Roger Jay Trantham, 69, of Albany passed away Sunday, March 23, with Linda, his devoted wife of 40 years, by his side.
He was born in Watsonville, Calif., to Oliver and Mary (Bauer) Trantham. In 1963, Roger moved with his parents and younger sister, Olivia, to Albany. Roger married Linda in 1973 in Albany, where they raised their family, except for two years in Montana.
Roger will forever be remembered as a kind and gentle soul who made friends easily, many of them over the years in his swim therapy class at the Albany YMCA. He modeled honesty and integrity and was an inspiration, especially in recent years, dealing with many health problems with dignity.
In his younger days, his hobbies included gardening, collecting stamps and driving his 1969 Dodge Charger. Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing piano, sometimes filling his home with hymns, and other times making lively music with Linda, who accompanied him on alto saxophone.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; son John Trantham and wife Angie of Albany; daughters Laurie Goldman and husband Phil of Jefferson, Julie Trantham of Hood River, and Oletha Trantham of Hanover, Va.; grandchildren Jordan, Jessica, Jace, Brady, Cody, Ariel, and Bryce; several cousins; and special pals, the couple's mini dachshunds, Jazzie and Zoey.
Roger's parents and sister, Olivia Russell, all of Albany, preceded him in death.
No services are planned.