Former longtime Las Vegas Review-Journal military reporter Keith Rogers was known among his colleagues for his generosity and enthusiasm.

Rogers, who turned 70 this month, died early Thursday in Las Vegas.

He is survived by his wife, Marian Green, deputy metro editor at the Review-Journal; sons Evan and Bryce Rogers; and his brother, Gary Rogers of Fordland, Missouri.

“He was an avid fly fisherman, loved to play disc golf and rooted faithfully for Michigan State,” Green said in an email Friday. “After leaving the Review-Journal, he worked on projects for the state of Nevada and was a strong supporter of veterans, lending a hand whenever he could to help amplify their concerns.”

She said his greatest joy came from being a father, “being actively involved in (his sons’) baseball and swimming teams, teaching them to fish and supporting them as they grew into adulthood.”

Keith Rogers’ journalism career spanned four decades, and he worked at the Review-Journal from 1990 to 2017. He joined the newspaper to cover the Nevada Test Site and then, military and veterans issues, and the environment.

That included Nellis and Creech Air Force bases, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada National Guard and Department of Veterans Affairs. He also covered topics related to nuclear weapons and waste, including the Yucca Mountain repository project.

Keith Rogers was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War era, and he also authored a few books.

Review-Journal Managing Editor Anastasia Hendrix said he was a talented photographer and videographer, “but he also had a gift for turning colleagues into lifelong friends.”

“He was genuine, warm-hearted and cared deeply about his co-workers,” Hendrix said. “He was always ready to listen, swap stories about their children’s adventures and accomplishments (as well as his own), and give advice — especially about the importance of swimming lessons. He will be greatly missed.”

‘Beacon of love’

Bryce Rogers said he’s grateful because he had the best father figure, noting his father was a “beacon of love” and provided constancy in his life.

“He was the most enthusiastic person to be around, and truly loving and supportive, and he was just a joyful individual,” he said.

Bryce Rogers said his father loved to talk and listen.

“He had a lot of stuff to say, but also cared to hear what was going on in your life,” the younger man said.

Bryce Rogers recalled early morning…