Memories

I met Coach Theder in February 1979 after his first year as Head Coach. I was 18. He selected me as his Football Manager shortly thereafter and coached me like he coached so many others in Life. He never told me what to do or how to do it; just explained his objectives and encouraged me to find me way. Being his football manager was the one of the best opportunities I’ve ever lived. I was immersed in the coaching staff to support them and saw first hand the commitment they made to their student-athletes and families. I learned a lot from Thede including a dislike for chewing tobacco, how to respect defeat and learn from it, knowing how to celebrate OTHER PEOPLES’ success, and generosity…. Thede was not a tall man and I believe he liked having me around because I was an inch or two shorter then him. I’ll never forget his nickname for me “sand blower” — Thede would say you’re SO SHORT that when you fart, you blow the sand off the ground”… Because of Thede I had access to a great education at Cal; the privilege of striving for excellence with outstanding student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and Athletic Department staff; the opportunity to witness a father’s love for his kids and Marie. I was with Thede for more than three years that have generated a lifetime of memories and friendships. Truly an honorable and effective Coach. Rest In Peace Coach Theder.

Roger was stationed with me at Camp Pendleton, CA. We were in the 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He stood out because of his positive attitude. I first met him on the train to Chicago in July, 1957. I was from Manitowoc, WI and he from Watertown, WI. He was the only guy in the barracks that didn’t cuss.

Our son, Teddy was a tall skinny 8th grader when he started to work with Roger. We flew out from Chicago and I was fortunate enough to attend several sessions that Roger ran over the years. I could not help but feel that it wasn’t just the art of quarterbacking that Roger was teaching, but each session was a lesson in life, personal responsibility, and discipline. He loved his boys, and believed in them. His expectations were only exceeded by the confidence he had in them and their ability to take what they had learned from him to the field. Roger was a coaches coach, and a great lifelong friend to myself, my wife and and our son. This is a loss for so many, but how fortunate I feel that Roger Theder was a part of our life.

Roger is one of those people that I hear talking to me at certain moments in life. He had a way of netting out what you should really be paying attention to…without all the drama. He was present at so many of the big events I most remember since college. I will miss his sly smile, his life coaching and his rare ability to call a spade a spade. Big hug to all of you….much love

“I loved playing games like Old Maid and War with Grandpa Theder” says Amanda. ” I loved his brown chair and I don’t want that chair to ever go away because when I eat breakfast at Grandma’s house, I will always remember him sitting in it” says Henry. “Grandpa was funny and always watching football and talking to the TV. I bet he is watching it in Heaven” says Amanda.

A little background for those that do not know me, I am the oldest of Roger Theder’s children and his only son. As I think of my Dad who I affectionately called “Rog”, I think of the lives he touched and the number of people who cared for him. Just reading posts on facebook and twitter has made my family and I so proud and happy. To us he was just Dad, but he had a huge family that grew throughout his life and career and I hope this site can be a place where we all come together in honor of Rog.

When I think of the qualities that describe my father these words come to mind – competitive, outgoing, passionate, hard working, loyal, dependable, strong.

As the first-born and only son, we didn’t always see eye-to-eye. I could be stubborn, sarcastic, and too clever for my own good. This is all understandable because I learned from the best. Over time, however, we grew closer, and I came to realize how much of my father I have in me. It turned out that I inherited many of his character traits and am thankful for each and every one of them.

But what I’ll always appreciate most was the life he created for our family and the path my life has taken because of the opportunities he created for me.

On October 1st Rog passed away after being rushed to the hospital that morning with trouble breathing. He died of complications from Parkinsons which had been taking away the things that made Rog, Rog. In the moment when his soul left his body I did not feel the universe change. I did not feel Dad’s presence leave me; nor do I feel it gone now. Sure, our world is a little less bright since we’ll miss his stories, his coaching, and his friendship. But his spirit is still with us, in our memories, and in our hearts. He’ll always be close by to listen, to support us when we need it. We are all immeasurably stronger for having him as a part of our lives, and that is all he ever wanted for us.

I miss you, Dad. I love you.