Roger Hayden Tutty passed away Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at the Lewiston Veterans Home. He was born on May 21, 1933, in Scottsburg, Neb., to Roscoe and Fern Hayden Tutty. The family moved to Pocatello, Idaho, in 1937 and to Portland, Ore., in 1943.
An avid and lifelong learner, Roger first attended Oregon State University, graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He went on to graduate school at the University of Idaho, where he earned a Master of Science degree in civil engineering. Roger then worked at the University of Idaho as an assistant professor and as a civil engineer at the school’s physical plant department.
As a young man, Roger joined the U.S. Army in 1956. His military service included the directing of map preparation for the Solomon Islands. In September of 1956, Roger married Patricia Clancy. Roger and Patricia had two children, Steven Tutty and Melodie Benker. Early in his career, Roger became the first Nez Perce County engineer in Lewiston. Then he worked as the public works director and city engineer at Klamath Falls, Ore. He was also an engineer office manager for Dean and Hoskins in Lewiston.
Roger founded the Associated Engineering Services. For 36 years, he operated and managed the company. He pursued projects until he was 82 years of age. Roger continued to be interested in education and learning throughout his life. Until he was 83, he would take at least one class at Lewis-Clark State College each semester. He also had many interests. He enjoyed performing classical music on the piano, singing barbershop and playing tennis.
In 1975, he served as president of the Valley Racquet Club in Lewiston. In the same year, he served as the civil engineer during the building of the indoor tennis courts at Lewis-Clark State College. He was glad to dedicate his time, as he had liked playing tennis throughout his life, beginning in high school. At 84, he was still partaking in the occasional game.
Roger is survived by his significant other, Nancy Houser of Pomeroy; his son, Steven, and daughter-in-law Laurel of Bainbridge Island, Wash.; his daughter, Melodie Benker, of Lewiston; and his granddaughters, Hayden and Emma Tutty.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Fem: his wife, Patricia; his sister, Gail; and his nephew, Brett.
Roger was a man of impeccable character. All who knew him will miss his sense of humor, and his kind and loving manner.
A celebration of life is planned for a later date. There will be notification in the Lewiston Tribune. Memorials can be sent to the Lewis-Clark State College tennis center.
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