I find myself trying to explain the kind of person Roger was and I realize that's probably foolish since you all probably knew him the same way I did. I hope you did. Roger was so many things that it's hard for me to land on one trait or one memory that really sums him up, so I'll share some of my favorite things about him.
1) Roger was one of the saltiest people I knew, but also the kindest and the most thoughtful. When he was salty, it was often with good reason and often in defense of his friends and family.
2) Roger could sit in a room full of people and have a genuine connection with each of them on an individual level. I still marvel at this and do not know how he was able to do it. I think Roger's level of self-interest was so low that when he talked to you, it was like you were being interviewed. It was like your grandfather was asking you about your day. There was a level of comfort talking to Roger that is near unparalleled. I don't talk to anyone on the phone for longer than five minutes, but I had calls with Roger that went over an hour.
3) Roger could tease you mercilessly and have you laughing harder about it than anyone else.
4) Roger did not suffer fools... unless that fool was a friend. I put this to the test on more than one occasion and Roger was the truest friend about it.
5) Roger was devilishly clever. Not just with his work, but with navigating bureaucracies, assessing people, understanding clients, reading between the lines... If his pride allowed him to be boastful, he had plenty of room to boast, but the only things I ever heard Roger be proud of personally were the way he helped people at work and the work he did to make sure Lauren would be provided for when he passed on. Even the things he was proud of revolved around the people he cared about.
6) Roger loved Cleveland in ways that I didn't really understand, but it was contagious. I don't have favorite teams, but it'll be hard not to root for the Browns and the Indians now. So I have that heartbreak to look forward to?
7) In his passing, Roger has reinforced the things that really matter in life and I hope I keep them close to heart.
Today is Star Wars Day (May the 4th). Roger liked to quote Yoda's statement "luminous beings are we" and that it inspired him to be less afraid. If we return to the stars that we came from, I know that Roger is one of the brightest ones. I only knew him for a short time, but he filled a lot of that time with a luminous energy that can't be replaced. Roger - mai bigge buddy - if your energy is picking this up, I love you.
