to inspire him as a trial to overcome.
Rodger spent 31 years in the Federal government, most of it on the Coconino National Forest. Smoke got in his eyes one day and he was hooked, fighting fire with his friends and colleagues for over 30 years, first with the legendary Bill Buck and Steve Servis as one of Buck's Gray-haired Boys, then with Jim Bedlion, Ki Porter, Amos Coochyouma and Van Bateman, and later with the Arizona State Incident Management Team, all of them among the best firefighters and fire teams ever, anywhere. Like most firefighters the lure of the glory of fighting and winning against a wild fire stayed with him to the very end. After all, he never lost a fire fight: Every fire goes out eventually, and the flames of Rodger's last fire flickered out in 2010. Rodger retired from the Forest Service in 2001 as the principal staff officer in charge of natural resources like timber, wildlife, and soils, and promptly began new careers in real estate and consulting on a variety of leadership and management needs.
Among his greatest joys were hiking the Grand Canyon, especially rim-to-rim trips, and watching and helping his children, friends, and family grow in stature and wisdom. He was a mountain man long after that epoch passed and loved boating, hunting, and woodworking. He found comfort in all kinds of music, even disco in the old days, but country music with its strong story lines most of all. Rodger returned to Vietnam in 2001 to reflect on his service there and how it changed him and shaped him for the rest of his life. He loved good food, good company, and any situation where he could use his unique abilities with people. Monday mornings were just plain easier when Rodger was around. His sense of humor was the reason some people came to work early and stayed late. He took storytelling to a new level, and his love of life and family infused his words with power and passion.
Rodger and his family, a diverse group of talented and caring people, chose to include each other in everything long after formal bonds of marriage and family relationships changed. His great joy in his children, Kelley and Eric, surfaced in so many ways as he watched them and helped them grow in a tough old world. His example as a father and friend sustained them in many of life's trials and they stood by him to the end. Eric followed his Dad into the Forest Service. Rodger's extended family celebrated birthdays and holidays together, took vacations together, had dinners together, and interacted together in the little things in daily life.
He helped Craig and Chris Green through college and helped Craig and Hannah buy their first house. He was close to his sister, Patricia, to Sue's sister, Linda Jean McAlister, and to Heather's brother, Bob, who lives with his family in Virginia. Rodger was like a large bright star with a gravitational field of living energy that captured people and never let go, time and tides of life notwithstanding. Susan and Heather took turns standing watch over Rodger in the long and lonely hours, days, and months as Rodger's life slipped away.
Rodger's parents, Audrey and Anello Cipriano (John) Zanotto, and younger sister Katherine Jean Zanotto, died earlier in Rodger's life.
He is survived by Susan Louise (McAlister) Zanotto, and their two children; Kelley Marie Zanotto of Mesa, Arizona and Eric Troy Zanotto of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He leaves behind his sister, Patricia Ann (Zanotto) Samples of Joseph, Oregon; and his life partner, Heather McKay Green of Flagstaff, Arizona. He will be desperately missed by his loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, in-laws, and Heathers' children, Christopher Reed and Craig James Green and daughter-in-law Hannah Naomi (Santilli-Gruver) Green.
We are broken hearted but we know Rodger lives on in each of us and in fact and is waiting for our reunion in the eternities. A celebration of this remarkable man's life and service will be held at the Elk's Lodge in Flagstaff on Saturday, February 9th at 1 pm, followed by a Mexican food buffet. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to the Arizona Chapter of the ALS Association at www.alsa.org
This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.
Inscription
ZANOTTO
RODGER A
SGT USA
VIETNAM
1946 - 2013
LOVED BY ALL
REST WITH GOD
Sponsored by Ancestry
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