Remembering Roger Hartinger – By Deb Cooper
By Deb Cooper
We are deeply saddened to report the passing of AKC all-around judge Roger Hartinger. He passed away early this morning after a short hospital stay. Roger was well-known and beloved by all in the sport of purebred dogs, but most importantly he and his wife Paula were one of the most loving couples in dogdom.
Roger and Paula celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this past May. They had known each other for over 70 years. I remember visiting with Paula when she and Roger judged in Utah a couple years back, and with the brightest smile and such excitement she boasted about their crowded home on the holidays. Their family included 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. It always warmed my heart to see these two walking around the dog show holding hands. The love between them was vibrant and contagious.
Roger was always kind to everyone. It seems he never had a bad day, and if he did, he didn’t show it.
Roger was involved with dogs from an early age and began exhibiting Standard Schnauzers in 1965. Later on, he and Paula bred Lakeland Terriers. He was very proud of his Working Group assignments at the first AKC National Championship shows.
Roger was very active in the Crawford County and Cincinnati Kennel Clubs having served as Show Chair and President over the years.
The sport of purebred dogs now has a huge vacancy. Roger Hartinger will be sorely missed by all. The sport has lost a great dog judge, but most importantly, we have all lost a true friend.
Our thoughts and prayers go to Paula, his loving wife of 64 years, and the rest of their family. If you have photos or memories, please include them below in comments on Facebook.
Rest Well, my friend. Until we meet again…
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I am deeply moved to hear of Roger’s rather sudden passing. Through a great many years I witnessed, as did you since it was no secret, the true love and commitment to marriage of two people greatly involved our sport. On many occasions when we were on panels together they would quickly gather me after a Saturday show and we would head off for an evening Mass at a Church which they would have previously searched out, Afterward there was meals together and educational chats on what was seen and what we learned on that day that benefitted our judging. I admired and loved them both and my sorrow is softened by the knowledge of the gifts that await Roger for living the exemplary life that he did with utmost humility. Rest in Eternal Peace and thank you for showing me how a good man acts, talks and interacts with all others.
Another great dog person going onto judge from.above.
One change in your excellent tribute. It should be Clermont County KC and not Crawford KC. In fact I think he was a founding member of Clermont County KC>
Roger and Paula were judges at the very first dog show I attended when I got back into the fancy after my kids reached their teens. And my memory of them is exactly like the photo above. Holding hands, always together. I am so sad to learn of his passing.
Sad to hear the news of judge Roger Hartinger passing. We had the fortune of showing to him and his sweet wife last month. Our thoughts are with the Hartinger family. Truly a loss.
Thank you all for your words of love and support for my dad, Roger. He was a one of a kind, and together with Paula they made a great team spanning generations. when I was a young boy and throughout my teens I got to know the Dog Show world and did my share of handling thanks to dad and mom. I got to know some of you and over the years, and though I stopped showing years ago, still visited here and there to some local shows, reliving quite a few great memories of the old days in the ring. Dad loved his sport (as did mom) and he was an ardent supporter of the professional dog world. Thanks to all of you for your continued support and words of love through this time. Keep his memory alive as you step into the ring knowing that he made a difference where ever he went and with whomever he met. Paul Hartinger & Family
I was shocked and deeply saddened to read today of the passing of this lovely gentleman. He honored one of my dogs, in the past, and was a very sweet person.
My heartfelt sympathies and deep condolences to all of his beloved family. Mr Hartinger will be sadly missed.