Roger and I were both born in England and immigrated to California. Roger in 1962 me in 1966.
We both came to America to find fame and fortune. I am not sure about Roger, I thought everyone in America was rich and the streets were paved with movie stars.
We are both proud to have accomplished our own version of the American dream.
Roger’s father was a taxi driver and his mother a homemaker and accountant. Although he said he came from humble beginnings, it might interest you to know that to become a London taxi driver takes 3-4 years of study. They are considered the best in the world.
Roger and I discovered that moving 6,000 miles away from England, at a time when nobody expected much from women or those born into the working class, that America gave us the opportunity to become who we were destined to be.
Roger was the successful president of one of California’s largest real estate companies.
When he transitioned into his professional speaking career, he was in demand to train managers and salespeople at the top companies in the United States and worldwide.
He was famous for the philosophy “You will never make money faster than when you are negotiating!”
His friends in the National Speakers Association respected and admired him for his personality, great content, and wicked sense of humor.
In 1991 Roger was inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame.
That is a very big deal in the world of professional speaking. Roger was a power negotiator and the ultimate sales professional.
When I, as a young woman and successful men’s hairstylist with aspirations of being a professional speaker attended NSA conventions, my fellow Brit Roger was kind, welcoming, and encouraging.
He always had a twinkle in his eye and a kind word for everyone.
In case you are thinking, “That jacket is a bit flashy for this situation.” May I remind you, Roger liked women who enjoyed dressing up.
One of the sayings bedazzled into my jacket is Dream with Ambition.
Roger did. And we are here to celebrate his life.
Life is what we are given.
Living is what we do with it.
There is no tragedy in a life well lived that runs its course.
Although we will no longer enjoy Roger’s company.
We will always have our cherished memories.
RIP Roger. You are loved, respected, and you will never be forgotten.
That… is a life… well-lived.
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