Guest 688- Registered: 16 Jul 2009
- Posts: 268
Rest in peace,Dover has just become a little greyer.
Guest 683- Registered: 11 Feb 2009
- Posts: 1,052
Very sad news indeed. A great man whose company I always enjoyed. I will miss our conversations when I could call him 'The Fascist' and he, me, 'The Trotskyist'!
I was waiting for him to arrange another run out to a local pub but will have a quiet drink for him instead.
Strangely I dreamt about him on Tuesday night and he looked younger and healthier but still with that sparkle in his eyes.
R.I.P. Roger.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
I've been without internet connection for a few days so couldn't post earlier.
I was so saddened by the news of Roger's death. It was Nigel who told me. I called Pauline yesterday to offer my condolences - it was at 1am he passed away, so events are very raw just now.
He was such a wonderful character; although he had a computer, he didn't have a TV and only recently bought a "portable telephone" as he called mobile phones. He was about 58 or 59, so not old at all.
The World is indeed a sadder place. He will be missed by many many people.
Roger
Guest 768- Registered: 30 Aug 2012
- Posts: 43
I had known Roger & Pauline for 20 years so find this difficult. Although I'm no longer in Dover I will endeavour to be there when it matters.
Non me minoris aestimo
Guest 767- Registered: 30 Aug 2012
- Posts: 458
Roger was a friend of mine, and I will miss him, a gentleman in every sense of the word, and very much a good 'chap'. many a meal in the cabin, and many pints shared in many a good house. Fare you well Roger and God bless.
Guest 656- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,262
I only met Roger a couple or so times but he certainly left a lasting impression on me, he was a lovely man. Sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Guest 664- Registered: 23 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,039
very saddened and upset to hear this - Roger was indeed a true gentleman, and one of the nicest people you could wish to meet.
Terrible news - Dover will never quite be the same again.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Totally agree Andrew.
Maybe the Yacht Club won't be the same either; he was Hon. Sec. there and a leading light too.
He was on at least one Dover Society Committee, maybe more.
Larger than life.
Roger
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
I still can not get my head round this one,and so young,as it has already been said a very sad lost to his family, all of us,and the Town of Dover,best we can do is give him a very good send off, when we know where and time
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
There was an unusual gathering of yachts this morning in the harbour..as Roger was a leading light there at the Yacht Club, as mentioned previously, I wonder if they had gathered accordingly as a respectful tribute...
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Hope you are right,if you are its a well done to them.
Guest 768- Registered: 30 Aug 2012
- Posts: 43
Here's a photo I took of Roger at the Yacht Club on New Years Eve 2006
Non me minoris aestimo
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
Well done Paul with that picture. Good to have that on show.
Further re the yachts this morning. At 12.30pm they gathered in a straight line and started a 'flypast' of the yacht club about 12.40pm. There was a large gathering of members on the yacht club veranda to see them go by. Not seen this before outside of the Regatta so can only assume it was linked to Roger.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Thank you so much for showing that.
Guest 695- Registered: 30 Mar 2010
- Posts: 426
Yes there was a gathering at the Yacht Club at lunchtime along with a sail past of the aforementioned yachts and a tolling of the bell.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
As a member of the Yacht Club, I received this email - sadly we couldn't go:
"Dear Member
In view of the recent tragic news, this weekend's scheduled race will take place inside Dover Harbour as a tribute to Roger Marples.
The phrase "one of life's gentlemen" tends to get overworked - but anyone who knew Roger will appreciate that this description fitted him to a tee. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with Pauline.
Clock Tower briefing at 09.30 with the start at 11.00
Followed by a beer in the Clubhouse in his honour
It would be a great tribute if we could get as many people and boats on the water as possible, so do please try to attend this occasion, either as a race boat or even as a spectator."
Roger was a very valued member of the Yacht Club; I'm sure they gave him a good send off.
There must be many tales being told of Roger today and will be for many days to come, a lovely bloke - in every respect.
Roger
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
When anyone knows the funeral date and time, please post it here as we are determined to be there.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 756- Registered: 6 Jun 2012
- Posts: 727
I didn't know Roger, but having lost my husband, Vic, on the 13th of August at just 57 yrs old, my sincere sympathies go to his wife and family.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
really sorry to hear that lesley, i remember you posting about vic having a heart problem.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
Sorry to hear that Lesley.
