Roger Betz

BETZ, Roger 
Roger passed away peacefully on Friday, August 19, 2022 at Eastholme, Powassan after a lengthy illness. He was 89 years old. Roger was the beloved husband, partner, confidante of Marilyn for 66 years. He was the dear father of Susan (deceased 2017) and David (Laurie); Grandpa of Lyndsay (Darryl), Megan (Luke), and extended family Sara (Justin), Laura (Eric); Great-grandpa to Braydon, Cody, Noah and Ethan. Roger is survived by his brother-in-law James Ackerman (Joan, deceased) and family, Casey, Ray, Jimmer and Eric.
Roger was a multi-talented entrepreneur. Former owner of Richfield fishing/hunting lodge and the Trappers Museum and Gift Shop in Marten River, he was a prominent influence on the tourism industry in the Province of Ontario. Roger served as President of the Marten River Tourist Operators Association, the Almaguin-Nipissing Travel Association (ANTA), the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association (NOTO) and as Director of the Board of Tourism Associations of Ontario (BOTA). In 1975, in partnership with Marilyn, they were hired to manage the affairs of the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association.
Roger was a licensed crown line trapper. He assumed responsibilities of Coordinator of the Ontario Trappers Association (OTA) in 1978. He began publishing the CANADIAN TRAPPER magazine which enjoyed an international readership. During his tenure with the OTA, he spearheaded the development of a Fur Harvest, Management and Conservation Course for first-time trappers, which also served to upgrade skills of veteran trappers. Roger was a writer of note, and had articles published in magazines including FIELD & STREAM, FUR-FISH-GAME, and SALTWATER SPORTSMAN.
During his years with NOTO, Roger recognized the difficulties faced by member businesses in obtaining adequate and affordable insurance coverage. His efforts to rectify this resulted in the outfitter sponsored first general insurance company formed in Northern Ontario, the Northern Frontier General Insurance Company (now Optimum General Insurance). He was a founding Director of the Company.
In retirement years, Roger continued his enjoyment of outdoor endeavours, especially fishing. He embraced gardening as a hobby with his usual enthusiasm and predictably over-achieved in both quality and quantity of production.
Roger was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean War. 
Our family is forever grateful to the entire staff of Eastholme and his “guardian angel” Rocky, where he was always treated with respect, kindness and compassion, and for the support afforded to all of us in some very trying times. We also appreciate the dedicated teams of Units 1B and Cedar Lodge, North Bay Regional Health Centre, who worked with Roger through the earlier stages of his illness. 
Respecting Roger’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Donations in his memory will be welcomed by North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation or Eastholme Residents Fund. To leave a tribute or memory for the family, please visit paulfuneralhome.ca or call Paul Funeral Home, Powassan at 705-724-2024.