A dear friend passed away last week and though he was in his eighties, his death was a shocking surprise, the result of a fall with a bang on the head. Dr. Rog was a sweet and humble man, always ready to help and be of service in whatever situation he found himself. Most recently he might have been found giving medical advice, tutoring a needy child, or welcoming guests with a smile and a hug. In earlier years on the mission field, he gave of himself with a servant-heart, not counting the costs of putting others first, whether it was giving up sleep to see patients in the wee hours of the morning or making sure others were safe before he was. He was always ready to give you his full attention. He was quick with a quip, a man with a fun sense of humor. I have enjoyed many a stay at Rog and Eileen’s home, and those visits always included stories and, of course, ice cream, in the evenings. The sharing was rich and the friendship was a gift. My memories of Dr. Rog bring a smile to my lips and joy to my heart, but now there’s the added component of grief. I pray that each of us, his friends, and especially Eileen and his family, would find strength from the Lord as we walk through that grief. He is in a better place, but he will be sorely missed. Peace to his memory.
Sorry I don’t have a recent photo of Dr. Rog and Eileen, but I think this sun setting is representative of Rog’s life, beautiful and a blessing to all who experience it, but it is now a memory.
