Shad Robert Roghaar
October 17, 1975 - August 21, 2024
“Lo there do I see my mother, Lo there do I see my father, Lo there do I see the line of my people going back to the beginning. Lo there do they call to me. They bid me take my place among them, in the hallowed halls of Valhalla, where the brave shall live forever.”
– A Modern Pagan Prayer
Shad Robert Roghaar of Salt Lake City passed away on August 21, 2024 at the age of 48. He is survived by his best friend, partner in crime, and spouse – Stephanie Joy Sampson Roghaar; his three children: Chloe D., Z. Ray, and Olivia Craig Roghaar; his loyal dog Bella, cats Noodle and Wednesday, and thousands of students who found safety and meaning in his classroom.
Shad was the third of four children of Steven and Sandra Roghaar. He entered the world a happy, easy going, and much wanted baby. Shad somehow survived the taunts and tricks of his two older brothers Shawn and Shane and later became the best big brother to his baby sister Katie, 12 years his junior. Shad and Katie were each other’s only friend when they moved to Missouri at ages 18 and six and where they sadly lost their Dad. That loss bound them together in a unique way and they remained tight friends and each other’s pillars of support throughout their lives. It was also during this loss that Shad became a “rock” for his Mother – a role he held for his lifetime.
Shad grew up in Smithfield, Utah and graduated from Skyview High School in 1993. Shad was on the swim team and played football and soccer. But his true passion was art. Shad fell in love with painting and drawing. His teacher Zan Birmingham strongly encouraged him to pursue his passion for the arts. Shad got his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art from Utah State University in 2004 and his master’s certificate in Teaching from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2006. As an accomplished artist Shad taught painting, drawing, and ceramics. He was a beloved art teacher. He was a mentor, confidante, ally, and a safe space for many. He provided a soft place to fall when his students had troubles. Shad was also an advocate for social justice and empowered his students through the arts.
During high school Shad also fell in love with cooking. He spent several months completing an internship in Sun Valley Idaho where he learned how to cook with and for stars such as Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Robert Redford (to name a few). He spent much of his life cooking amazing food for his friends and family.
Shad was an extraordinary Dad. His greatest legacy will forever be his three children whom he loved more than anything else. They meant the world to him. He was a kind and compassionate father, an amazing artist, a dedicated art teacher, an incredible chef, a devoted husband and son, a fun-loving uncle, and a supportive brother. He enjoyed spending his time gardening, fishing, making art, riding his motorcycle, cooking, traveling, and spending time with his family. He was a man of integrity and honesty and we will miss him immensely.
A wake in Shad’s honor will be held Friday, September 6th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, SLC. Guests are encouraged to use parkung and entrance located on the north side of the building.
If you would like to help the family with funeral- or medical-related costs: cash, food, and/or gift cards can be given directly to Stephanie or the kids. If you would like to make a charitable donation in Shad’s honor, please consider the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.
In Loving Memory
I was Shad's principal when he worked at Fort Herriman. I loved Shad and so admired how well he worked with kids. He was an exceptional artist. I still have a beautiful bowl and vase he made for me as Christmas gifts. Condolences to all of you.
I was a student when Shad taught at East High but I never had the pleasure of taking one of his classes. He did however run me through possibly the best D&D one-shot I've ever played, geeked out with me over our love of the World War Z novel, and helped his kid, Ray get a plaster mold of my face so that I could wear prosthetics for a theatre show. He seemed like a spirited soul from my many short interactions with him and it's a shame to see him go so soon. I wish nothing but the best to his surviving friends and family.
I was friends with Shad at Sky View. We were both class of 1993, and were on the swim team and did theater productions together. I have great memories of his friendship and regret we lost contact as adults. I am so sad to hear he has left this life - I know he touched many lives in the most meaningful ways, both his family and his students, and his death is a great loss. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Shad and I worked together at Fort Herriman Middle School, and I tried to recruit him to help me open up Mountain Ridge High School. Of all the art teachers I've worked with, Shad is easily my favorite. He's quite possibly the most talented artist I know. He excelled in painting, drawing, and ceramics, and his multimedia art is phenomenal. Working with him was so fun and so easy as we'd bounce ideas back and forth. Our best talks were about family. The love and care he has for his children can't be described. His love for his wife was special enough, that he didn't have the words to describe it to me. I'm entirely grateful for the opportunity to know Shad and to build a friendship with him beyond being teachers. Soar among the stars Shad! And maybe come visit us once in a while.
I was a student of Shad's, I took both ceramics 1 and 2 with him at East High. Not only was Shad a kind, caring and passionate teacher, he made a prolific impact on my life setting an example of how to be patient and thoughtful as an artist. I truly believe he cared deeply for each one of his students. I am heartbroken to hear of his passing as I know many of the other students which he made an impact on are as well. I remember our conversations about alt rock, painting, and of course ceramics. I wish nothing but peace and love for his family and close friends, may his soul rest in paradise.
In Loving Memory
