SCARBOROUGH — Russell Rogers was a proud Marine. So were his grandfather, father, two brothers and a nephew, who is now serving in Japan.

He served in the Marine Corps for 12 years and did two stints in Japan. He worked as a jet engine mechanic on military bases in Japan, Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune, N.C., and El Toro in California.

“He had a huge love of country,” said his daughter, Amanda Rogers of Scarborough. “He really believed in the Marine Corps values. It was a big part of his life. He was very, very proud of being a Marine.”

At the same time, Mr. Rogers was equally proud of his family. He was a loving husband to Cynthia Rogers for nearly 33 years and a devoted father to his three children.

Mr. Rogers died Saturday in his daughter’s arms, surrounded by many people who loved him. He was 52.

He was remembered by his family and friends Monday as a strong, compassionate and upbeat guy who worked hard to provide a good life for his family.

He was a sales representative at Pape Chevrolet in South Portland for the past eight years. He sold cars and trucks and had a large number of commercial accounts.

Gary Brookings, a sales manager at the dealership, said Monday that Mr. Rogers was a great guy who had a “heart of gold.”

“He was one of those bigger-than-life people,” Brookings said. “There was no baloney with Russ. He was a straight shooter and a real likable guy. … Russ worked with me and for me, but he was a friend. There are several guys here that he had the same relationship with.”

At Pape Chevrolet, Mr. Rogers sat next to Carmen Rapolla, another sales representative. He noted Mr. Rogers’ pride in his service with the Marines. He said Mr. Rogers was knowledgeable about the vehicles he sold and worked hard to get good deals for his customers.

“He always felt that he could get the best deal for everyone and he would argue all day about it,” Rapolla said. “He was a quiet leader in the showroom. He was a great guy. I’ll miss him dearly.”

Mr. Rogers grew up in Cumberland, graduating from Greely High School in 1978. His wife also attended Greely, and the two worked for Laverdiere’s pharmacy.

His daughter talked about his early years, recalling a story of him and his best friend riding a motorcycle through a hallway at the high school. “He liked to have fun, that’s for sure,” she said.

Recently, Mr. Rogers and his wife took trips to Las Vegas and New York.

“They were just starting to live their happily-ever-after,” his daughter said. “They loved each other very much.”

Mr. Rogers was diagnosed with cancer last April. She said her father fought his illness with grace and courage. As he took care of his family all of his life, they took care of him at the end of his life.

“It was an honor,” his daughter said. “I learned from him to appreciate life more and to live each day to the fullest.”

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at: mcreamer@pressherald.com