Roger L. Conaway

Roger Leroy Conaway, 83, of Boyne City, died February 3, 2026, at Boulder Park Terrace in Charlevoix.

Roger was born on February 24, 1942, in Paterson, New Jersey, to Roy Ackerman and Minnie (McCullen) Conaway. His father died in World War II, and after his mother remarried, the family moved to Detroit, Michigan. Roger graduated high school and went on to serve proudly in the United States Army Reserves for just over two years.

Drawn by his love of skiing, Roger later moved to Colorado, where he met the love of his life Dyan Abston. They were married in 1971 in the mountains near Crested Butte Colorado and together raised their two sons and a daughter. During this time, Roger worked in the silver mines and on a ranch in Colorado before the family relocated to Dyan’s home state of Alaska. There, Roger found work as a commercial fisherman, a job he deeply loved.

Eventually, Roger returned to Michigan, where he worked for Big Rock/Medusa Cement Company and later operated heavy equipment for C.H. Smith. A true jack of all trades.

Outside of work, Roger enjoyed deer hunting and was a devoted man of faith. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Boyne City. Though he never had much himself, Roger was extraordinarily generous, always ready to help others; whether through acts of service, a warm meal, or offering a place to sleep, never expecting anything in return.

Roger was also very handy and had a talent for seeing potential in everything. He often picked up items from the roadside or antique shops with plans to refurbish or reuse them. While not every project was completed, his optimism and vision were clear, and his collection grew.

Roger is survived by his sons, David (Lauren) Conaway of Utah and Jordan (Mimi) Conaway of Arkansas; and grandchildren Lorelei Conaway-Perez, Carmen Conaway, and Rowan Martinez-Conaway.

He is preceded in death by his wife Dyan; his daughter Carmen Conaway; and his parents, Roy, Minnie.

There will be a celebration of life at the Lake Street Pub in Boyne City Michigan located at 202 South Lake St. on Monday the 9th of February 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home, Petoskey.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charitable donations, in memory of Roger, be directed to 22 Jumps, a Veteran Adventure Sports Organization that focuses on veteran suicide prevention. Donations can be made at 22jumps.org

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