Please share your messages about Roger with his friends and family. It’s amazing to read just what a positive impact Roger had on so many people around the world throughout his life…
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Latest messages ….
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August 5, 2014by Roger Cutting
I am so very sorry to hear about Roger’s passing. We worked together at City College for many years. The written eulogy on this site is so correct, for Roger was always a gentleman in every sense. He was so interested in people and always had time to talk and to laugh. He enhanced my working life terrifically with his professional encouragement and gentle, though at times, mischievous sense of humour. His kindness of deed and word and above all his sense of fun is how I remember him. Indeed, as I write this, thinking of Roger, I cannot help but smile at the gentle memories.
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June 15, 2013by Richard Everitt
I am so sorry that Roger passed away. Roger always had smile, a kind word, and was genuinely interested in what we were doing. He’d be ready with a funny story, or a practical joke up his sleeve and although we saw him only now and again, he was always pleased and interested to see us.
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June 14, 2013by Sally Pitt
Dear Marion, Caspar, Hedley, Victoria, Claudia, Celeste, Meredith, Jocasta and Oscar
The day Caspar and Victoria chose our road to live in we had no idea what was in store for us – what an ‘all action can-do’ family. From reading all the many tributes Roger had no small part to play in encouraging this wonderful attitude.
We had the pleasure of spending time with Roger at various celebrations and events in Bristol and Cheltenham and – following an alcohol-fuelled evening with Caspar and Victoria when they encouraged us to take a holiday across the world – New Zealand too.
Our family found Roger to be a great listener. He appeared tremendously interested in what we all (including our children) had to say and always gave an encouraging response. Reading the fantastic stories has been fascinating – I only wish we’d known Roger longer and had quizzed him more on all his adventures.
The last time we saw Roger was at an event showcasing what can be achieved if you have unswerving determination and ambition – the London Olympics – how fitting.
Thinking of you all.
Love Sally, Alastair, Chloe and Oliver xxxx
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June 13, 2013by Josh Brown
“Oh you must!” – These are three words that seem to me to sum up Roger. I knew him for less than 18 months but in that short time, saw him almost each and every week. It has been a pleasure to get to know both Marion & Roger as I help them in their beautiful garden.
Each week, Roger and I would take a walk round the garden and discuss jobs that needed doing, or projects that he had in mind. He would give me demonstrations on how to scythe the long grass and bluebells, telling me stories of his childhood in China – where he watched a man much older than myself cut it by hand, better than any mower! He dressed me up in the spare beekeepers outfit and proudly showed me the prize-winning hives. He would tell me excitedly of the boating trips and lessons he had on the horizon for his grand-daughters and never failed to surprise me with what he knew or had experience of.
But what came across most of all in all our conversations, was his excitement; his energy for seeing things happen. From all he told me about his life, in little weekly snippets, this same enthusiasm shone through. He clearly took so much pride in his children, grandchildren and all that he and Marion had done together.
Few people exhibit such an excited urgency for life and all that can be experienced and achieved. When I told him of ideas I had for travel or for my own future, he would say, with relish – “Oh you must!” It is this message, and Roger himself, that will continue to inspire me for many years.
With love to all the family from both of us, Amy & Josh.
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June 13, 2013by simonaylott
I was so sad to hear the news of Roger’s passing. He was unique and I feel blessed that he was my uncle. I remember him most of all as being passionate and curious about life as well as generous with his own time and energy. I remember as a 19-year-old visiting Norwich how he showed me around, making sure I saw everything. At Hedley and Caspar’s 21st he went out of his way to include me when he must have been so busy. When I left the UK for Australia later that year, he brought Grandfather down to London to see me off. I’m forever grateful, as that was the last time I saw my Grandfather. It wasn’t always relaxing being with Roger. I remember him thrashing me at squash and then he kept talking about how surprising it was that he could beat me at his age!
Last year, using Skype, I introduced Roger and Marion to my wife Jenny and daughter Amy. I’m so glad they got to meet him and get some sense of him. We even talked about meeting up in New Zealand or Darwin in the future. Many years after my visit to Norwich, he was just the same – a twinkle in the eye, a contagious smile, lots of searching questions about our life and sharing of his own adventures, and a sense of the joy of connecting with others.
I’m so glad to have known you Roger and you will always be missed. Thank you for being such a sweet and generous uncle to me. Love always, from Simon (and Jenny and Amy) -
June 13, 2013by Zoe Stowell
When someone you love becomes a memory, this memory becomes a treasure.
