Peacefully at Seaforth Manor on November 25, 2021 of Seaforth at the age of 72. Loving son of the late Mildred “Molly” (Gloor) and the late Charles Harkness. Cherished nephew Milton and Wanda Dietz. Missed by cousins Lance Battley and Robin Battley (Lois); Brenda Scholten, Jane Carnochan (Harold McCutcheon), and Brian Dietz; Brad Knight (Christine), Steve Knight (Marnie), and Joanne Black (Weldon). Predeceased by aunts Pearl Battley (Len), and Donna Knight (Jack).
Roger was quiet, kind, warm and giving man with a dry sense of humor. He was very pleasant to all he came in contact with. Roger received his computer engineering degree from the University of Windsor. As a computer engineer he worked in Calgary and Toronto, his job took him on various trips to places like Japan and California. He also loved music and used to play woodwind instruments in a band during his time in Chatham.
In keeping with Roger’s wishes cremation has taken place. Donations to Mission Services of London or Salvation Army would be appreciated.
Murray Lethbridge
I met Roger at Novate. We hit it off as the family and I are from the Chatham area, Port Alms is where I grew up, married a Chatham girl and moved to Brampton to work for Nortel. Roger and I had a lot in common, both being from the Chatham area. I was in purchasing in the Plant in Lethbridge while Roger was in purchasing in the head office in Calgary. I will miss him even though I have not seen him for a few years. Rob and Lynn thanks for keeping me in the loop. Roger and I hard various opinions about some of the senior management. We met in Ontario a few times to break bread. Sleep well Roger. Murray Lethbridge
Robert Blake
Roger was a great friend and colleague who I remember with fondness. We travelled together to Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Tokyo. It was an honour and privilege to know him. His knowledge regarding contracts and electronics was astonishing. When in Vancouver one time we were race marshals in a half marathon and had a great time directing runners around Stanley Park. In Japan we had to travel around the country visiting factories and often did not know what we ordered for lunch but he always ate whatever arrived at our table. Several times he drove up from Chatham to Markham for dinner when I was doing a show there, great times at dinner for sure. Roger a vast knowledge about current events and a sense of humour that was subtle on many occasions and made one think.
His car collection was eclectic, at one time or another he a had a Cadillac DTS and a Honda Civic Si. Both considered classics.
I will miss him very much.
Jelana and Joyce
Heartfelt sympathy to the family. I got to know Roger when he was living in Toronto and my mother and father when he was in Ottawa. A great person and friend who gave lots.
Lynn McDonald
I first met Roger in 1984, when working at NovAtel Communications in Calgary. He was the manager of our Purchasing Department and had recently moved to Calgary. I know he cared deeply for the people in his department and he supported us all.
On a business trip to Toronto in the late 1980’s, I will always remember Roger picking the dinner spot one evening – and I had my one and only occasion to dine at Honest Ed’s Warehouse Restaurant. What a classic spot! We had so much fun. He was quite happy to show off Toronto to someone from Calgary.
We met for lunch in Chatham on one occasion and kept in touch over the years.
After he moved to Seaforth – a small group of us visited him as often as possible.
Roger was a very sincere, ethical and caring person. He had many good friends and will be missed.
I will miss him.
My sincere condolences to his family. Wishing you peace and comfort. I am so sorry for your loss.
WIth heartfelt sympathy,
Lynn
Joanne Baarda
My condolences to the family. I knew him while he was with us at Maplewood Manor.
Kathy McNichol
My sympathy to the entire family.I had a lot of fun with Roger at Maplewood.A very smart and interesting man if you took the time to know him.He will not be forgotten!