Roger Waniata

Roger Paul Waniata died peacefully on April 2, 2026, surrounded by his friends and family at the age of 83. He was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, on September 29, 1942. He was the oldest child of Dr. Frank and Jane Waniata, with two younger brothers, Don and Dale. This trio of rambunctious boys lived a charmed life with days spent water skiing, downhill skiing, playing baseball, football, and golf, and he worked hard to earn the honor of Eagle Scout.

Roger first left Montana to attend the New Mexico Military Institute, followed by a few adventurous winters as a ski instructor in Utah. Later, he enrolled at the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated with honors in 1968. He was selected to train as a pilot in the Marine Corps and immediately went to flight school, but only after marrying Laura Lee at Quantico in 1969. Roger served multiple tours in Vietnam as a combat pilot; during this time, his first child, Kelly, was born in Montana. Allie and Kevin were born at different military bases in the years to follow.

The Marine Corps offered Roger some incredible opportunities, as he was stationed all over the country and world. One of his proudest assignments was as General Richard Carey's aide and pilot. If you knew Roger, you heard him reminisce about his time serving General Carey. The two remained lifelong friends until General Carey’s recent passing. We can imagine he greeted Roger with an “OoRah” in the sky.

Later, Roger was appointed as Naval Attache at the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, where he and the family immersed themselves in the unique and beautiful Turkish culture. After returning to the U.S., Roger completed his military career as the Chief Safety Officer at Cherry Point MCAB. He retired in 1989 as a Lt. Colonel, a proud Patriot, and began his career as a commercial airline pilot with TWA.

Roger amassed a wide circle of dear friends and neighbors in Morehead City, mostly while playing endless rounds of golf at the Morehead City Country Club. He was always the life of the party, he felt pride in helping others, he told stories about his adventurous life (some may or may not have been true, you decide!), he remained a loyal friend to all, and loved his children and grandchildren, especially his son Kevin.

He is survived by his daughters, Kelly W. Kelly and son-in-law Mark Kelly whom he affectionately called “the greatest guy in the world” of Raleigh, NC, Allison B. Wildman and son-in-law Robert Wildman “the other greatest guy in the world” of Ashland, Oregon, and his beloved son and lifelong companion, Kevin Paul Waniata, of Morehead City, and his brother, Dale Waniata, and his family, of Helena, MT. He has four beautiful grandchildren, Paige Kelly, Gracie Kelly, Wilson Wildman, and Parker Jane Wildman, and nieces and nephews whom he left an indelible impression upon.

His family will celebrate Roger’s life in Montana, where he will have military flyover honors and will rest in peace in the place where his life began. He did not wish to have a memorial, but we encourage his friends to raise a glass in his honor. He loved you all.

Arrangements made by Just Cremations in Morehead City, NC.

All condolences may be sent to justcremations.net.