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.
Livre de visiteurs
Richard Groen
Randean Coady
My Sincere Condolences to Linda Delorme and Family. Xo
Gabriel Airoldi
I had the pleasure of working with Roger for the 13 years he spent at the Communication center in Ottawa (CANSOC). Roger was always appreciated as a friend and a co-worker. Our sympathies are with his family and friends.
Bob and Jenny Cameron
We share you loss and will continue to pray for all of you.
Martial Madore
RIP
Diane walsh
Dear Linda and family. To say I’m sorry really isn’t enough. I never had the pleasure of meeting roger but know his special he was in your life
Treasure and hold on tight to all the wonderful memories of your time together .
Sending prayers and hugs to help you heal. One day at a time ?????????
.
Dean Silver
I first met Roger on my 1st Alert tour - he was the BTC on shift - he seemed to be a bit gruff at first, but he was actually a very mellow guy - the last time I saw Roger was in 1993 when we switched posting - he came to Leitrim while I went to Masset to fill his spot - I was his sponsor in Otttawa - he & his family had driven from Masset to Ottawa - along the trip it had got so hot that the rearview mirror in his vehicle had fallen off - funny - gave him a tour of the Ottawa base - from the git-go he was a super guy & nothing less when I last saw him in Ottawa before I started my drive out to B.C. - cannot say enough about how much of a fantastic guy and friend Roger was - not only to me, but to many, many, many people in the 291 trade - I will miss him, many will miss him - RIP Roger !!
Trevor Scott Tibbits
There is the idea that a person is not truly gone until the last person who knew them speaks their name. I don’t think you knew how much you were loved, admired, and revered by so many. Your presence will be felt for a long time.
Throughout my life you have always been an anchor to our family, strong and enduring through all the storms we’ve faced. I am the man I am today because of you. I was so happy that, when in your waning hours, you told me you were proud of me.
I love you dad, everyday and twice on Sunday.
I will miss you, but I will never forget you. Be at peace, be with family.
Paul Batchelor
Roger and I served together, at a number of locations, during our time as 291'ers. A real gentleman and quiet, effective leader he always put the needs of others ahead of his own (perhaps that explains his loyalty to the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays). Full credit to family and friends for helping Roger cope with a terrible, incurable disease.
Faye Ireland
Thank you Roger for your long service in our Navy. Even more, I thank you for being such a loving husband to my dear friend, Linda. You brought great happiness to both of your families. Shall miss my fellow Leaf fan. Go Leafs Go!
He was a great man who will be missed very much.