Memorial Scholarships & Grants

Roger Calhoun passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 31, 2021. Roger was born on the “lucky leap year” day of February 29, 1944, in Puyallup, Washington. Roger grew up on a farm in Graham, Washington, where his mother raised him alongside his brother, James, and sisters, Jean and Christine. He started working at the age of three doing chores around the farm to help the family. Roger was known for his wonderful work ethic and contributed that to his childhood; telling stories of how when neighbors called him and asked for help, he was expected to go.

In high school, he was active in 4-H and showed cattle. When he went to college, he had a small herd of cattle that helped him with college expenses. After high school, Roger attended Central Washington University and Washington State University. He was drafted into the army and served during the Vietnam War stationed in Germany. When he left the Army, he continued his education at WSU and later went to the University of Puget Sound where he received a Master’s Degree in Business.

Roger and his wife Barbara met in 1983 and had nearly 40 wonderful years together. He had two children, Kristin and Brett, and three grandchildren, Ireland, Tucker and Tate.

Roger took a position as a loan officer with the Federal Land Bank (now Northwest Farm Credit Services) and worked his way up in management. At the end of his career, Roger retired as Senior Vice President of Corporate Accounts. He had 35 years with NW Farm Credit Services and was a very respected leader, mentor and friend to many of his colleagues. He had a true passion in training and promoting talented employees to leading roles in the Farm Credit organization.

Roger was active in Washington Apple Education Foundation, Southwest Rotary, AgForestry and a longtime blood donor for the American Red Cross. Roger was instrumental in drafting WAEF’s strategic plan. Core elements of that plan continue to provide direction to Foundation activities. He was elected chairman of WAEF in 2007.