Thinking of you, Rodger, and hoping you're doing well up there in Heaven. Andrew just turned 25 on August 2! Sorry you're not here to celebrate with us. Julia has come to like the East Coast. She's in DC again for the summer. I think of you every time that song comes on, "Emergency, emergency!" Reminds me of you singing that on my answering machine...We miss you! Love, Carol

Rodger was one of the older cousins. He was best friends with my brother Billy and my sister Jeanne. They were like brothers and sisters. My memories of Rodger are through their eyes mostly. And they loved him with their whole heart. I love hearing about the days in the Bronx and the family. I remember Rodger coming to our house in New City and sitting in the kitchen having coffee with Mom and Nana. He loved to visit our home. He was very comfortable there and loved being with my parents. He would talk and talk for hours. And so one year later, he is still missed and loved. Rodger is in the best company on the other side watching over all of us.

On August 14, Rodger's Uncle Donald wrote:
"Rodger was a guy with a handicap all his life but he had no shortage of goodness. He was a 'good' person. I know he annoyed people from time to time, but it was most often due to his straight talk. He always said what he thought and that in itself is a rarity in today's world. I knew him well from the day he was born till he was five. Everything after that was second hand until he started working at Freedomland in the Bronx. Everyone I had him working with him had nothing but good to say about him and he usually brightened their day, though sometimes without knowing it. What I feel good about is that he didn't die alone."

Rodger's spirit is still with us today. We feel his warm presence after spending so much wonderful time with him during the last month of his life. He was so appreciative of our families presence and really loved the kids and Shadow. His faith sustained him. He loved all the small pleasures in life like his music, food, and baseball. He says the Cubs year will be next year. As we say, from your mouth to G-d's ears. Rodger we will miss you !

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Rodger in his last week in Glenview and saw his warmth and graciousness radiate out to anyone he met. I'm sure he will be missed by all who came to know him but will be remembered in their hearts.