Zoe xx -
June 13, 2013by Karen Bell
Dear Marion it was such a shock to hear this sad news. Roger was the most kind selfless, generous and gentle man it was such a privilege and pleasure to know him. He was always so interested in what was happening in my life and would ask to hear ‘all my gossip’ and how my children were. Netty and Naomi have fond memories of when they were very small, helping him to feed the fish, him showing them how to play the piano and how he would talk with them and be interested in them, he made sure they had fun whenever we visited. He was always so encouraging. His love of life, people and all things was so inspiring, from his sailing stories to showing me his beekeeping, with the rather delicious samples he would send home with me! He will be so missed, Roger Netty Naomi and I will never forget him. Sending you all our love and prayers
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June 12, 2013by Adam Chard
Dear Marion, It is very sad to hear about Roger's sudden death. He had been a good friend of mine since childhood. On behalf of my whole family and all his old friends in Wenzhou, I want to express my deepest sympathy to you and the others of your family! He will be missed by all of us. Thank you for your invitation to the funeral. Unfortunately I am currently visiting my sons in the US and I will not be able to come to London. God bless you! Saiying and Colin
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June 12, 2013by Adam Chard
Dear Marion It is so sad to know the sudden departure of Roger and been called to the Lord for eternal rest. Please accept my deepest condolence and also from my President Rev Dr Su Chii Ann and that of the Methodist Church in Malaysia. Both President Su and myself were very touched by Roger when he travelled the whole way to Birmingham to meet us when we were there for a meeting on Chinese ministry in England We are always grateful to Roy for his ministry in Sarawak and China, and through this we got to know Roger. This can only now live on in our fond memory and he shall be sadly missed. The last time when we meet in Birmingham 2 years ago we still talked about how both you and Roger spent your honeymoon in Kuching Sarawak Blessings John Ling
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June 12, 2013by Adam Chard
Morning Marion, I write to you to send my strength , thoughts and love whilst also realising that words, although helpful at a time of grief, cannot fill the void I’m sure that a remarkable man such as Roger has left in your lives. In the short time I knew Roger it was apparent what a devoted man he was, devoted to You, Hedley, Claudia the Polo club and of course Oscar for whom he was a doting Grandfather. It warms my heart to think of him sitting in the polo office singing nursery rhymes to Oscar and stoping to remark how “Marion would do a much better job because she is so fantastic with nursery rhymes, skipping etc!.” Then naturally of course we would be led by Roger on an interesting tangent usually cantered around your family who he so clearly adored. I feel certain that your wonderful family and friends are sharing the weight of your sadness, however if there is anything at all that I can do please do not hesitate to ask. With the upmost strength and positive thoughts, Charlotte Chetham
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June 12, 2013by Adam Chard
Dear Marion and family, Our family, especially my mother Lily, was sad and shocked to learn of the news. Lily felt comforting though in learning that Roger enjoyed his life to the very last moment, and didn’t suffer much. Lily’s room has Roger’s beautiful monthly calendar hanging there, with flowers in your garden, which he sent to us last Christmas. He was a very special friend to the Cheng and Chen family, he will surely be remembered. With deepest sympathy, Helen on behalf of Lily and the Chen family in Hong Kong
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June 12, 2013by nerida
When I think of Uncle Roger, the unshakeable image I have of him is a man with a permanent smile, or at least a smile poised to break out at any moment. His eyes are twinkling with affection, or with amusement at the audacity of the impossible task he is about to undertake – and in anticipation of our incredulity!
He is wearing a pinkish coral coloured shirt – as its summer – and he bustles with positive energy and the possibility of what can be achieved.
It seemed to me that Roger was always patient, endlessly good humoured and kind. He made the world a better, more tolerant and far more interesting place for us all and i can’t believe that he has gone. I know I will think of him very fondly for the rest of my life. -
June 12, 2013by David and Pam Parkin
Dear Marion and family. We were friends of Roger when his father was minister at Walham Green in Fulham.. We enjoyed many happy times in the so called swinging sixties with a mixture of profound discussions and joyful parties. We were part of the “Dawes Road” fellowship – a group of young people out of which marriages ad lasting friendships developed. Some of us still meet ( Doris and David Wale send their love too) We were sorry to lose contact with Roger butt recognise the mature man who was seeking to grow at that time. Our love and prayers are with you. May God bless you all.a
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June 7, 2013by David Trolle
Roger will be dearly missed by all who have come across this great man … a friend to everyone he met, his kind caring and inquisitive nature is one that everyone has enjoyed and respected.
My best wishes go out to Marion, Hedley, Claudia, Caspar, Victoria, Celeste, Meredith, Jocasta and Oscar.
