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