Roger Lindeken
Spotlight on Roger Lindeken
Joyce Wainscott
Roger Lloyd Lindeken, past president of the Sunrise Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke, was born in August, 1942 in Oakland, Calif., and raised in Walnut Creek. Like many teenagers, he graduated with ambition—but no clear plan. A summer construction job arranged by his brother-in-law provided both a paycheck and perspective. After listening to veteran tradesmen describe their work with more endurance than enthusiasm, Roger decided 40 years of swinging a hammer might not be his future.
He enrolled at Diablo Valley College without a roadmap, but a one-unit aptitude course pointed him toward business and accounting—guidance he later credited with changing his life. He transferred to San José State University, earned a business degree and spent the next five years as an accountant in three industries, confirming that while businesses vary, numbers—and deadlines—do not.
In 1970, Roger married Marsha, beginning a partnership that has lasted more than 55 years and included a notable amount of relocation. That same year, Kaiser Aluminum offered a three-year assignment in Jamaica. Roger said yes, and within weeks the couple managed both a wedding and an international move, sailing through the Panama Canal to Montego Bay—an unconventional honeymoon that set the tone for what followed.
Their son was born in Jamaica, and their daughter arrived soon after their return to California. Back at Kaiser’s Oakland office, Roger and Marsha realized they had developed a taste for adventure. When an opportunity with the Arabian American Oil Company arose, they moved to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia—with two small children and a willingness to figure things out along the way. They spent 13 largely positive years there. When the prospect of sending their children abroad for schooling became real, they chose family proximity over geography and returned to the United States in 1987, settling in Reno. (Somewhere in the middle, Roger also earned an MBA from the University of Oklahoma).
In Reno, Roger opened a bookkeeping and tax practice that he ran for more than 30 years, finding satisfaction in helping local individuals and small businesses. He also served as a counselor with the University of Nevada Small Business Development Center and contributed widely—volunteering with the Business Development Center, serving on the Truckee Meadows Community College Business School Advisory Board, holding leadership roles in Rotary, and supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
In 2020, Roger and Marsha built a home in SaddleBrooke Ranch in Oracle, Ariz., arriving just as the COVID pandemic began—timing friends describe as perfectly “on brand.” Roger joined the Sunrise Rotary of SaddleBrooke and was elected president in 2022. Marsha, a constant force behind the scenes, was named an honorary member in 2024 and inducted in 2026.
Today, they remain active, healthy, and happily in motion—always planning the next trip or gathering. And in quieter moments, it’s easy to picture them raising a glass, sharing a smile, and agreeing: it’s been quite a ride.
Spotlight on Gary Haslett —Sunrise Rotary of SaddleBrooke
Joyce Wainscott
There are people who enter and light up a room—and don’t do much after that. Gary turns out the lights at the end of the night, cleans up and makes sure everyone gets home safely, while giving the group the credit.
Before Gary Haslett became a charter member of the SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary—serving as secretary, membership chair, and leading the installation of the little free library in the Copper Corridor—he lived a life of service to our nation’s youth that borders on exhausting to read.
His 43-year career in education is a master class in showing up, stepping up, and still having enough left to coach after school.
With degrees from Centralia College and Central Washington State College (BA in history and a Master’s in educational administration), Gary began at Sultan High School in 1969, where he wore more hats than most closets—teacher, vice principal, special education director, athletic director, and head basketball coach. A career defined by saying “yes”.
He later served as principal at Adna Junior/Senior High School and Mossyrock Elementary/Middle School, overseeing athletics and special education along the way. Not one to ease into retirement, Gary joined Washington State University as an adjunct professor before finishing in Arizona’s Picacho School District teaching math and PE—and serving as athletic and testing director. Retirement was more of a rumor than a plan.
His leadership extended statewide. He served four terms as president of the Southwest Washington extra curricular activities association, overseeing more than 60 schools, six terms on the Washington interscholastic activities association board, and four years on the state elementary principals’ board. If it involved students, sports, or structure—Gary was probably already handling it.
Born in Centralia, Wash., and raised in Mossyrock (population: just enough for a full-court game), Gary describes his childhood as “Norman Rockwell meets pickup sports.” The small-town values and constant motion endured.
Gary married Sally in 1994, blending a family that now includes five children and 15 grandchildren. Together, they logged countless hours in bleachers and on sidelines. Their girls’ basketball teams made six state tournament appearances—suggesting Gary didn’t just attend games, he influenced outcomes.
When not in a gym, Gary and Sally have traveled extensively, visiting 41 states and several countries, including across Europe. Proof he could be found somewhere without a whistle.
Gary is also the author of Salkum Reds, a 363-page collection of stories about growing up in small-town Wash.
His honors include principal of the year (Lewis County and region four), athletic director of the year (Snohomish County and Region one), service on the Central Washington University alumni board, and recognition from the Arizona department of education for helping Picacho achieve one of the state’s top test score improvements.
Gary played competitive basketball until 52 and was a spin instructor until 75—which raises a fair question about what, exactly, he considers slowing down.
Gary’s is a lifetime proving that sustained enthusiasm, paired with quiet leadership, looks a lot like excellence.
Chris, Bob, Kelly, and Garret triumphed over the trimmings.
YMCA Triangle Y Ranch Work Day: SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Club
Christianne Dettmann
Did you know the YMCA operates a youth camp and retreat center less than 30 miles from SaddleBrooke, just on the other side of the Catalina Mountains? With a plethora of activities that includes archery, horseback riding, swimming, ziplining, and more, the Triangle Y Ranch camp provides an exciting yet peaceful getaway for kids of all ages.
Preparing for camp every year is no small job, which is why Rotary clubs from across greater Tucson get together every spring to help complete high priority projects in advance of the busy summer season. This year’s Tri-Y work day fell on April 4, which proved challenging overall due to Easter weekend conflicts, but the SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Club still sent a team to work alongside other local Rotarians and members of YMCA leadership.
From trimming trees to whacking weeds, this small but mighty group succeeded in preparing key areas across the grounds to receive young, excited campers and their counselors. While there is always more to be done, Tri-Y gratefully appreciated everyone’s efforts! You can learn more about the Triangle Y Ranch camp at tucsonymca.org/triangle-y-camp-retreat-center.
Additionally, you can learn more about the SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Club by visiting its website at saddlebrookesunriserotary.org or sending an email to saddlebrookesunriserotary@gmail.com. You could also attend a regular club meeting on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:45 a.m. in the Mesa Room of the La Hacienda Club at SaddleBrooke Ranch. Or, if you’re really an early-riser, join us beforehand for coffee and casual conversation at 7 a.m. in the same room.
The SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Club is a service-based organization concentrating its hands-on efforts throughout Arizona’s Copper Corridor. Whether you live in SaddleBrooke, SaddleBrooke Ranch, or in surrounding communities, come make a difference right here at home with this dedicated team of friendly, fun folks!