Roger passed away in the hospital on Friday, Dec.23 at the age of 71 of respiratory complications from flu and pneumonia with family surrounding him. Deeply loved husband of Linda Delorme (nee Calderone), loving father of Gayla (Eric O’Connor), Derek and Trevor and much-loved stepfather to Julianne Cameron (Richard Groen), Christopher Smith (Heather Sissons) and Lori Delorme. Lovingly remembered late wife Shirley (Sceviour). He adored his grandchildren Marissa, Mallorie, Brianna, Alivia, Jaden, Reid, and Ellie. Roger was very close to his sister Darlene Brewster (Donald), and his brothers Larry and Brian who live in New Brunswick.
Fiercely proud of his time in the naval branch of the Canadian military and his many years as a member of the 291-communications trade researcher and security family. He joined the military in June 1971 and finally retired in 2015. During this time, he was posted to Gander, Alert, San Diego, Inuvik, Bermuda, Masset, Leitrim, Ottawa and finally worked another 13 years for the Communications Research Centre in Ottawa.
Roger was an AVID fan of his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs and his Toronto Blue Jays.
Special thanks to the ALS clinic team, Dr. Breiner, Dr. Buenger, Belinda Zehrt who was always there for us and especially to Marc Williams, an extraordinary nurse from Bayshore nursing who came to our home for the past two years and enriched the quality of our lives with his skill and humour.
A deeply heartfelt thank you to family and friends who helped give Roger 24-hour care at the hospital due to his special needs. There are no words that can truly acknowledge your commitment To Roger at our time of great need. It lifted his spirits and let him know how much he was loved.
Visitation at Beechwood Funeral & Cemetery on Sunday, Jan. 8 at 11:30 followed by the service at 1:30 and reception. Burial of ashes to take place at National Military Cemetery (Beechwood) on Thursday, June 8 at 3p.m.
Donations to the ALS society in Roger’s memory would be greatly appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
ROBERT MCDERMID
Larry E. Tibbits
Roger was my brother. Although, he was in the military, we kept in contact. When he moved to Ottawa, I was able to visit. Manysummers and falls , I was able to spend at his home. We were able to go to lots of areas which I would not have been able to experience. I am really missing him and will continue to do so. I was so pleased
Peggy and Harold Sceviour
Sending our sincere condolences to all of Roger's family. Even though we didn't spend a lot of time with him over the years, we really enjoyed our visits when we could. His love for family was certainly evident, and will carry on in all of you. RIP Roger.
Gugulethu Sibanda
My condolences to Gayla and family. I know how much you loved and cared for him.
I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Julianne Cameron
Pops, I adore you. You have the biggest heart I’ve ever come across. I’m so proud of how hard you fought. I said we weren’t going to stop fighting until you said you needed rest. In the morning, you told me it was time & December 23rd, 5:45pm 2022, at your bedside, we all held you as you got the peace you needed & deserve. We all did it together, as a family. Rest now. You are so loved. ❤️
Sharon Vrieling
Our condolences to Julianne and her family at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts. Let the good memories warm you in the days ahead! Take care. Sincerely Sharon and Jerry
Jacinta Ash
Thanks for being a kind hearted gentleman it was my honour to have known you and Shirley o many hilarious happy memories and cruise trips together with dear friends.
Condolences ? to Linda the children and grandchildren friends your military family.
Your spirit will always be with all who known love ?
Lorne and Joyce Richardson
LINDA, DEREK, TREVOR AND GAYLA and FAMILIES,
IT IS WITH PROFOUND SADNESS THAT JOYCE AND I HAVE TO SAY GOOD-BYE TO ROGER. AS YOU KNOW WE WERE VERY CLOSE OVER THE YEARS FROM INUVIK AND ONWARD. WE ENJOYED EACH OTHERS COMPANY IN TRAVELING FOR WEEKENDS AND ON CRUISES. WE HAVEN'T SEEN MUCH OF HIM SINCE
THE DAY HE CAME TO MY WORK AND PASSED ON THE DEVASTATING NEWS. WE MANAGED TO STAY IN TOUCH VIA MESSANGER. HE DIDN'T DESERVE THIS
AND I AM SURE IT WAS HARD WATCHING THE DISEASE TAKE OVER, AND AS SAD AS IT IS, HE SUFFERS NO MORE. IT HAD TO BE HARD ON HIM ALSO
HAVING TO RELY ON EVERYONE TO GET HIM THROUGH HIS DAYS. JOYCE AND I WISH EVERYONE PEACE AND EMOTIONAL HEALING DURING THIS TRYING TIME.
Charlotte & Ken OConnor
Gayla and family uncle Ken And I are so sorry for your Dads passing we had the privilege of meeting him at your wedding and seeing his witty personality. Although we ment him one other time. Your wedding we got to see how so very proud he was of you and Eric tighing tge knit. And knowing you Gayla have a strong man to take care of his girl. I know Roger will be missed but l also know you will keep his legacy alive through your children. Rest in peace Roger. Love you all.
Tony Olsen
Another one of our finest 291ers taken too soon. I had the pleasure of serving with Roger at numerous 291 sites and have some wonderful memories of those times. Roger - 73 GB EE
My deepest condolences to Roger's family and friends.
My condolences to you and your family, Trevor.