Long time Morro Bay resident and activist, Roger L. Ewing passed away December 18, 2025, in Morro Bay. Roger was born January 12, 1942, in Glendale to Thomas Ewing, Jr. and Jeanne Walsh Ewing. He was the oldest of seven children.
Roger’s genuinely caring and loyal nature made him friends wherever and with whomever he encountered. He treated everyone with the same courtesy and respect even if they did not share his views.
Roger graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory, a Jesuit high school in San Jose. He attended the University of Iowa before becoming enamored with a career in acting that called him first to New York and then to Hollywood where he was cast in a number of television shows and several movies. His most renowned part came as Deputy Thad for two seasons in the TV series “Gunsmoke.” He counted among his friends Frank Sinatra and singer/actor Burl Ives, whose boat he sailed on in the Caribbean.
Sailing got into his blood. He sailed many times to Catalina Island. A highlight was crewing on a friends’ boat to the Marquesas Islands.
Roger became interested in photography. He developed his own prints, was good at portraits in particular, and through his lens recorded his surroundings in black-and-white.
Before moving from the L.A. area, Roger worked as the manager of Dutton Books in Brentwood. An avid reader, he had a large collection of first edition books that was donated to the Morro Bay Library.
Roger loved to travel by train. He loved the privacy of his own suite E, the scenery, and meeting people in the dining car.
Roger moved to Morro Bay in the 1980s. Since he loved Morro Bay’s quaint ambiance and desired to keep the small village charm, he joined the grassroots Citizens Action League known as CAL with a goal of advocating for appropriate growth. He became an effective speaker at the podium of City Council meetings. He participated in community issues, was appointed to the Public Works Advisory Board, and became a founding member of the Public Mural Committee. In 2008, he ran for a City Council seat, albeit unsuccessfully. He never failed to contribute financially to community enhancing projects.
Roger was preceded in passing by his siblings Gordon, Lucy, Mary and Malcolm, and dear friend Mac and Mac’s son Gilbert. He is survived by brothers Thomas, Colin, and childhood friend Tony Hall.
He leaves behind many good friends to whom he was the best of friends.
