Roger Lichti

Roger Lichti passed away at home, suddenly, on October 13, 2026. Born in Milford, Nebraska on August 27, 1945, Roger grew up in Hesston, Kansas. After attending Ottawa University, he went on to earn a Masters degree and PhD in Physics from the University of Illinois in 1972.

He leaves behind his wife of 56 years Esther (Sundell), two sons, Nathanael (Natasha Nikolaidis) and Steven, grandsons Evan and Alex Lichti, and siblings Norman Lichti (Vicki), Tom Lichti (Marla), Joy Rogers (Bruce), Carol Birch (Lee), Loren Lichti (Cindy), and Jan Nichols.

Roger's career as a physicist included positions at the University of Kansas and the University of Massachusetts before bringing him to Texas Tech University in 1979 where he remained as a faculty member and finally Chairman of the Department of Physics and Astronomy from 2009 - 2015 when he retired and was named Professor Emeritus. His research focused on experimental condensed matter physics and included international research collaborations and experiments at major Muon research facilities in Canada, England and Switzerland. Along the way he taught, mentored, and worked alongside numerous students and colleagues, many of whom he continued to keep in touch with until his death.

After retiring from Texas Tech University, Roger and Esther moved to Montgomery Center Vermont where Roger took on the management of their property, filled a seat on the Board of the Montgomery Historical Society, helped at Friends of the Montgomery Town Library events, and enjoyed participating in other local activities.

A memorial event will be planned by the family at a later date.