My earliest memories of my Uncle Rog are as a storyteller. As a boy he told me tales of his days in the merchant navy where he travelled the world. He went into great detail about all sorts of things about navy operations, and places he had visited. This was often during numerous trips on the narrowboat, which Dad owned around the mid-nineties and was in constant movement around the country. Rog and I would work the many locks together while Dad drove the boat. And of course there were a few ales at a canal side pub each evening, shandy's for me. In fact Rog was always the first to suggest a pint! The term "It's ruddling time" comes to mind, which I have never heard since, so let's put it down as a Rogerism.

Uncle Rog was always jolly, always positive, had time for everyone, and would happily chat about whatever was on his mind, often (and perhaps especially!) to new strangers. He had few inhibitions! I know that my many friends that met him over the years remember him fondly for his quips or classic icebreakers.

He was also a helper, always the first to put his hand up for anything, whether that's lugging bricks for one of Dad's many projects or tirelessly co-ordinating logistics at Pippa and Ginny's wedding. He just always wanted to be useful and never asked for thanks.

My Uncle Roger has been such an ever present part of our family, particularly at all the big seasonal gatherings, it is so hard to fathom not hearing his familiar booming voice around the table. 

He had a heart of gold. I'll miss you Uncle, I hope it's ruddling time wherever you are now.

Love Jo