Roger B. Mycroft, 79

Roger B. Mycroft "went to be with the Lord" on Sunday, May 28, 2006, resting peacefully after an extended battle with myelodysplastic syndrome at his home in Kalispell.

He was born Nov. 7, 1926, to Edgar and Hazel (Dale) Mycroft in San Francisco.

Roger remained in the East Bay area until enlisting in the Navy in 1943, when he served aboard the USS Stormes.

In 1953, he married fellow Simpson Bible Institute student Eloise Hatch. They settled in Alameda, Calif., where they raised their four children.

Earning his way in a variety of sales and manufacturing enterprises, his favorite career, one from which he never retired, was that of magical entertainer. On the big stage, at a close-up table, in tails or in full white-face as "Rags, the Magic Clown," or just wearing a simple sport coat at Tiebuckers or Barley's, his pockets were always full of balloons and tricks, and his audiences were delighted.

Roger was also a gifted pianist, watercolor artist, photographer, and model railroad enthusiast.

He loved animals, and after moving to Kalispell in 1984, enjoyed making friends with the birds, squirrels, and raccoons.

His deepest passion was the study of God's word, and he shared his faith and his beloved books right up to his final days.

The family is grateful to the staff of Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Dr. John Ward, and the staff of medical oncology, all of whom provided gentle loving care during the past four years.

He was preceded in death by his son, Bruce Mycroft, in 2000, and his sister, Audrey Calder, of Sacramento, Calif.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Eloise; daughter, Sheryl Mycroft, of Kalispell, and her children, Shana, Brighton and Nathaniel; daughter-in-law, Charmaine Proctor, of Lolo, and her sons, Matthew and Joseph; daughter, Cynthia Leib, of Thompson Falls, and her sons, Kaiser and Schaeffer; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Maria Mycroft of Aurora, Colo., and their sons, Jonathan and Eugene; great-granddaughter, Kayleigh; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Roger's life will be held at a later date.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Way Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Roger's family.