In Memory Of - Terry Rogers

In Memory Of ...

Terry Rogers
1937 - 1998

Terry Rogers, my father was born on the 14 August 1937 in Eltham southeast England. This being a small town on the outskirts of London it is also quite close to the Kent countryside. Dad was the eldest child of three born to Grace Mary Rogers and Stanley William Rogers. His young years were spent avoiding the bombs sent over from Germany, as he was two years old when war broke out and eight when it ended. Many a story dad told my two sisters and me about when he was a child playing amongst the bombed ruins. He was one of the many evacuees' sent away during the war and he and his mother and two sisters were sent to Bude in Cornwall.

He joined the army cadets and later when he was eighteen he was conscripted to do his national service for two years. He served with the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers R.E.M.E. and so when he came out he served a further two years as an apprentice with the government and passed with ONC and HNC qualifications. He then worked for the government for all his working life until he took early retirement in 1995 at the age of 58. After the war my father and his family settled in Plumstead also in Southeast London, whilst working at Seamons he met my mother and romance blossomed and they wed at Woolwich at the registry office which is situated in the town hall.

Dad was a strong man. All the grandchildren called him " big strong granddad". He worked very hard and although he suffered a lot of emotional strain in the last twenty years of his life, he coped well. After losing his father, his mother needed him and his sister Marcia a lot more, until the last few years before dad was taken, she depended more on the both of them. Dad always said " you have to stand by your mum, she brought you into the world, the least you can do is make sure she is safe when she gets old". His devotion to looking after his mum will live with me forever, as will his kindness.

Some of dads sayings are inscribed in my brain, such as "that's the way of things" and "jolly good" also "stand up and say uncle" and "it's all part of the plot old bean" and a few more of the best "The captain said to the cabin boy, tell me a story" and "it's only me from over the sea" and finally "old Mick the bladder blower". He made us laugh with them and many more and as he wandered up my path many a night he would say "Where's the "HERBS"?" Its what he called all the grandchildren.

I could talk for hours about my father but a fitting tribute will be to say that he was such a loving caring man. He would always think of others and his devotion to his family was second to none.

Dad, losing you has tore my heart in two, I miss you so very much, I'm sure I speak for all the family when I say "we loved you dearly" and we still do. I miss you so much it hurts, but remember, one day we will be together once again and when that time comes I will hold you tight in my arms and not let go again.

Love, Jonathan, Julie, Jaynie, Mum, Marcia, Sue & Alison and finally all the HERBS

Goodnight God bless