Roger Fouts

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Roger Lee Fouts lost his courageous battle against cancer on January 1, 2017. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Raymond and Lucy Adelade Fouts, his half-brother Raymond Fouts and half-sister Mildred Watson. His immediate family survivors are sister Cora Ann Fouts of Sioux City, IA, nieces Kris Holiday of Kiel, WI and Kim Hively of Hartington, NE and half-sister `Doris Nelson of Junction, TX along with other nieces, nephews and cousins. His California family, Debbie Cohen & Bernadette Armstrong, Charlie Adams & Mike Stokesberry, and Ricardo Ayala & Barry Grayson.
Roger was born on April 20, 1950 in Onawa, Iowa where he lived throughout his childhood until he left for Drake University after high school graduation. Upon graduation from Drake in the early seventies he moved to Steamboat Springs and became a ski instructor. Three years later he left the slopes and cold weather of Colorado for the bright lights and warmth of Southern California, determined to make his mark as an actor – believing himself to be a triple threat: Singer (never had a lesson), Dancer (never had a lesson), Actor (his great looks, charm and supreme wit). He found the same success of many talented actors – Waiter in some of the finest restaurants in the San Fernando Valley.
Roger found his true calling at 50 when he became a 3rd Grade Teacher at Newcastle Elementary School in Reseda, CA. It was at Newcastle that all his talents came to fruition: singing, dancing and acting. His Mr. Math (with cape) demystified math and inspired his students; his Santa Claus kept parents, teachers and students laughing throughout the holiday celebration. His firsthand experience with auditions & rejection gave him compassion as he manned the panel for Newcastle’s yearly Talent Show. But it was his favorite holiday – Halloween- that brought out his artistry and creative mind in his well thought out costumes: Mad Hatter, Bag of M & M, Ursula and Voodoo King to name a few. He inspired his students to think outside the box, to imagine the world they wanted and to go after their dreams.
Roger left this earth way too soon. He leaves behind a vast network of friends who became his Southern California family. He was a teacher, friend, travel companion, fashion consultant, jokester and good man. Those of us who knew him well, will mourn the loss of this much loved man.
Friends and family alike would like to thank the staff of Kaiser Permanente and the Kaiser Hospice team for the love and care they gave Roger during his year-long battle with cancer.