Roger W. “Rog” Fraser of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away on July 9, at the age of 80.

Roger lived a life defined by service – to his country, to the communities he led, and most of all to the people he loved. A US Army veteran, he went on to build a remarkable 42-plus year career in local public management, including more than 20 years as an appointed City Administrator or City Manager across Englewood, Colorado; Loveland, Colorado; Blaine, Minnesota; Ann Arbor, Michigan and Franklin Village, MI. He began his career in public service with Wayne County Social Services and Oakland and Muskegon Counties in Michigan, before moving into city management in Aurora, Colorado. He capped his public career with a two-year appointment as Michigan’s Deputy State Treasurer for Local Government Services, where he oversaw Emergency Financial Managers working to help the state’s most financially distressed cities in 2013.

Colleagues and friends knew Roger as an expert in every facet of local government – budgeting, organizational development, labor-management relations, sustainable operations, and economic development – but above all, they knew him as a team builder: someone who believed in coaching elected officials, building cultures of accountability, and bringing people together across jurisdictions to get things done.

Roger’s commitment to community extended well beyond his career. He served on the Executive Board of the Economic Development Agency (SPARK), was active with the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, and was a longtime, devoted member of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor for over 45 years.

Contributions in Roger’s memory may be made to the Rotary Foundation of Ann Arbor.