Roger William Priem

September 27, 1932 ~ May 28, 2015

In Loving © Memory of Roger Williams Priem, Sr….. Roger (fondly known as “Poppi”) was born on September 27, 1932 in Nashota Wisconsin, to Richard and Margaret Priem. He is survived by four “wonderful” children - R.J., Rick, Karen and Meg (their spouses -Sue, Sandy, Mike & Marc) three amazing grandchildren - Michael, Tim, and Michelle; two brothers Dick and Ralph, four nieces - Leslie, Laurie , Lee Ann and Jana, and an aunt (Carole, wife to his favorite Uncle -Bob). Poppi left Wisconsin for New York City in the 1950s, where he met his soul mate Marilyn (“Gigi”). Roger and Marilyn were married on June 11, 1955 at St. Aloyitious in Great Neck, N.Y. They did everything together. They traveled to Hong Kong, China, Alaska, British Columbia, Bermuda; one of their favorite vacation spots was a bed and breakfast Inn at North Hero Vermont. Roger graduated from college with a decree in Fine Art. He proudly inherited the operation of a well established oriental antique store in New York City called Gunn & Latchford. This was a labor of love - for this store was his father-in law’s business. Roger then worked for many years as an appraiser of personal property, specializing in Fine Art. He was a member of the American Society of Appraisers. Although Roger was not a strong swimmer, he became comfortable at sea and developed a passion for sailing. Roger & Marilyn became members of Manhasset Bay Yacht Club (Port Washington, N.Y.) which held wonderful memories for them. As a family, they formed life long friendships with the Mallons, the Shreibers, the McGuigans, the Mullers, the Van Hagens….these friendships brought them a lifetime of fun and laughter. Together, Roger and Marilyn ran the Race Committee at Manhasset Bay Yacht Club aboard the “Worry Wart” , a bright-yellow 44 year old shrimp boat. Roger owned the first MBO, which he named “Bubbles” and sailed her for 5 seasons - “she never won any trophies, but she was great fun”. Roger & Marilyn eventually moved to the Pacific Northwest, Gig Harbor, Washington, where they enjoyed Seattle and the beautiful surrounding Pugent Sound and the mountains. Roger’s strengths…. His greatest was his love and devotion to taking care of his family . He had a great sense of humor. He had a marvelous way with the pen. He would send out letters and cards to his family, just when they needed them most - to bring a smile or let them know he was thinking of them. He was benevolent . He donated money to KPBS and to several charities such as the San Diego Humane Society, the Police Officer’s memorial fund, the Food Bank, Doctors without Borders and donated items and his time to the Tacoma Art Museum. In 2007, Roger moved to California to help take care of Marilyn as her health was declining. They moved up to Murrieta, California in 2009. In May of 2011, his family suffered a devastating loss when Marilyn passed away. For the past ten months, Roger was living in what he fondly referred to as a Hotel (Atria assisted living facility) where the staff was patient, attending and kind. Since Gigi’s passing, Roger’s zest for life began to falter. He tried to fight to live for his family, but the fight became too hard. Poppi left us on May 28, 2015. Poppi said one time, that he felt he did not leave his mark on this world. But he truly did (he is quoted and referenced to in a book entitled “ Land’s End Water’s Edge Long Island Sound” written by his friend Joseph Howard Cooper). He enriched the lives of every person with whom he came into contact, whether it be through his humor, his knowledge, his thoughtfulness or his generosity…he was a kind soul you could never forget. Poppi’s charm, his sweet smile, his wave and his hugs will always be remembered and greatly missed. Until we meet again, Dad, we will keep you in our hearts for an eternity. ….Hi Ho Silver Away...

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May 7, 2022 at 12:00 am

Heartfelt sadness for the whole Priem family. And prayers and wishes that the memory of the good times with Roger will carry on. I will dearly miss him and his generosity and sense of humor that he blessed me with. We had many good times together with Marilyn and Roger. Memories which will carry on our memory of them both We enjoyed many great meals at their house. Always the best food and finest wines. Marilyn was a great cook and conversationalist. Making the dinners all the more joyful I enjoyed many lunches with Roger at Shari’s in Tacoma. Most of them weekly discussing our families and and other mundane topics. He loved you all dearly and was very proud of you all. He was sorely missed in my life when he moved to California to be with Marilyn and his family. I wish I could have been there to share in his funeral. But my health is keeping me from going very far. I used to kid your father whenever his car would give him problems, that I would trade him back the old pumpkin for his car, even up. He and the whole Priem family will remain in our prayers. Love to you all Shirley and Dave

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