Welcome to the memorial page for

Everett Rodger McConnell

August 19, 1944 ~ July 21, 2016 (age 71) 71 Years Old

Welcome to the memorial page for

August 19, 1944 ~ July 21, 2016 (age 71) 71 Years Old

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A candle was lit by hmg on February 11, 2023 4:29 PM

A candle was lit by hmg on June 5, 2020 8:26 PM

A candle was lit by Andy Sakalis on February 23, 2017 1:33 AM

Message from Diane Carlson Evans

September 2, 2016 11:36 AM

I was honored to meet Rodger and feel his extraordinary presence and grace while being interviewed by him. There are few people we meet and immediately feel safe and comfortable enough to open our hearts to. Rodger asked the questions, but he cared about the answers, he cared about the person he talked to, and he was open with his own emotions and love that he felt for a fellow veteran. Seeing his youth in the photo as a young soldier took me back to Vietnam when I met these young "boys" as wounded patients. Rodger survived to bring happiness to those he met, more goodness into the world through his love and example. While I only knew him for a short time, I feel like I've known him for a lifetime. Rodger was a gentle giant to us brother and sister veterans and now he's the shining star for all of us. Sleep well good soldier.

A candle was lit by hmg on August 20, 2016 10:06 AM

Message from Heather Glenn

August 20, 2016 10:03 AM

Oh no, Rodger, I just found out you're gone. I'm so sad. I treasure our friendship.
Love, Heather

Message from Jim Owen

August 7, 2016 7:37 PM

I'm very saddened to read of Rodger's passing. I lived across the street from Rodger from the mid '50s until I was drafted in 1969. I can still picture his new '65 GTO when I was in high school. Boy did I want a car like his! Even though he was almost five years older than me, we spent a lot of time together and I learned a lot from him. When he returned from Vietnam, he wasn't the same Rodger that I knew growing up. The last time I saw him, in 1972, he was homeless and not in a good place mentally or physically. The next time I heard from him was via Classmates in 2000. I was pleasantly surprised and very happy to learn that he was in Montana and doing well. I was planning to try to visit him next spring and wish now that I'd done it sooner. Reading the other messages made me very happy that he had turned his life around.

Message from Mary Brinkley

August 3, 2016 8:39 PM

I met Roger at Starbucks, where he was a very friendly and approachable presence. I always ordered coffee to go, while he enjoyed spending time there, visiting with others or counseling them. I did not know him well, but I miss seeing him.
May he rest in peace.

Message from Keith Miller

August 2, 2016 11:24 PM

Rodger was my first teaching partner when my career started in Cascade. I have never met a more passionate, caring, and committed worker, no matter what the cause. I not only learned how to be a better educator from Rodger, I learned to be a better man. He the is truly one of the nicest man I have ever known. In a world short of heroes, I am fortunate that I got the opportunity not only to work with mine, but to call him my friend. God bless you Rodger and your family.

Message from Thanks, very moving....

August 30, 2016 10:21 PM

We'll have memorial celebration 3 Oct, all welcome who worked with him and more...

Message from Ron & Echo Ukrainetz

August 1, 2016 2:59 PM

We will miss this kind and gentle soul. Roger was our friend, both in the world of Mini Cooper Rallys, and as a fellow veteran. Mahatma Ghandi once said "The Best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." That was the definition of his wonderful life. Our condolences to all.

A candle was lit by Brandon Gabelt on July 30, 2016 4:28 PM

A candle was lit by Andy Sakalis on July 27, 2016 11:59 PM

Message from Dee Rasmussen

July 27, 2016 11:24 PM

Rodger, we are all surely going to miss you, you was our rock in the Vets 4 Vets Program. I know I will surely miss you. You always had a smile for everyone.
Rest in Peace my friend.

Message from Gerry Jennings

July 27, 2016 9:23 AM

Rodger, you were one of the kindest, most considerate, generous and thoughtful friends I have ever had. I'll miss you more than I can say. Your voice on KGPR always made me thankful for what you had done for our country and our community. I'm sure your legacy will continue. You are now at peace.

A candle was lit by Gerry Jennings on July 27, 2016 9:19 AM

A candle was lit by Lt. Colonel (Retired, Army) Richard D. Liebert on July 26, 2016 9:54 PM

Message from Susan Shannon

July 26, 2016 9:37 PM

Rodger was such a kind soul. He was very inspiring individual and a pleasure to be around. He will be greatly missed.

Message from Will Locatelli

July 26, 2016 1:21 PM

Rodger was always so very kind a genuine. No matter what I was dealing with the time, just speaking with him put me at peace. You will be greatly missed.

Message from Matt Kuntz

July 26, 2016 10:19 AM

Rest in peace, Rodger. Rodger was a Vietnam veteran who worked hard throughout his life for fellow veterans. I will never forget Rodger's quiet, compassionate service during the effort to improve the PTSD screening process after my step-brother's death. He also did the impossible of making me feel comfortable in a radio interview for the first time (nothing more terrifying than relying only on your voice for someone with a stutter). He had a warrior's heart and a gentle soul.

Message from Dana Forrest & the Hi Ho Tavern poker room

July 26, 2016 9:55 AM

R. I. P. Rodger! The poker community and entire city of Great Falls has lost an amazing contributor to our society! Heaven has just received another amazing angel warrior! Thank you for your loyalty and continued support throughout the years, God bless!

A candle was lit by Traci Martin on July 25, 2016 8:43 PM

A candle was lit by Jan Grimm on July 25, 2016 6:19 PM

Message from Jim & Annie Porter

July 24, 2016 2:40 PM

From one "Nam vet to another, Have a good trip my Dear Friend. We hope to see you over the "GOLDEN BRIDGE" in the sky. Rodger, you may be gone from our earthly sight, but you are never forgotten. Take care & God Bless

CS2 Jim Porter

Message from Rich Liebert

July 26, 2016 9:51 PM

Thanks Jim, Rodger's missions will go on....

Message from John Quintrell

July 24, 2016 1:28 PM

Roger was a man that served honorably in vietnam the same time I was there. I worked with him on stand downs and he was dillegent in making sure the vets were taken care of. You will be missed my friend...Rest easy bro.

Message from Lt. Col (Ret) Rich Liebert

July 26, 2016 9:50 PM

We'll 'Charlie Mike' for Rodger, Continue Mission on Stand Down to reach more vets and younger vets, more mentors for Veterans Court and encourage all citizens to pitch in...Rodger always had my back and me his as we did all the ceremonies at the memorial since dedication and a lot of work before that...

A candle was lit by Pammy on July 24, 2016 5:42 AM

Message from Pamela Wright

July 24, 2016 5:42 AM

RIP Precious Dat Man. You made a beautiful difference for others with your life. Thank you for your blessed friendship. You will always be in my heart. NN Roddy

A candle was lit by John W Neuser on July 23, 2016 11:31 PM

A candle was lit by Kevin Sukut on July 23, 2016 11:14 PM

Message from Kevin Sukut

July 23, 2016 11:13 PM

I was proud to call Rodger my friend. I first met him when I taught with him at Cascade. I have run into him a few times since and he always had a smile and handshake. I'm saddened to hear of his passing. Prayers and condolences to his family.

A candle was lit by Rick Stogie English Patriot Guard of Montana on July 23, 2016 8:17 AM

Message from Lauri Cary

July 22, 2016 5:17 PM

Rodger,
You will be missed beyond what words can describe. I hope you knew how many people truly valued you and loved you. You will never be forgotten. RIP dear friend.