Rodger Popkin's Obituary
Rodger Morris Popkin, 68, of Fort Lauderdale, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2019. Son of Herman and Rosalie Popkin (of blessed memory), beloved husband of Maryann (aka Candy), loving father of Lauren (Seth) Herschthal and Jason Popkin, dear brother of Vickie Popkin Kligerman (Barry), dear brother in law of Nancy Niman Weber (Jeff), uncle to Matthew, Maxwell, David and Seth Kligerman, Jeanette Weber Martin (Sam) and Benjamin Weber (Kim) & Annie Weber (of blessed memory), cherished grandfather of Eli and Rose Herschthal. Rodger was born in Atlanta in 1950 and was raised in Georgia, always spending his summers at camp in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He attended Boston University where he met his beloved bride and wife of forty-eight years, Candy. They were married in the Elmore Solomon Chapel at Blue Star in 1971 and began their active careers as Camp Directors immediately after returning from a one-night honeymoon at the Pisgah Inn off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina. Both Rodger and Candy devoted themselves to their work at Blue Star for over forty years. His legacy will live on in the thousands of Blue Star campers, staff and camp alumni who have been part of our camp family over the past 72 seasons. Rodger also served as the National President of the American Camp Association from 1999 to 2002. Under his leadership ACA found deeper purpose and direction by viewing the camp experience not just as “recreation” but as youth development. Rodger always believed that meaningful and happy camp experiences have the power to positively change the world, one person at a time. He partnered with Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary to pilot a national anti-bullying campaign. He was an accomplished man; an intellectual, a creative thinker, a visionary, a kind, generous and loving spirit. His greatest legacy will be the genuine nature of his relationships with family, friends and members of our camp family. We know Rodger’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and for generations to come.
Funeral arrangements have been made for Thursday, June 20th at 2:00 PM at
Levitt Weinstein at Beth David
3201 North 72nd Avenue
Hollywood, FL, 33024
https://levitt-weinstein.com/contact-us/beth-david-memorial-gardens
Shiva will be held at the Palms in Fort Lauderdale (2100 N. Ocean Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 in Tower One) directly following the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a charitable donation in Rodger’s memory, we have provided two options that were both very near and dear to his heart...
What’s your fondest memory of Rodger?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rodger?
Share a story where Rodger's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rodger you’ll never forget.
How did Rodger make you smile?