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June 6, 2013by Adam Chard
I will always remember being very new to Summit and Roger made an immediate beeline for me. As he knew the staff so well, he spotted I was new straight away. Roger spent a good half hour with me finding out what I had done in the past, what I was doing now and how it contributed towards what the rest of the company did. It is this interest in people that really shone through and obviously made a great impression on me. Having read through Roger’s life story I was interested to read about his childhood in China and that he had gone to school not 10 miles away from where I grew up in the West Country. If I can live my life as fully as Roger did, I will feel a wealthy man.
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June 6, 2013by Adrian and Jenny
We were devastated to have the news of Roger’s sudden death, as were all his many friends in Australia and New Zealand. I have known him longer than anyone else. We were constant companions during those early years in China, with few other playmates or distractions. We were taught at home by our parents who did a wonderful job. There were the school days at Kingswood where he was a couple of years ahead, and then we lived together on and off in London through the 1950s and early 60s. Among my earliest memories was Roger getting me to do things he was sure that I would enjoy and though I didn’t realise it at the time this was his way of showing the famous kindliness, or pleasure giving, that everyone talks about. As he grew up everyone noticed his deep interest in other people and their needs and the way he always tried hard to make sure that everyone of all ages and nationalities had a really good time in ways that were often original, brilliant and fun. These qualities were on constant display with his family, every member of which he loved dearly. And he kept into adulthood a touchingly innocent, even childlike, joy about celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and Christmas when greetings were exchanged, songs sung and best of all presents were opened ! Along with his interest in people Roger also had a great sense of wonder about the universe, the world, technology and nature. He loved to hear about new ideas even, or especially, if they were unfamiliar topics. And he was proud of demonstrating his unusual theory that time expands to cover tasks in hand. I defy anyone to have found any subject great or small that he wouldn’t seize upon and talk about with intense interest. In fact he had an insatiable need to know about everything, which is why he was the most approachable of men. Another thing about Roger was that you soon found out that he wasn’t afraid of anything. He wasn’t afraid of speaking his mind, having a go, of challenging authority and of testing his nerve. If you wanted anything done, or you needed an advocate, Roger would be a good choice because he never, or rarely, gave up. His going leaves a big gap in our lives. We miss him. Adrian and Jenny Aylott
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June 6, 2013by Claude and Ethne Scott
Dear Marion Ethne and I were very saddened to hear of Roger’s death in such a sudden and unexpected way. It must have been a traumatic time for you and the family but, you were all together and having a good time. Roger’s final hours were spent being close to his family which must be a comfort to you all. We have very fond memories of Roger which will remain with us for the rest of our lives. Many of these come from the various times we spent together with our families. He was a real family man and clearly enjoyed being engaged in exciting and, sometimes, ‘close to the edge’ activities which had the adrenalin running. He was always ready to try something new and this desire communicated itself to Caspar and Hedley. There was always some adventure, some unusual holiday, some experiment, some new boat or car or engine. The various sailing exploits we shared will always remain with us, not least our time in the Cyclades! Sailing with him at Blakeney was also quite a challenging adventure! He lived life to the full. He was clearly ‘his own man’ with lovable idiosyncrasies which characterised him. He never did quite manage to clear the loft of those indispensable things which he didn’t use much! And he was always ready to laugh at himself about them. We shall miss his friendship and sense of fun. At the same time, he gave much time to the service of others in many ways for example in the Cathedral and at the Hewett School. Being a governor can be quite a demanding thing and he got on with it quietly and without fuss. He had a genuine interest in people and would do anything to help or support others. He was selfless in his support to his students at City College. He was loved and admired by all who knew him. Please be assured of our continuing prayers for you and your family, who we are sure will continue to be a strong support to you. We pray that you will given the strength to adjust to life without your dear husband and soul-mate. You will miss him so much. May you draw comfort as you look back on the active and full life you have shared with him over very many years. We intend to come to the service at the Cathedral next Friday and it will be a pleasure and a privilege to join you at your home afterwards. With our love and prayers
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June 5, 2013by mikebaldock
I remember quite clearly the day in mid-February, 1963, when I visited 19 Panmuir Road to meet Roger and Adrian with a view to becoming their flatmate. What a welcome I had – such warm, genuine men they turned out to be; such good cooks, too!
