Roger Roth, a member of the Oneida tribe of the Iroquois Nation, was born December 17, 1963, in L'Anse, Michigan. After studying at Northern Michigan University, he spent seven summers as a trail crew leader at Isle Royale National Park. Roger began fighting fires in 1989 as a hotshot and then as a smokejumper. He worked winters for the Fish and Wildlife Service at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, and was a private helicopter pilot.

Roger spent many hours fishing and hunting with his friends and family. He could fix anything, or teach others to do the same. He managed the family business, helped friends build houses or fix their vehicles, and enjoyed sewing, cooking and making homemade wine and ice cream. He was a hard worker and volunteered to help with people's most difficult chores. He was known for his concern for others and his ability to make people laugh. Roger never met a stranger, only new friends.