The obituary notice of Roger James (Rog) STEVENS

The Impact He Left Behind

My brother’s life was a testament to generosity.
He gave without keeping score — his time, his advice, his laughter, his love.
He left behind not just memories, but lessons: to be kind even when it’s hard, to find joy in small things and to never underestimate the power of simply being there for someone.

A Personal Farewell

Though he is no longer here in the way we wish, I feel him in the quiet moments — in the way the wind moves through the trees, in the songs we used to play or enjoy, in the courage I find when I need it most.
I will carry his spirit with me, not as a shadow of loss, but as a light that guides me forward.
My brother’s story doesn’t end — it lives on in every life he touched, in every heart he warmed, and in every act of kindness inspired by his example.

Closing

I will never say goodbye.
I will say thank you — for the love, the laughter, the lessons, and the life we shared.
You were my brother by birth, but my hero by choice and I would have searched the world to have you as my friend.
I did not have to search far.
I did, I do and will love you, always,

Brother of Mine

Brother of Mine

A Personal Memory

I still remember the sound of his laughter — warm, unguarded, and contagious.
It could fill a room and, somehow, fill your heart at the same time.
My brother had a way of making even the most ordinary moments feel extraordinary. Whether it was a quiet confidential sit, a shared joke, or a late-night conversation, he had the gift of turning time into something precious.

Celebrating His Character

He was more than my brother — he was my confidant, my protector, and my friend. He lived with a rare combination of strength and kindness.
He stood firm in his principles, yet his heart was always open.
He had a way of seeing the best in people, even when they couldn’t see it in themselves.
He taught me that courage isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it’s the quiet determination to keep going, to keep loving,
And,sometimes its just to keep showing up for the people who matter.
And he did all of this that — every single day.

Celebrating You being my awesome big brother,

How… well…
Always loving…always strong…always there when you were needed,
(and sometimes when you weren’t)
Always a guide…always ready to help…always my unique friend to be counted on.
(but always being that very special mate, namely, my awesome big brother)

Rog, remember? You used to take me and friends on adventures…like…

Let’s go out on a narrow boat, cruising along a rapidly rising River Trent and get that narrow boat wedged, by its roof, (by that rising river level), under a metal girder bridge

Rog, remember your solution? 2 guys on each side of the boat standing on its gunnels, pressing up on the bridge metalwork, well...it worked, Press up on bridge…boat goes lower…river moved boat 6 inches downstream. Repeat as necessary until boat pops free. Now that was awesome big brother!!!

And whilst I’m remembering Rog, I’m sure you recall a certain Ford Transit trip to London, Middle Earth Rock Venue (venue? More like a cellar 20ft x 20ft), weird smelling ‘cigarette’ smoke in the air??? The Yardbirds playing… not quietly. Strange though how on the way home that noisy diesel Transit was much much quieter but we still had to shout to hear one another… for the next week.

Roger, you were my best man, not only when I married Brenda, but also on every single day, both before and since.

Awesome big brother!!!

Celebrating you Rog , simply being Rog


Rog , having reached your mature years, you fully adopted and practised until recent months the true power and meaning of someone else’s words, this time words written, written perhaps for you, into a song called,

“Don’t let the old man in”,

and Rog in the overwhelming vast majority of your recent ‘mature’ years you never never really did, (let the old man in,) In fact you went even further .You kept him damn well out.

That same song goes on to say, “How old would you be if you didn’t know the day you were born.”

That’s talking about you again brother, until recent months you were the age defying Rog, who apparently had the ability to ignore your date of birth.

Sometimes filled with a childlike wonder, sometimes mature, sometimes funny, but always always without fail, a loving loving man. That was Rog simply being Rog.


Celebrating that you Rog, are and will forever be a gift

Not just to me but to all of your family you were, you are and will forever remain the gift of our lifetimes.

Let me put that more poetically …

From beginning to end, for each moment, forever, each day.
Such a gift that’s been given, it can never be taken away!!!
You are in our hearts, you are here, you could never be gone.
Though the singer is silent, there still remains the truth of their song
Though the singer is silent, there still remains the truth of their song

Rog, we thank you for the gift of You

Pete Stevens

Celebrating the lasting presence of Roger …


I cannot see you now, but I know that you are truly with me and with all of your family.

Rog, based on our recent hand-gripping chat and the strength of your belief that,

“…your passing would not be the end of you.”

I’d like to think you may have expressed that further, perhaps like this…

I’m here / Would I lie to you?

When I am gone from you, free me, to onward go.
I have so many things to see, to say and to do,
Don’t shackle yourself to me with your tears,
But rather be thankful we had so many many beautiful years.

So, grieve for me for a while,
As surely as one day, your grief will become a smile.
Strange though this is that we’re perhaps truly apart,
Lets all embrace our memories and our love within our heart.

I won't be far away as life goes on.
And if you need me, call me, I will come.
Though sight unseen I will be near.
And if you listen, you will hear.
…

Would I lie to you?

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Roger,

It was,

it is,

and it will forever be

My honour, privilege and absolute joy that we called each brother.


Never ending love Yuff


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It was great for me, growing up with two `boy cousins`, Rog and Pete, who I could spend time with as friends rather than just relations. At family gatherings at our Grandparents house on Meadow Lane, Rog was always the one who would create `sketches` with one of our Aunt`s, and make us all howl with laughter. To recently meet up with Rog, Cath, Claire and Christopher and their growing families, mostly in The Hutt or The Fox, it has always been filled with laughter and happiness. Now, There aren`t enough words that can begin to say how I feel for you all at this devastating time and for Pete and Brenda. Sympathy doesn`t say it. Much love to all. from Hilary, Samantha and Amanda Espley.