Roger John Dunigan, age 81, reluctantly died in Traverse City, MI, on July 8, 2021, after an eight year fight with prostate cancer. Being a world class procrastinator, he thought he could put off his demise. Roger was born in Ionia, MI, on Jan. 27, 1940, to Gerald Dunigan and Navene Hogan. In 2011, he married the wonderful Jeanette Windsor, who was his special friend and who survives. He also leaves stepsons, Eric (Terri) Dick, Shane (Megan) Olger, and Mark (Sarah) Olger and a granddaughter, the beautiful Bianca Richards. He is also survived by his siblings and good friends, Patricia (Robert) Purtill, Konstance O'Keeffe, Terrance (Mary) Dunigan, and Christine (Ray) Pool. Roger also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews whom he very much loved. He leaves behind his special friend and dog, Charlie. Roger felt that he was blest with many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepson and friend, Shane Dick, his brother-in-law, Daniel O'Keeffe and too many of his close friends. His goal was to outlive them all. But he would say: "Close enough."

Roger had a philosophy degree from the Athenaeum of Ohio, Cincinnati, a theology degree from Catholic University, Washington, D.C., and a counseling degree from the University of Detroit. He was a licensed Social Worker and a licensed Professional Counselor. Roger considered that he was extremely fortunate to have had two extremely rewarding careers that allowed him to help and serve people. He was a Catholic priest for eight years and 30 years as Executive Director

of the Community Mental Health Services for Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. After his retirement in 2003, he worked part time as an investigator and researcher for various law firms, which he greatly enjoyed. In 2010, he unsuccessfully ran as a Democrat for the State Senate, in

the 35th District. As he said, "It was an interesting adventure." That is how he approached life, "as an interesting adventure." In retrospect, he said that he felt fortunate that he did not win the election. He was very concerned about the polarization and meanness in politics and the unfettered and ungodly amounts of money spent in campaigns.

Roger was proud of his Irish, English, and French heritage. His English ancestors came to America in the early 1600s. Their descendants participated in throwing tea into the Boston Harbor and fought in the Revolutionary War and Civil War. His French ancestors settled in Quebec in the early 1600s. One of his French ancestors came to Michigan from Quebec to fight against the English in the War of 1812. His two Irish great-grandfathers came to America in the early 1850s to escape the Potato Famine.

Roger lived in Leelanau County for 47 years. He lived in Cedar for 15 years and Elmwood Township for 32. He very much loved this area of northwest Michigan for its magnificent and spectacular natural beauty and the wonderful people who live here. Roger's sister, Konnie, once gave him a sign that he kept in his office that perfectly described him: "You are young only once, but you can be immature forever." Roger loved life and people and tried to live life to its fullness and relished all life's challenges. He loved racquetball, golf and skiing, even though he was a mediocre athlete, at best. In retirement he greatly enjoyed riding his Harley. He tried to contribute to making this world a better place. He worked for social justice and the promotion of equal rights and peace. He was a member of Rotary, whose motto is "Service above Self."

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