Roger H. Lake's Obituary
Roger H. Lake, 82, of Tonawanda, NY passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, with his wife and children by his side, holding his hand. He started counting his age backwards after 50, so in his mind, he was really quite young.
Roger was born on August 9, 1943, to Lora and Harold Lake. The eldest of 4 brothers, Richard (Mary), Randy (Arline) and David (Jen), whom he loved dearly.
Roger had the combination of book smarts, rugged handsomeness, sarcasm and artistry that landed him his beautiful Marion from the time they were teens. They went on to have two beautiful, brilliant daughters that think he is the Best Man Ever.
He graduated from the University at Buffalo as an Industrial Engineer. He went on to manage electrical and mechanical projects with Miller Breweries throughout the country, combining two of his favorites: cold beer & projects.
Roger was known to be the first called in the neighborhood, The Compound, to fix or repair just about anything. He approached every project with his trusty tool bag, electrical tape and a MacGyver mind-set. His ingenuity is still being felt by his loved ones with every find of paper clips, dental floss or duct tape. There is not a project out there that he did not see through to completion, no matter how unique the solution.
His love of the water carried throughout his life from the Niagara River to the Florida Keys and Oneida Lake. He fished, sailed, and enjoyed putting around---but never more than when his grandkids were with him. They gave him a second wind at life, constructing slip-n-slides down the hill, knee boarding and tubing; attending dance competitions, football, soccer, gymnastics & lacrosse, with pure awe in his eyes.
Roger’s biggest success, however, was choosing Marion for over 70 years. In the end, he said “I just didn’t want to leave you alone.” His short-term memory may have been gone, but he never forgot that he loved his family and that he was fiercely loved.
Along with his parents, Roger is predeceased by his brother, Randy (Arline) Lake.
Roger is survived by the love of his life, Marion; his children, Lori (Bob) Lake Toms and Marcy (Patrick) Lake; his seven grandchildren, Kaci, Kyle, Griffin, Kori, Truman, Kevin and Marina; his brothers, Richard (Mary) and David (Jen); and his loving nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at 6452 Long Point Road, Brewerton NY 13029.
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