Celebrating the Life of Chet Rodgers: Chet at 18: His last photos

Chet with his mom, Marian, at Joy and Quin Gardner's wedding reception in Mesa, AZ.

“I saw Chet for the first time in August 1999 at a basketball game at the LDS 16th blvd chapel in Gainesville, FL. My children were in a scout meeting in the building. While waiting, I immediately went to the cultural room to watch the basketball game because I had played during high school. Chet was there playing and had a special light around him. During the game, I looked for someone to tell me about this special boy. He was more interested in setting up passes so his team mates could score, rather than he scoring all the points. He was also playing with a good attitude and always smiling. I was amazed with his altruism and his sweet manner of treating his team. Somebody told me that this young man was Chet Rodgers, and he was soon leaving for college in Orem, Utah. When the game finished, I ran to Chet and said to him, "You are an extraordinary player!!!" I so enjoyed watching him play.

A few months later in November my friend, Dora Loosli, seemed really worried. So I asked her what was wrong. She told me that Sister Rodgers’ son was seriously injured during a football game. I said, "No!!! Is it Chet, Sister Loosli?" She was surprised that I would be acquainted with Chet and replied, “Yes, you know him?” My heart began beating fast, and I silently asked Heavenly Father, "Why him, Father? He is so special and is a good example to everyone." After a short time later I found out that Chet had passed away. I cried like a mother for her child. Nobody in my family knows Chet Rodgers, but he won my heart in only a few hours.”~Jenina Driaza (jeninalatina05@hotmail.com)