Robert Michael Rogers, owner of multi-line firm Shan-Ry Agencies in Winnipeg, passed away on Oct. 23. He was 74.

Robert Michael Rogers, Shan-Ry Agencies

Born to the late Albert and Cecilia (Reid) Rogers, “Bob” grew up in Winnipeg, and played numerous sports, including ice hockey, baseball, soccer and football. In the 1960s, he played ice hockey at an elite level, tending the goal for games in the U.S., Finland and Sweden. He was also a member of the University of Winnipeg Wesmen volleyball team, which won the Western Canadian Intercollegiate Volleyball Championship and the National Intercollegiate Championship in 1969. This was the same year Rogers met his future wife, Heather, whom he married two years later.

After working in consumer-packaged goods, including Proctor & Gamble, and sports equipment, Rogers opened Shan-Ry Agencies in 1974. Over the years, he built his portfolio to include CCM Sport Maska, AJM International and Debco, now part of Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966), which led to a long career in the promotional products industry. During his time in promo, he garnered numerous nicknames, including “Prairie Dog,” “Silver Fox,” “Mr. Rogers” and “The King of Sporting Goods.”

Rogers enjoyed golfing with his wife, downhill skiing and spending time at the family cottage in Grand Marais, MB, where he took up beach volleyball, waterskiing, windsurfing and sailing. He also spent time with his daughter Shannon’s family in Texas. In 2019, he was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame for his time with the 1972-1973 St. Boniface Mohawks team as they tried for Canada’s coveted Allan Cup.

Rogers is survived by Heather, his wife of 50 years; daughter Shannon (Kyle) Burtnett; son Ryan (Carla); sister Maureen; niece Catherine; granddaughters Tyler and Brady; and grandsons Cameron and Calder. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his in-laws, Fred and Glenna (Ross) Nuttall.

Cremation and interment have taken place. The family would like to thank the staff at the Poseidon Personal Care Home for their support.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, from 1 to 5 p.m. CT at the Winnipeg Winter Club at 200 River Ave. in Winnipeg. Vaccination, ID and masks are required. To send flowers to the family, please visit the Tribute store.