ROGER EUGENE DENT (RED)         

Roger was born in Canton, Ohio, on the Ides of August, 1937. Attended public schools for 12 years and then received a BS in Commerce and a commission in the USAR from Ohio University in Athens, OH. After serving three years stateside, he returned to assist his mother and brother in a family business. He eventually retired as a Lt. Colonel in the USAR after 28 years.

His attraction to the Flemish Giant rabbits happened in 1970 at the Stark County Fair in Canton, OH. He saw some very large brown animals owned by Jim Gibson (BIG JIM'S RABBITRY) and got started with three does and a buck. He also was persuaded to join the Stark County Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Assn. (which was started in 1915) and had some early "learning" from a few notable rabbit people: Karl Sautters (judged for over 50 years); Florence & John Ritz - Dutch & Champagne breeders; Francis Riffle, the Himalayan National secretary; as well as Huber Harter, Orland Milliken, Al & Barb Butler, etc., etc. "A wonderful club to learn about rabbits." In a period of 10 years he served in almost every position available in the local club.

In the early 70's Roger joined the ARBA (because he had to - being an officer in an ARBA chartered club??!!) and found out about and joined the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbits Breeders (NFFGRB) and the Ohio Flemish Giant RBA. He remembers attending the last Ohio FG Show in Lima, OH, and was amazed that exhibitors came from many different states. Vern Ashton, J. Herbert Bashore, Herb Anthony, Charles & Edna Andrews, Tom & Erma Freese and Ye Olde "Cane" maker Roger T. Kenney, were some of the "locals" and Don Reid, John Coon, Keith Forbush, Hank Lehnherr along with Floyd & Mabel Tobias were a few of the "out of towners."

The next year the Ohio ALL FLEMISH Show was moved to Greenville, OH. The shows in Greenville were some of the most magnificent shows ever held - the greatest being the NFFGRB's DIAMOND JUBILEE in 1990 with 676 being shown. There were other memories in Greenville. Having LaVerne Sikes and Hazel Langley assisting (and teaching) was pure delight. Two or three "warm bodies" showing up on Thursday to set up the show, and leaving mid-Monday after the cleanup (Frank Bashore & Jim LePage probably have forgotten this!!).

The names of the exhibitors are legendary. The competition was more than exciting (ah yes - Jesse Richardson with his "barrel" of Rolaids). Everybody chipped in and helped. Not too much complaining, but a whole lot of "rabbit talk." (They call it something else in Texas!!) Much can be recalled about the GIANT days in Greenville. It is nice to have these memories.

During the 1970's, Roger met a man with an "olde" show coat - looked to be gray marine material (of questionable aroma). Seems that Harold May adored this historical "piece of cloth." Roger and Harold started a friendship back then that still exists to this day. During those years they were put in charge of the NFFGRB and they attempted to make it the best ARBA Specialty Club. They tried their best. Roger says that Harold's idea of a committee was "let Roger do it!!" In today's description it would be something like PINKY AND THE BRAIN.

The "wins" on the show table were not numerous, so they are easy to remember. A first place junior doe at the Ohio All Flemish (class of 54) the only 16 pound junior he ever raised - and was weaned three days before the show. (Friends asked him where he was buying his NEW show line). Won Best Opp Sex in Tucson in 1979 (and was also awarded the first every WORST FLEMISH accessory) and took Best of Breed at the first two Eastern States FGRBA "CLASSICS" at the Cow Palace in Cortland, NY. (And has attended every FG show held there since). His travels with Don Peters and Carl Palumbo would be hard to describe, but the word "argumentative" seems to fit. Attending the first Michigan FG in Belleville was special as were all the rides to "Wolverine" land for the PICNIC and the Fall shows.

Roger was appointed Secretary-Treasurer in 1979 and "hung em up" at the end of 2001. The "trip" through the years was made possible by the many GIANT breeders that pitched in, helped, assisted, funded and put their efforts towards making the "trip" enjoyable for all. He has attended every ARBA Convention since his first one in Detroit, Michigan, in 1973. At the "gathering" in Del Mar, California in 2001, Secretary Dent was honored to receive the ARBA's DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD presented by a few notorious "rabbit" people - THE Oren Reynolds, Secretary Glen Carr, and Dr. Chris Hayhow.

All people have memories. The ones Roger E. Dent has are of the GIANT variety. He only remembers a few rabbits, (Bruiser, Z15, Softie) but he can recall several "happenings" with those that he has met over the years (a large number being unprintable in a PG magazine.)

THANKS TO ALL THAT HAVE PROVIDED THE MEMORIES!!