We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Roger Horn. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
I still can’t believe I am writing this. It has now been a week since my Dad died. A week of shock, sadness, denial, anger (at Covid), regret, crying, and reflection. The wind in my sails and best friend had been taken from me in an instant. I never... moreI still can’t believe I am writing this. It has now been a week since my Dad died. A week of shock, sadness, denial, anger (at Covid), regret, crying, and reflection. The wind in my sails and best friend had been taken from me in an instant. I never got to hold his hand in his last days or tell him he was my inspiration in life. I never got to say Happy Birthday today. There is no denying or sugar coating, this last week has been hard for me.
As each day passes by now, I am slowly learning to accept his death and the grief that clouds over me. I am learning to find joy in the memories I have of him and reflect on the great man he was and the legacy he has left behind. People often say I look and behave a lot like my Dad. This may be true, but I can only hope that one day I am able to be as unselfish, caring, humble, appreciative, genuine, non-judgemental, and disciplined as we all know he was.
I feel there are no further words needed for my Dad as I am sure all of us who were lucky enough to have known him, know what kind of a man he was. Someone who started with very little and created so much. Someone who was always there for others in need, no matter who. Somone who treated everyone equally. Someone who prepped us up when we felt down. Someone who loved his family and friends. Someone who has made us cry so much this past week. Someone who has left us with many happy memories to cherish and find joy forever on. Love to you all. Stay safe, hug your loved ones, and thank you so much for making my Dad happy. Happy 75th Birthday Dad! less
I remember him showing up late at night of my 21st Birthday to bring me a vase with fake flowers and 21 rolled up R10s as well as a very cute teddy that I still have on my bed. He was never sure what to get people for their birthdays but the hugs were gift enough
Roger has left us far too early and it's rocked us all because in the natural order of things he should still have had more years to enjoy his family and friends. Although we live on different continents we have always remembered him for his enthusiasm... moreRoger has left us far too early and it's rocked us all because in the natural order of things he should still have had more years to enjoy his family and friends. Although we live on different continents we have always remembered him for his enthusiasm and amazing ability to put anybody he met at ease and made them feel special. As a brother-in-law he was the best. For all of us left behind we may be able to take comfort in knowing that Death is Nothing at All.
“Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner." - by Henry Scott Holland. less
I have no words to describe the sadness of losing Roger - he was one of my all time favourite people and the man I often wished was "my dad". What a tragic loss. Try to find solace in the fact that he really loved you all so much and meant so... moreI have no words to describe the sadness of losing Roger - he was one of my all time favourite people and the man I often wished was "my dad". What a tragic loss. Try to find solace in the fact that he really loved you all so much and meant so much to so many people, specifically me - my ROGER DODGER - I will love him for life less
I can't put my father into words because he was a feeling. A good feeling. A good man. He was there when I was figuring life out. He patiently watched me and let me take my time about it. He didn't realize it, but I took notice. He was there in my... moreI can't put my father into words because he was a feeling. A good feeling. A good man. He was there when I was figuring life out. He patiently watched me and let me take my time about it. He didn't realize it, but I took notice. He was there in my darkest moments when I needed someone.
He looked past all the bad in people. Although we are a lot alike, he was far stronger and more patient with people's flaws than I could ever be. less