LoaferfromOphirRodgerRobertsRodger Roberts, "The Loafer from Ophir", was born on July 25th, 1945 and left united states of america to be with his erstwhile leader 'Buddy' on March 25th, 2015.  Loafer lived in Ophir as its only permanent resident from the early lxx's through the late eighty's, making a living mining for golden, raising dogs and trapping. Though he raced the Iditarod many times he was never competitive; he did information technology for fun and to enjoy the people along the trail.

Across the fourscore's he would render to mine in the summers and would be sure to be at that place to open his place up for the Iron Dog and the Iditarod race in the winters. He was a longtime volunteer, musher, checker, trail breaker, and one of the most colorful people and personalities along the trail.  He spent many years making ganglines, harnesses, and gear for mushers besides as creating a line of nutritional products for sled dogs, Ophir Gold.

A person that once you met him, you would never forget him, he always had a great story and would entertain people for hours. His otter LoaferfromOphirtrophytrail mittens, beaver lid, and his big parka traveled the trail many times with other mushers as he would loan them out to anyone that needed them if they were non prepared. Loafer was passionate nearly sled dog racing and the Iditarod and dreamed of hitting the jackpot while mining for Gold. This accolade is in memory of Rodger Roberts, a human who lived the dreams nosotros all wish to do, a man who lived life bringing together the rich traditions of mining for gold and mushing dogs in our bully State of Alaska.

The winner of the First to Ophir Award receives a bays and $g in aureate nuggets.