I remember Roger from those times as being a keen rugby player, keen tennis player and organizer of twhat became known for a year or two as the Panmuir Road Tennis Tournament – doubles, usually mixed, to be played between numerous friends and invited guests. The day generally was fine, and the food worth playing your heart out for. Roger was such a gentlemen, kind, thoughtful, generous of time, and he had such a wonderful sense of humour. He would laugh at the fact that in those days to me a main course at dinner was not a main course unless potatoes in one of its varied forms was served. Roger’s love was rice (doubtless due to his upbringing in China) and after my initial astonishment at the fact that rice could actually be part of a main course I grew to love it, too. By the mid 1960s the three of us want our separate ways only to meet up at weddings and occaqsionally nat mutual friends’ celebrations. Our last meeting was at Charles and Joan Dawson’s Golden Wedding Anniversary in April, 2012. Such a joyful occasion that was, and it was so good to be able to sit and chat with Roger about old times, folks we knew, family and friends: such a warm-hearted, generous, fun-loving and caring gentleman. -
June 4, 2013by Andrew and Sunita
Dear Marion and family,
Like others, we are shocked to hear about Roger. We are thinking of you all at this time and praying for you. We remember Roger as someone who was kind, generous, adventurous and always full of life.
love from the Talks family in Lancaster – Andrew, Sunita, Rahael and Peter -
June 4, 2013by Ilona
Not long after I joined Summit Roger asked me about my holiday plans, being an intrepid traveller himself, as I soon found out. I was planning my summer vacation with my young son and had been thinking about the possibility of going boating in the Norfolk Broads. We chatted about the pros and cons of this kind of holiday with a young child and an inexperienced skipper. A week or so afterwards I received, to my great surprise, a letter from Roger including a wealth of information from various travel agents specialising in boating holidays. I was very touched by this as clearly Roger had not only remembered our conversation, but had made the considerable effort of gathering together brochures and other relevant information for me. What a sweetheart!
In the end I decided not to opt for this type of holiday that year due to the age of my son, but am intending to do this in a year or so. When I do, it will always be with Roger in mind; a truly good and kindly man, who made a difference in so many ways and whose memory leaves a warm glow in our hearts and a fond smile on our faces. -
June 3, 2013by Alison Killen Rogers piano teacher
I cannot quite take it in that he has gone. What a kind, generous man, always busy and full of tales of his latest travels!
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June 3, 2013by Darren and Petra Moss
Words can hardly express how sad we were to hear that Roger has passed away.
Roger was one of the kindest, most knowledgeable and humble men we knew. Whenever he visited Yorkshire or Prague he never forgot to come to say hello and ask how we are progressing on our life’s journey. He genuinely cared so much about other people. Whenever he entered the office, he had this indescribable aura of kindness and sincerity around him which touched every single person he met. That is how we will always remember him.
May the love and strength of those around you help you through the hard days ahead.
With love
Darren and Petra Moss x -
June 3, 2013by Alan Metters
I was so sorry to get the news of Roger’s untimely death. We were colleagues at Norwich City College and I will always remember him as a kind, considerate and essentially good man – a real gent. Regards and condolences to the family, and please accept my apologies for not being able to attend the funeral; I will be away in South Cumbria, among other things tending my own parents’ and other family members’ graves.
Alan -
June 3, 2013by andybrown
This lovely, quiet, considerate man has left a mark on many people's lives. I consider myself honoured to have passed through his orbit.
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June 2, 2013by Sue Ibbitson
What can I say about Roger? A most gentle, kind, compasionate man who cared about the world, and the people in it. He was always hungry for new experiences and new people to meet. His love of life was palpable and infectious! He will be sadly missed, but will live on in our memories and in the people whos lives he touched. It was my privilege to have met him.
Sue.X -
June 1, 2013by edmonds
Dearest Marion, Caspar, Hedley, Victoria and Claudia,
It was with deep shock and sadness that we heard of Rogers passing. So many fantastic memories flooded back of our escapades in England and Canada. Being around Roger was always exciting; I recall that every aspect of what we did together had an element of adventure, learning and perhaps a bit of competition. We were always “on the go” somewhere and, although we were never late, we might be “A bit behind in time..” as Roger would say. Lorna Jean loves to tell of rushing around the house to get ready to attend some event and Roger and eight-year-old Anna Jane had vanished. After a search, they were found in the back yard where Roger had set up a card table and microscope and was showing Anna Jane the rich aquatic life that existing in a drop of pond water. Mark remembers a frenetic drive while he was still coming to grips with a right-hand drive rental car, with Roger in the passenger seat educating him on the optimal timing of gear selection, while directing him through the labyrinthian streets of Norwich and simultaneously teaching him the etiquette of roundabouts. All this while politely suggesting that with a bit more speed they might just beat Caspar to the destination. We are so fortunate to have shared many fine events with Roger and the Aylott clan, from fine dining in a London restaurant to eating pasta off a tin plate on a rock beside the Madawaska River. We will remember Roger as a delightful raconteur, tour guide, chef, academic, apprentice upholsterer, sportsman, but above all else, as a loving, doting husband, father, grandfather and a consummate gentleman. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
With our deepest sympathies
Mark, Lorna Jean, Anna Jane, Matthew and Hana -
June 1, 2013by Don Rees
A Message to Marion, Hedley and Caspar in memory of Roger,
Marion phoned me to tell me the awful news of Roger’s death. I am so shocked by the suddenness of it that it is almost impossible to take in and I simply need to convey to you by the fastest means possible my heartfelt sympathy and condolences at this terrible time.
