WAHPETON, N.D. (KFGO) - Longtime newsman, sports broadcaster and volunteer firefighter, Gary Rogers, has died after a brief battle with cancer.
His son says Gary passed away about 11:30 p.m. Saturday. He was 72.
Gary was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer earlier this month and was given just weeks to live.
Gary, "GR", as he was known to many, had a radio career spanning more than 50-years. His voice, familiar to thousands across the region. Gary was also a volunteer Wahpeton firefighter for nearly 40 years, only retiring when he hit the mandatory retirement age of 60.
Gary was honored earlier this week with a tribute in the Wahpetion and Breckenridge communities. Hundreds of people lined the streets during a fire truck procession, with Gary riding in the lead fire truck, followed by a convoy of fire trucks from around the region. The convoy stretched for several blocks.
He was a long time news and sports contributor to KFGO, with an amazing love of life and his job, and a great friend. It seemed Gary knew everyone and everyone knew Gary. He will be missed.
Arrangements are pending.