Roger Post, a well-known businessman and civic leader, and a much-loved husband, father, grandpa and friend, died peacefully November 9, 2005 with his wife of nearly 50 years at his side. Healthy and active throughout his life, he had celebrated his 70th birthday at a surprise party October 1, a week before being diagnosed with lung cancer. Born September 28, 1935, in Los Angeles, Roger grew up in San Marino and graduated from Stanford University in 1957, with a B.A. in economics. It was at Stanford that he met and fell in love with Sally Anne Jones. They were married shortly after graduation and he served the next two years as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. In 1975, he moved his family from Southern California to Monterey, where he started Four Sisters Inns, a hotel management firm named for his four daughters. The company now manages numerous properties, including Green Gables Inn and Gosby House Inn in Pacific Grove, and Cobblestone Inn in Carmel.

Widely respected as an astute businessman, he served for many years on the boards of Westmont College in Santa Barbara; First National Bank of Central California; All Saints' Episcopal Day School in Carmel Valley; and more recently, Hospice Foundation for the Central Coast. He was longtime member and past president of Monterey Rotary. But much of his life was devoted to Christian ministry. A member of Shoreline Community Church and an avid supporter of Hope Unlimited for Children (Brazil), he was a Young Life volunteer for more than 30 years. He also organized numerous mens' groups that continue to meet weekly for encouragement, support and prayer. More than anything, he was a "connector" - a master at bringing people together, whether it was his family, his friends or someone he'd just met. He loved to travel. He loved to play golf. He loved chocolate. And he especially loved to laugh, usually at himself. He will be missed and remembered in countless ways, by countless people, including his 8-year-old grandson, who wrote the following:

"My Grandpa" by McKenzie Pollard.

 

I want to tell you about my grandpa. He was a great man. He would cheer me up by seeing if my ears were clogged with candy. He would take it out of my ears and I could eat it. He took us on lots of vacations like Hawaii and La Jolla and Yosemite. He would visit us a lot and give us cool presents. One time he came to my house and gave me all of his old toy soldiers. He loved Jesus so much he told everyone about him. My grandpa is dead now but he is in heaven. The End.

Roger is survived by his wife, Sally, of Carmel Valley; daughters Kimberley Post Watson (Terry) of Piedmont, Shelley Post Claudel (Alain) of Carmel Valley, Jennifer Lynne Post (Leslie Moulton) of San Francisco, Stefanie Post Pollard (Korey) of Sherman Oaks; and seven grandchildren: Matthew Christopher Claudel, Sophie Elizabeth Claudel, Andrew William Watson, Peter Russell Watson, Abigail Louise Watson, McKenzie Robert Pollard and Morgan Anne Pollard.

Monterey County Herald, November 17, 2005