I have frequently confessed to Marion and to Roger that I was Roger’s number one fan! And what a man he was! I can honestly say that I have met no one like him! He was so delightful in so many respects: kind, caring, thoughtful, sincere, a wonderful companion with his characteristic dry sense of humour. It would is impossible adequately to put into words the esteem in which, not only I , but so many held him. I know how upset I am so I cannot begin to imagine what you all must be now going through. I want you to know that I am thinking of you at this awful time – including Vicky, Claudia, and not to mention his lovely grand daughters and his recently born grandson.
We must all be recalling the wonderful memories we had of Roger and I do hope that these memories will sustain you in these dark hours of grief. Roger was so positive and I am so very sure that, despite our tears, he would want us all , and you in particular, to be positive too.
I am so very sorry I cannot be with you when Roger is being put to rest since I will be in Italy. However not only will you all be foremost in my thoughts but I shall be honouring Roger by toasting the memory of a truly exceptional man.
With renewed sympathy and love,
Don
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May 31, 2013by Joan Gough
The last time I saw Roger was at Oscar’s christening. We sat together sharing a meal the evening before and had a long chat which now has an increased significance as it was the last time I really spoke to him. Whenever he came to Townend Farm, he always asked me about each member of the family by name and was genuinely interested in how they were and what they were doing. Rodger was always willing to turn his hand to any jobs which needed doing and proceeded to help without fuss. Roger was always immaculately dressed and I will always remember him in his white Panama hat at the summer polo events. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and I find it hard to believe that I will never see him again. Whilst he was taken from his family prematurely, from the stories he told, he had a tremendously full life, making the most of every opportunity which came his way and he was tremendously proud of his family, particularly his two sons, Hedley and Casper. He will be missed by many, may he rest in peace x
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May 31, 2013by summit
It was such a shocking news for me to learn that you were no longer with us. I am always missing you even though we have lost contact with each other since you left me in Wenzhou in 2009 during the time you were so upset with the poor measure against swine flu taken by the local government. And I just learned from Internet yesterday that you passed away. I am just thinking of going back to Norwich next year to meet you again for I am currently residing in Tucson of Arizona, USA. How I wish I could be seeing you for my last chance. But you were in the heaven to rest peace with Him. I still recalled the days we had together in Norwich. It was full of surprises you gave to me and I now know it is the best gifts I have ever received in my life from you. That is to be kind to each individual and to be challengeable to any authority. I think I am following your path for more humanitarian understanding in this unrest world. After my trip in Norwich, I started my own world trips to USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, Germany. Italy, France, Czech Republic, the Netherlands. Belgium just to name a few of them. I know you loved traveling and you wanted to change the countries to be better for their own people, China is the country that you wanted to help. Unfortunately, you are not there to see the changes we have had in the past four years. I still remember the day you introduced me the former Home Secretary. Mr. Clarke, which was nearly impossible task for me to have such an hour if I were in China. You told me a lot about your time in my hometown of Wenzhou where you spent your childhood. Your connection to Wenzhou is just like my connection to Norwich. You regard Wenzhou as the place you cared in your life and I regard Norwich as my second hometown in my life because of you. Now how I wish I could understand your selfless spirit to this world and its people. May our shared God let you peace in Heaven. May the connections to the two cities continue because of you. I will be always thinking of you all the time in my life. Thank you, Roger, you are always on my mind.
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May 31, 2013by Pavla Simanova
Thank you Roger for all life-advices you gave me, all wonderful chats we had and all wise words I heard from you. You always were and always will be a person who I respect, a wonderful man who I always looked forward to meet and a proper gentleman.
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May 31, 2013by Adam Chard
I am glad I could meet Roger. I will never forget great talks we had, fun we enjoyed and laugh we shared. Anytime I spent with Roger was a great experience for me.
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May 31, 2013by Tomas Honz
Roger was one of the most energetic, curious and kind person I have ever met and a great supporter and example to all of us. I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing him.