Roger Lyle Short passed away on March 1, 2025, in Monterey, California at the age of 71. He was born on July 23, 1953, in Monterey, California to Beulah DeGase and Lyle Short. Roger was one of four children from Beulah and Lyle and was later blessed with two additional brothers.
Roger attended Monterey High School and graduated in 1970, before moving on to Monterey Peninsula College for a year.
He met the love of his life, Joy Neece, in 1971 and the two spent many years together in Monterey. In 1978, they would go to Milpitas every Monday night for bowling with his sister Pam, and her husband. They had a passion for bowling, at the time, and Roger told Joy that if they won first place in the tournament, that they would get married and go to Hawaii for their Honeymoon. Well, it happened! They moved to Alameda for his work from 1979-1980 before moving back to Seaside in 1981. There, they bought a house and were soon expecting their first child, Kevin Lyle Short. Kevin was happy to be the only child, but that was short lived, as in 1985, they welcomed their second child, Tiffany Joy Short. Their family was now complete.
Roger had a passion for classic films, Westerns (specifically with John Wayne), playing pool and darts, and he absolutely loved to dance and sing karaoke. Roger worked for the Department of Defense from 1978 until his retirement in 2003. Roger thoroughly enjoyed his retirement as he took up golfing and even rebuilt a 1976 Shovelhead.
Spending time with family was always a must for Roger. Whether it be in Seaside with his Dad, Step-Mom and brothers, or in Milpitas with his sister, Pam, he was always around family. He never turned down an opportunity to see everyone and made sure his children knew how great and extensive his family was. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for family. All you had to do was ask him and he would make it happen. He made everyone feel that important and special.
Roger was easy-going and lived life on his own terms. He never met a stranger and was the life of every party. He was an extraordinary person, and you couldn’t help but love him. He lived a full and fast life, with Joy by his side, and they raised two wonderful children. He loved being a grandfather to his three grandchildren: Donovan, Lyle and Lyla.
Roger is survived by his wife Joy, of 54 years; his children, Kevin (Chela) Short and Tiffany (Jonathan) Montano; his grandchildren Donovan, Lyle and Lyla; his siblings, Joseph, John and Rebecca; his aunts, Sharon Kelley and Peggy Balding; his nieces and nephews, Lisa, Kimberly, Eric (Carla) and Jeff (Tuesday) and many cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle James Short and Beulah Layton; his Step-Mother Shirley Short; his Step-Father Tony Layton; his siblings, Baby Short and Pamela Singleton; his uncles, Elbert, Jack (Merilee) and Dennis Balding, and aunts, Juanita (Peter) Giacalone and Lorretta (Jim) Sanderson.
A very special thank you to Carmel Hills and CHOMP Hospice for taking good care of Roger and supporting our family during this very difficult time.
We could not have come this far without all of your help.
Guestbook
Tiffany Montano sends their condolences.
Irma "Joy" Short sends their condolences.
Tiffany planted a tree for Roger.
Love and Miss you Daddy !!! 😢