Roger Maggard

Jun 4, 1947 -

Nov 14, 2022

Roger Maggard, 75, passed away on Nov. 14, 2022, after a short illness. Roger was born in McCook, Neb., on June 4, 1947, to Lloyd and Blanche Maggard and grew up in Kansas. After graduating from the University of Kansas, he served his country in the Army. After discharge, Roger headed west, eventually attending Western Washington State University. He moved to Alaska and began a long and storied career with the State of Alaska. He joined DNR in 1977, then moved to the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities as an area planner in 1982. Roger became the Airport Improvement Program Manager in 2005, where he programmed and funded a plethora of projects, bringing over three billion dollars to Alaska, which developed the current airport system. He had a vision for the state aviation system and was still working toward that goal at the time of his death. He was considered a guru of aviation planning, training many others over the years. In 2016, Roger was nationally recognized for his accomplishments by receiving the Distinguished Service Award for his great contribution to Alaska aviation from the National Association of State Aviation Officials. Roger enjoyed sea kayaking and many other outdoor adventures. He loved history and learning about the past. While he lived a solitary life, he forged many deep and lasting relationships over the decades, both personally and professionally. He was a man of few words, but a deep heart. Roger is survived by his sister, Carol Garbacik (Tom); brother-in-law, Dale Conard (Penny); niece, Danielle Wiedmier; nephew, Levi Conard (Angela); great-nieces and -nephews; and his family and friends at DOT&PF. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Linda Conard. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:30 p.m., on Dec. 12, 2022, at the Alaska Aviation Museum. Memorial contributions can be made to Alaska Public Media, as Roger was an avid listener; or to the Roger K. Maggard Trust, P.O. Box 840, Philomath, OR 97370, towards a scholarship fund to be established in his name.