Long-time islander and boating extraordinaire, Roger Billingsley Compton, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 27th, after a four-year battle with cancer.
Roger was born on July 15th, 1948, in Chico, CA. He was 72 years old. For the last decade, Roger has been traveling the country with his motorhome perfecting pattern flying with his RC airplanes in competitions and spending time with his relatives around the western United States. Roger is remembered as a genius mechanic, precise machinist and a fun-loving boating connoisseur.
The years of hydroplane racing, waterskiing and pushing the barrier of water sports are well remembered. He came in 1st place at the 1979 4th of July Hydroplane race around Vashon Island. Roger graduated from Vashon High School in 1966 and received his bachelor’s degree from Seattle University. He spent some years traveling before purchasing a plot of land on Raab’s Lagoon. His family, the Billingsley’s, are well-known on Vashon, dating back to the 1920s.
Roger was predeceased by his grandparents, Harriet (Bigelow) and Paul Billingsley, Sr. who was Commissioner of Island Civil Defense and a well-known geologist. Father, Raymond Dale Compton Sr, who was a Marine Chief Engineer and farmer and Mother, Joy Billingsley Compton, who was in the first U. S. Navy WAVE officer class and held the rank of Lieutenant working as an engineering specialist during the war.
Survivors include: Daughter Erin Judith (Compton) and son-in-law Marc O’Brien and their children Bryce Bernardino Celli, Brooklynn Mae and Dakota Blair. Sons Jeffery Morgan and Casey Billingsley and their mother Linda (Morgan) Compton of Vashon. Jeffery’s fiancé Coralynn Simone (Charles) and their son Raylan Roger Compton. Siblings Raymond Dale Compton Jr. and Jean Joy (Compton) Mach. Along with cousins, niece & nephew.
A private mass will be held at St John Vianney Catholic Church on Vashon. Roger will be buried in Chico, CA, close to his father. A memorial bench is planned to be placed somewhere on the island, awaiting county approval.
