Honoring Roger Lauderback
Donation protected
My brother-in-law, Roger Lauderback, passed away on Friday, Nov. 2. He was just shy of 73 years old, and he was fighting a long battle with stage 4 colon cancer.
Roger was an exemplary man. He was the definition of integrity. He lived a life of service - first as a combat Marine soldier, with two tours of duty in the Vietnam war, enlisting at the age of 17. He then served as a PA Fish Commission Officer, full time for many, many years, and even when he moved on to the Sheriff's Department in Montgomery County, he still was an active part-time Fish Commission Officer.
Roger reached the level of 32nd degree in the Freemasons. He served as a member of the board in the Stony Creek Anglers organization, which is a fishing and water-life conservation club. If there was any need for a volunteer in the community to teach kids or adults about his passions - fishing, hunting, and conservation - Roger was first in line. He was active in more civil clubs than I can list here, giving his time and knowledge freely.
Never one to sit idle, Roger worked in the Gun Permits Division of the Sheriff's Department until he was about 71 years old. Unfortunately, while he was working, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. And after leaving his position, with it impossible to carry his benefits with him, he was unable to secure even the smallest burial policy without a 2 year hold. Although he did take out that policy, and tried to fight through his chemo treatments and the reactions from them, he couldn't hit that 2 year mark. And so, our family is searching for help to give Roger a dignified funeral.
We have been rocked by tragedy over the past 2 years, and Roger has always been there to assist - emotionally, and in any way he could through the various connections he had. When my daughter and granddaughter were murdered, Roger arranged for police officers to hold traffic and stand in respect at every intersection as the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery. That seemingly small touch was a kindness and compassion that meant the world to me, and he did that without being asked - in fact, I did not know such a thing was even possible. He deserves the same dignity. I want to make sure he is honored.
Roger is leaving behind his beloved wife, Rose, my friend and sister-in-law. Their marriage was one of true devotion and friendship, and she is lost and devastated. I don't want this burden to be on her, combined with her grief and heartbreak. Rose was with Roger every day for 56 days in the ICU at 3 different hospitals, literally living with him as him as he was transferred from Suburban Community Hospital to Kindred and then on to Lankenau, where he lost his fight. Each hospital and all the medical staff were wonderful, but Roger was just too sick, and too tired to continue.
Any funds received will be used to pay for funeral home and cemetery costs, as well as any additional funeral expenses. Because of the length of Roger's illness and the time Rose spent with him, never leaving his side, many household expenses have been ignored, as new and more urgent costs took precedent. I hope to bring everything up to date. Any unpaid medical bills will be addressed. I had no idea how expensive it is to be critically ill.
We are a family of faith, and Roger was a man of God. Please remember him, and all those who are now without him, in your heart and in your prayers. Thank you so much for your help, whether it be financially, in spirit, or by passing this along.
Roger was an exemplary man. He was the definition of integrity. He lived a life of service - first as a combat Marine soldier, with two tours of duty in the Vietnam war, enlisting at the age of 17. He then served as a PA Fish Commission Officer, full time for many, many years, and even when he moved on to the Sheriff's Department in Montgomery County, he still was an active part-time Fish Commission Officer.
Roger reached the level of 32nd degree in the Freemasons. He served as a member of the board in the Stony Creek Anglers organization, which is a fishing and water-life conservation club. If there was any need for a volunteer in the community to teach kids or adults about his passions - fishing, hunting, and conservation - Roger was first in line. He was active in more civil clubs than I can list here, giving his time and knowledge freely.
Never one to sit idle, Roger worked in the Gun Permits Division of the Sheriff's Department until he was about 71 years old. Unfortunately, while he was working, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. And after leaving his position, with it impossible to carry his benefits with him, he was unable to secure even the smallest burial policy without a 2 year hold. Although he did take out that policy, and tried to fight through his chemo treatments and the reactions from them, he couldn't hit that 2 year mark. And so, our family is searching for help to give Roger a dignified funeral.
We have been rocked by tragedy over the past 2 years, and Roger has always been there to assist - emotionally, and in any way he could through the various connections he had. When my daughter and granddaughter were murdered, Roger arranged for police officers to hold traffic and stand in respect at every intersection as the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery. That seemingly small touch was a kindness and compassion that meant the world to me, and he did that without being asked - in fact, I did not know such a thing was even possible. He deserves the same dignity. I want to make sure he is honored.
Roger is leaving behind his beloved wife, Rose, my friend and sister-in-law. Their marriage was one of true devotion and friendship, and she is lost and devastated. I don't want this burden to be on her, combined with her grief and heartbreak. Rose was with Roger every day for 56 days in the ICU at 3 different hospitals, literally living with him as him as he was transferred from Suburban Community Hospital to Kindred and then on to Lankenau, where he lost his fight. Each hospital and all the medical staff were wonderful, but Roger was just too sick, and too tired to continue.
Any funds received will be used to pay for funeral home and cemetery costs, as well as any additional funeral expenses. Because of the length of Roger's illness and the time Rose spent with him, never leaving his side, many household expenses have been ignored, as new and more urgent costs took precedent. I hope to bring everything up to date. Any unpaid medical bills will be addressed. I had no idea how expensive it is to be critically ill.
We are a family of faith, and Roger was a man of God. Please remember him, and all those who are now without him, in your heart and in your prayers. Thank you so much for your help, whether it be financially, in spirit, or by passing this along.
Organizer
Stacy Ludy
Organizer
King of Prussia, PA