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)