VALE - Roger Mathews

UPDATE 24 JUNE 2023

Brandon Mathews asked if we could share this information with club members. They would love to see as many of Roger's friends and companions there as possible to share stories, remember him, and celebrate the impact he had on all our lives. 

Memorial date: Saturday 1st July

Memorial time: 2pm

Location of memorial: Oracle Tower One Broadbeach, Executive lounge

Address: Level 3/21 Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach QLD 4218

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It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Roger Mathews, one of the clubs life members passed away. Roger died in palliative Care on Monday night with his family around him after a long battle with cancer. He did so much for the club when he was younger, mostly after he met Dee & they did things together. They were into every part of the club, camping, walking, kayaking, cycling, running lots of things themselves. He will be sadly missed by the members of our club. 

Our condolences to his family and  many friends.

His son Brandon sent the following message to Cliff and Josie and they have given me permission to pass it onto Club members. 

Dear friends,

I write to you with a heavy heart, yet with a sense of peace. Early this morning, on 20th June 2023, our dear Roger Amherst Mathews began his 'long sleep'. He left us peacefully at 05:17 am, surrounded by his loved ones.

I want to extend my sincere apologies for the delay in sharing this news with you. The past twelve hours have been a whirlwind of emotion spent with family. I understand that many of you held Roger dear and might have wished to know sooner. Your understanding in this difficult time is deeply appreciated.

We can all agree, Roger was a beacon of light, love, and wisdom for all of us. His jolly nature, unending curiosity, and intellectual prowess made him a cherished friend, father, and mentor. His love for life was as vast as the oceans he loved to sail, and his spirit was as vibrant as the gardens he nurtured.

In honour of his life and his lasting impact on all of us, we are organizing a celebration of his life. This will be held on a day and location yet to be confirmed. We hope you can join us to remember Roger, to share stories, tears, and even laughter as we pay tribute to a truly remarkable man.

Over the past few weeks, your love, support, and prayers have meant the world to us. Each message, call, and thought has reminded us of how much Roger was loved and respected by his extended family of friends.

While we grieve his physical absence, we find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, free from pain and discomfort. As we navigate through this difficult time, we remember that Roger's spirit remains alive in our hearts, our memories, and in the legacy he leaves behind.

Thank you once again for your continued support and understanding. We will soon provide further details about the celebration of Roger's life.

In the spirit of the joy and wisdom that Roger spread so freely, let's keep his memory alive and continue to find the jolliness in life, just as he did.

With love and appreciation,

Brandon and Family