Derek Anthony Rogers, age 67, of Evergreen, Colorado, died from cancer on May 10, 2023. Derek was the son of Air Force General F. Michael Rogers and former Conover model Virginia Baker Rogers. Derek was born in Madrid, Spain in 1956 while his father was stationed at the United States Embassy.
With his father in the military, Derek moved throughout his childhood, living in Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, Texas, and Alabama. Derek's summer travels in high school to South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong gave him a thirst for foreign travel, culture, history, language, and philosophy.
Derek received his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, he spent the summer biking through France and Europe. He was proud of developing the French language skills he had learned at the University of Texas.
Upon his return from Europe, Derek started his 40-year career at Merrill Lynch in Los Angeles. Derek rose through the ranks earning his CFP (Certified Financial Planner) and became a respected and successful Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor. In 2022, he became a Senior Consultant and moved to Evergreen, Colorado.
Derek married the love of his life Barbie (Marenco Mangotic) in Montecito, California in 2006, becoming an instant step-dad to Barbie's daughter Kasey Marenco. Derek loved being a stepdad.
Derek was a Renaissance man, with broad interests and activities. He was well-read and well-traveled. He could hold a conversation on any topic with just about anyone. He had a great sense of humor. His wonderful jokes and stories could break up a room with laughter. His dance moves were legendary.
Whatever the challenge, Derek excelled. He earned a black belt in Karate and enjoyed sky diving, snow skiing, water skiing, tennis, sailing, and hiking.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Barbie Rogers, stepdaughter Kasey, sister Ginna Rogers-Gould (David Erik), brothers Stephen Rogers and Ian Rogers (Sherry), nieces Lissa Gould and Jessica Quiring, and his nephew Sean Rogers.
A private service will be held in Los Angeles. In place of flowers, please send donations to Ray of Hope Colorado Cancer Foundation.
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