Roger Bezayiff Remembered for a Life of Service, Family, and Flight

Yerington NV – July 1, 2026

Roger Eugene Bezayiff passed peacefully from this life to the next on June 10, 2026, at the VA Community Living Center in Reno, Nevada. He was 88 years old.

Roger was born in Chicago, Illinois, and later joined the Navy. He served in the Korean War and was a proud Navy veteran. He met and married the love of his life, Julia, on September 1, 1961, and the two settled in Yerington, Nevada. Roger was active in Yerington’s farming and agricultural community as an owner of the Pitchfork Ranch. After his ranching years, he proved himself a capable businessman as owner of Performance Tire. In 1991, Roger was appointed Federal Water Master for the Walker River Irrigation District, a role that brought him great pride. He served in that position for nearly 16 years, retiring in 2007.

Roger had many hobbies, but his main hobby was flying. He helped restore his beloved 1939 J-3 Piper Cub. He attended several fly-ins and airshows in that little taildragger airplane. Active in the Civil Air Patrol as Lt. Colonel, he also conducted local search and rescue operations with his airplane. Later in life, he traveled with Julie, fishing up and down the West Coast. He also became involved in remote-control aviation, where he built—and crashed—hundreds of planes.

Roger was most proud of his three beautiful children—Tracey, Brian, and Nancy—and his many grandchildren. He is survived by his son, Brian Bezayiff; his daughters, Tracey (Jeff) Foster and Nancy (Eric) Smith; his grandchildren, Jeffrey Foster, Kevin (Shauna) Foster, Samantha Bezayiff, Hunter Smith, and Logan Smith; and his four great-grandchildren.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his neighbors, Gene and Sandra, as well as the VA palliative care team, including Dr. Fulks, Dr. Talbot, and Dr. Ahmad, as well as the entire staff at the Community Living Center.

In keeping with his wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date.