Monday, March 13, 2017
What do you say about a man with a lifetime of accomplishments? You could start with his family who he loved dearly, or his friends who he treated like family, or you could start by talking about how he faced life, regardless of whatever was put in his path. My memories of Uncle Roger was simple, it was always intertwined with Uncle Teddy, and with my Dad, Jackie....they seemed inseparable in my younger years, hunting, junking, logging, do anything that kept food on the table for their families, and an occasional beer - hey, all that work makes a man thirsty. These men despise anyone being lazy, probably because they always worked so hard, and played hard. While the memories are monumental, a few always stand out over the course of our lives....like the time Uncle Roger took us all hunting at his secret hunting spot down by Tully....oh we all got there early (5am), and when the sun rose, we found ourselves surrounded by a dozen other hunters, the deer would have been hamburger by the time it got to us..... Needless to say not a shot was fired. Then the time we were hunting again, and Roger was waiting for Teddy......then Roger said "here he comes, I can smell him from here"......5 mins later Teddy strolled over and Roger said I knew you were coming, I could smell your cigarette 5 minutes ago! But most of all I remember all the days he worked with my Dad....at his shop, no work too small, no job too hard......oh sure he complained, but he liked to fix things and backed away from nothing, he just made it look easy. I know my Dad will miss Roger dearly, I think he's always considered him more of a brother than anything, and always cherished his friendship......as he was always there, just call and he'd be over...what does that say about a man.....a whole freaking lot. For me, Roger was a teacher, since my younger boyhood years.....in some way I learned how hard work pays off and not to be afraid of it, and never concede that it can't be done. I will miss his candor, his brash language, and the way he NEVER beat around the bush. If Roger had something to say, get ready to listen, it was usually pretty short and to the point.....whether you liked it or not.....but it always make me laugh and smile.....because his kind expression is something that I will miss dearly.
Rest Uncle Roger - you were a great man and even better friend to those around you, you were an example to follow and to emulate. It was truly an honor for me, in some small way of being part of your extended family. You are already missed, but will never be forgotten, never.
3180 Bellevue Avenue