September 23, 1946 – November 18, 2017
at the age of 71 years
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Fischer’s Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Salmon Arm (250) 833-1129.
Roger passed away suddenly at his home in Salmon Arm on November 18, 2017 at the age of 71. He was the youngest child of Fred and Norah Williams of Creston B.C. He is survived by his wife Janis (of 47 years), his sons Scott (Camilla) and Justin (Shasta), and his five cherished grandchildren; Laura, Sara, Matthew, Arianna and Ashton. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Earl.
Roger graduated as a mining engineer from the University of British Columbia in 1970 and worked in various locations such as Kimberley, Pine Point, Logan Lake, Kitsault, and Fernie before retiring to Salmon Arm in 2005.
Roger was an avid gardener and generously shared his produce with others. He enjoyed building furniture, fishing, rock polishing, and jewellery making. Roger also played tennis, ping pong, pickle ball and badminton. Known for his good-natured teasing, joking and tall tales, there was never a dull moment when Roger was around! Roger will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Fischer’s Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Salmon Arm (250) 833-1129.
I first had the opportunity of working with Roger in 1988 at Line Creek. I was fresh out of school and was extremely nervous / terrified about what I had gotten myself into. It was through Roger’s mentoring that I both grew as a person and as an engineer. He is someone who I owe a great deal to and would not be in the position that I am today with out his guidance during that period. I consider it an honour and a pleasure to worked with him. My condolences to the family.
I first met Roger in 1980 when he hired me to work on the Kitsault mine project, and also had the good fortune to work with him at the Line Creek mine. Roger was a great mentor and I enjoyed the years we worked together.
Condolences to Janis and family.
To the Williams family, Our condolences on the passing of your Rodger
I was very saddened when I received the news of Rogers passing our thoughts and prayers go out to Rogers family. I met Roger about four years playing Pickleball at Club Shuswap. He was a unique and crafty player and it wasn’t long before you found yourself running from the net to the back baseline to try and return one of those sneaky lobs. Roger was always smiling and always had something kind to say to everyone so happy to have played with Roger only two weeks ago it was a memorable game. Last Sunday at our indoor pickle ball at the rec centre we had a moment of silence for Roger and 30 people lined the baseline and all hit a Roger lob to say farewell .Roger You’ll be forever missed bye everyone at the salmon arm pickle ball club , Jeff & Julie Gerrard
We enjoyed Roger’s positive outlook on life. His friendliness with everyone and of course his marvellous sense of humour. He made all those who came in contact with him better people. Our table tennis group will miss him very much.
Janis & family
Our sincere condolences for the loss of Roger!
We will miss him on the pickleball court here & in Yuma
Albert & Trish Probyn
Our hearts are saddened and our thoughts are with all of you. Too many good memories to list – frog ponds, chopping wood, sleepovers, the gardens, fishing trips – I’m pretty sure he saved me from drowning that one time. An awesome guy and a great dad. He will be remembered as a hard working, family man by everyone who knew him – bad jokes and all.
Lots of love to everyone from all the Rivas.
Janis and family.
So sorry to hear about your loss. I can imagine what a great shock this was to all. You ‘yoga family’ sends you lots of love and light during this difficult time.
“Even death is not to be feared by someone who has lived so wisely” Buddha.
It was a life well lived, a 47 years life journey together, with kindness, love, and compassion.
Namaste
Was shocked to hear of Roger’s sudden passing!
He will be dearly missed on the pickleball courts by many. He infected the atmosphere with his kabitzing and good-natured banter. I loved giving it right back!
When I first started playing pickleball with Roger, I called him “Roger Rabbit” as a way to remember his name but quickly changed it to “Roger the Lobster” because he loved to lob many of his balls and watch the frustration on our faces as we scrambled back to the baseline and most times fumble the ball! He mastered that shot from his tennis background.
Our heartfelt condolences to his family!
Deb & Scott McDonald
Hi Janis & family.
As mentioned in an earlier message, it was with a great deal of sadness that we learned of Roger’s passing. A great guy, a great mining engineer, a great mentor, a great sportsman, and a caring family man, all qualities that made Roger the person he was.He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Annette & Bob
Dear Roger’s Family,
I am very sad to hear this news. I will fondly remember Roger as an avid tennis player at the Salmon Arm Tennis Club and I feel privileged to have played many matches with him during Sunday Social. Roger, I will miss your laughter and enthusiasm.
Please accept our condolences. Working with Roger at Line Creek was a pleasure. His mannerism and professionalism made him a leader and a great person to work with.
We were very saddened to hear of Roger’s sudden passing having known him for a long time both in Fernie and then subsequently in Salmon Arm. He will be sorely missed for his wonderful, fun-loving nature and for his camaraderie on the courts, be it tennis, badminton or pickleball. Please acccept our condolences. Marion and Chris Guiver
Roger touched so many of us and we are all richer for knowing him. We are missing his friendship, his stories, his jokes, his laughter. Janis and your family are so lucky to have had such a fine man in your lives. My deepest codolenses for your loss.
I was very sad to hear the news of Roger’s passing. Played pickle ball with him twice in the last few weeks, always so fun to be around………he will be dearly missed.
So sorry for your loss Janis and family.
Mary Reynolds
We will miss Roger a lot. Why do the good ones die young? Love to Janis and Family
Janis and family:
It was sad to hear of Roger’s passing. At Line Creek, I remember him well as a very capable engineer, and appreciated his professionalism, his ingenuity, and his ever-present sense of humour. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Don Townsend