Roger W. Carlin

Roger W. Carlin, 76, of Black River, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019 at his home.     Roger was born November 16, 1942 to Edward and Alvina (Walz) Carlin in Bay City MI.  He attended Bay City Jr. College, which became Delta College, where he played basketball for two years.  He graduated from Western Michigan University with a teaching degree. Roger taught primarily eighth grade science at McAlear-Sawden and Western Intermediate Schools in the Bay City Public Schools for 28 years before retiring in 1992.  Roger shared his love of athletics with hundreds of kids over the years, as he coached both boys and girls through various sports. In 1992, Roger moved to Black River, where he enjoyed cooking and gardening, sharing his tomatoes, onions, and potatoes with his friends and neighbors.  On February 10, 1995, he married Peggy Derr in Bay City, and they were residents of Black River. Roger enjoyed duck hunting, and spending time with his lifelong friends of the Brown Bottle Hunting Camp. Roger served as Alcona Township Supervisor from 1995 until 2014, where his favorite projects included the Black River Township Park.  In 2011, he was inducted into the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1971 Class D Men’s Fastpitch Softball State Championship Team.     He is survived by his wife, Peggy, his son Greg (Andrea) Carlin, his daughter, Kari (Jeff) Hoikka, three grandchildren, Allison Carlin, and Justin and Kody Hoikka, his brother-in-law, Jim Taup, three nieces, Megan Leary, Amy Maloof, and Kelly Boks, and one nephew, Scott Taglauer.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Taup.     There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at The Mountain Bar and Grill in Black River from 1:00 until 4:00 PM.  Memorial donations are suggested to the Alcona Township Fire Department, care of Dawn LaLonde, Township Clerk, 5576 US23, Black River MI 48721.  Cremation arrangements were made through Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Roger W. Carlin, please visit our flower store.