LAKEPORT, Calif. – Roger Joseph O’Connor, a native of San Francisco, died peacefully in his sleep in Lakeport from natural causes on May 19, 2017.

He was born in San Francisco on Nov. 14, 1950, to the late Judge Raymond J. O’Connor and Mary B. O’Connor.

One of seven, Roger is survived by his siblings, Vince O’Connor, Steve O’Connor, Ron O’Connor (Sheilagh), Kathleen Mary O’Connor, Tom O’Connor (Claudia) and Greg O’Connor (Lorrie); many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and friends too many to list.

Realizing early on that Rog had special needs, but the ability to learn and grow, his parents enrolled him at the Recreation Center for The Handicapped (now the Janet Pomeroy Center) in San Francisco where he flourished, made many friends, discovered his natural ability for all things mechanical, and helped others less fortunate do things they couldn’t.

His progress brought him into the main stream, attending the Sunshine School for the Deaf, Presidio Junior High and finally Lincoln High School where “wood shop” would prove to be his favorite class and teach him the woodworking skills he would use his entire life.

Finding that San Francisco was too big and crowded, he lived in Napa, Calif., while attending Napa Junior College, and then on to Cobb Mountain in Lake County where the peaceful surroundings and the quiet of the country roads more suited his lifestyle. It allowed him to do the things he loved, helping his older friends with chores they couldn’t do, making signs for the Forestry Department at Boggs Mountain State Forest and volunteering at the Kelseyville Fire Department whenever needed.

He had more tools than Sears and knew how to use every one of them.

To say Roger “did it my way” is an understatement. He lived his life with dignity, with care and understanding for others, and realizing that his limitations were not limitations at all.

We’d like to thank Evergreen Lakeport Healthcare in Lakeport for caring for Rog and making his life comfortable these last three and a half years.

A Mass and internment of his ashes will be held privately by his family.

Donations in Roger’s memory can be made to to The Janet Pomeroy Center, 207 Skyline Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132.

For further information, contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport, telephone 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .