Rafuse; Roger Eugene, age 91, of Milton, Queens County, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 21st, 2016, in Queens General Hospital, Liverpool.
Born in Milton, he was a son of the late Harvey and Edith (MacLeod) Rafuse.
Roger received his education in Milton and, at age 17, he joined the RCAF, receiving his basic training at Lachine, Quebec and was posted to Gander, NFLD where he served most of his service time from 1943 – 1946. He received his discharge at Greenwood, N.S.. Later, with his wife Mary, he moved to Sudbury, Ontario and worked for the Frood Stobey Nickel Mine. He returned to Liverpool and was an employee for Bowater Mersey Paper Co., Ltd. for 40 years until his retirement in 1986. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Roger was very active in sports for many years, playing baseball, softball, hockey and bowling. He had a keen interest in country music. With guitar in hand and joining friends, he played in variety shows and entertained at Senior’s homes. He was one of the founding members and a director of the Hank Snow Country Music Center in Liverpool as well as a member of the Hank Snow Society.
At the time of his death, he was an active member of Prince of Wales Lodge #29, Milton and Arbutus Chapter #30 of the Order of Eastern Star, Milton. Queens Chapter #34 of the Order of Eastern Star, Mersey Branch #38, Royal Canadian Legion, Seniors Activity Group and Trinity Anglican Church, all of Liverpool. Roger was a good friend and will be sadly missed by all who knew him here and in the USA.
Roger is survived by his son, Wayne (Susan), of Liverpool; grandchildren Bren and Ali; good friend and companion, Esther Legge; a number of nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his loving cat, Friskie.
Roger was predeceased by his loving wife Mary (Whalen) of 52 years; sister, Dorothy; brother, Ralph.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 25th, 2016, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. A Legion Memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Masonic memorial service and an Order of Eastern Star memorial service. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, September 26th, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. from Trinity Anglican Church, Liverpool. Reverend Bonnie Baird and Reverend Judy Cross officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Anglican Cemetery, Bog Road, Liverpool. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. To share memories or condolences please visit www.chandlersfuneral.com.
The family would like to thank the nurses at Queens General Hospital and also a special thank-you to Dr. Woodford for the care he gave to Roger.
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Gordon and Jackie Eisnor
Wayne,Susan and Family and Esther:Very sorry to hear of Roger’s passing.Roger was a very good friend and will be greatly missed at many music jams
Darren Horton.
My condolences to the family. I met Roger many years ago playing softball with my dad (Bazil). A very nice man.
Rick Henneberry
My thoughts are prayers go out to all of Rogers family. I have had many wonderful conversations with Roger over the years. His spirit and joyful outlook will be seriously missed around my shop. A very great man .. My deepest condolences
Murray and Donna Rolfe
To Wayne and Family
Sorry to here of your Dads passing.There are lots of fond memories over the years, from our days of him taking us to the rink to the yarns at work.He will be missed by all.
Bessie Harnish
I’m am so sorry to hear of Rogers passing.A real shock to me.I sang many times with him as one of the players behind me.He will be missed.I also saw him to the Legion dances.where he looked like he was always enjoying himself.May he rest in heaven with the Angles singing to his guitar playing.R.I.P
John & Peggy Whynot
Dear Wayne, Susan & Family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy at this sad time.
The Andrews'
Wayne, Susan & family, we are thinking of you guys during this difficult time. If there is anything we can do, let us know.
Love, Ken, Loretta, Kate and Sam
David Whynot
Sorry to hear of Roger.s passing i am going miss him in Church on Sunday,s Morning and at the Friday night Fever Dance i have had many wonderful Conversation with Roger over the years his Spirit joyful outlook will be seriously missed around town and different places we will missed his smile and a great sense of humor and was a great man loves telling now he is in heaven to be with his wife Mary and a friend Elise Croft being together again R I P Roger Rafuse he will going to Church with all the Angels in Heaven from David
Clyde and David Whynot
We are very sorry to hear of Roger,s passing our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time R I P Roger until we meet again
David & Helen Fox
So sorry for your loss. Please except our condolences.
Janice Mitchell
Wayne and family. I am saddened to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a wonderful man who will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. Keep his memory close to your heart. Rest in Peace Roger.
HeatherWhslen
We are so very sorry for your loss I’m really going to miss him a lot and a big thank you to everyone who was by his side and kept him comfortable RIP Uncle Roger xo
Geraldine and Harry Cunningham.
Sorry to hear about Roger passing.Mom had good times with Rodger and Mary
Playing the guitar and laughing so much fun. Alway’s stopped to have a chat. Our thought’s and prayer’s are with the family.
Anna-Stell Vaughn
Dear Wayne, Susan and Family,
Sending loving thoughts and prayers at this sad and difficult time.
Sincerely, Anna-Stell
Anna Greek and Carla Roy
To Roger’s Family
Please accept our sincere condolence…We got to know Roger very well from the variety shows and dances.We will miss his stories and jokes and fancy dance moves.
To Esther
We are so sorry for your loss.You and Roger were so perfect together…both enjoying each others company.Roger seemed to have a permanent smile on his face whenever you were around.We are sending you lots and lots of hugs….
Michelle Colp
Dear Wayne, Susan & family,
So very sorry to hear about Roger’s passing. I thoroughly enjoyed every conversation I had with him, he was such a sweet man, and his smile could light up a room. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies, he will be missed by all who knew him. May the memories you carry, help get you through this difficult time.
Kindest regards,
Michelle Colp
Tanya Long
We at Veinot’s Print are so sorry for your loss.. Roger was one of our favorite customers…our thoughts an prayers are with you at this difficult time. May his music forever play in Heaven.
susan mosher-richards
Wayne,Susan and family…no words will make things better at this time just know that you have wonderful memories that will last forever..
Susan MacNutt
Wayne, Susan, and family,
I was very sad to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a
good person and will be sorely missed. Take care.
Peggy and Richard Hatt
Dear Wayne ,Susan and family and Esther ,.
I was so sorry to hear of Roger’s illness and passing ..I will miss having our chats whenever our paths crossed ..He was so active in his life right up until his recent diagnosis . He sure led an interesting life and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him …
Sincerely Peggy and Richard Hatt.
Audrey McKinnon
Sincere condolences on the loss of Roger, a very good friend.
Terry & Linda Whynot
So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Remember him well.
Ira and Brenda Huskins
Wayne and Rogers family. Sorry for your loss. We would see Roger at variety and Jam sessions we attended. He will be missed for sure.
Lauren Tutty
Dear Wayne, Susan and Family…Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Brenda Lawrence
Wayne , Susan and family . So sorry to hear that Roger passed away . He was such a gentleman . Hang onto his memories , this helps with the difficult day’s ahead . My thought’s and prayers are with you . Sincerely Brenda Lawrence .
Carla whynot
Dear Wayne, Susan and family,
Sorry for your loss. Too many great men going so soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ester…..thank you for all the hugs and prayers for Gaven….know that I am sending them to you too.
Marie Lamrock
Dear Wayne, Susan and family:
It is with sadness that I read of your dad’s passing. I am sure there have been many memories made over the years that you can reflect on to make this difficult time easier. If I can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Marie
VALERIE & GARY JOUDREY
to esther i am so sorry for your loss. you and roger were always together hand and hand at dances along with the variety shows . roger was a pleasant gentleman. i miss you at the dances where you and roger always greet everybody with a smile. so esther i am so sorry.
John Winters
Roger was one of the first and best friends I made when I came to Queens. I met him at one of the early church jams and still recall his kind words to a beginner with stage fright. He taught me not to take it seriously and that we all played for fun not to entertain. A lesson for which I owe him dearly. I went home that night and told my wife that I had met an extraordinary man.
He was humble, he was kind, he was all that any man could ever aspire to be – a true gentleman.
It breaks my heart that I will not play music with him again.
Barbara Brooks
Dear Esther, Wayne and Family:
I was so sorry to hear about Roger’s passing. I know he will be missed by so many of us.
Roger was a great man, a wonderful singer and guitar player. He enjoyed entertaining everyone
At the jam sessions, and at home. We will miss him every Thursday at the Senior Activity Group, his jokes and smile will be missed. Esther, if there is anything I can do to ease your suffering, please call.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Love to all.
Barbara Brooks (Baker)
Allan & Beth LaRocque
We are very sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a very nice person and will be missed by everyone. We will miss that great smile.
Janet and George Fletcher
Sorry to hear about Roger. Our thoughts and our prayers are with your family.
Darren Whynot / Lisa Tarr
Wayne and family we are sorry for your loss Roger was a sweet man he all way took the time to chat with anyone.
MARILYN WHYNOT
TO WAYNE AND FAMILY AND HIS COMPANION ESTHER SO SORRY TO HEAR THE SAD NEWS.MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL AND DAD IS AT PEACE AND NO MORE PAIN.MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
Peter Young and Sharon White
To the Rafuse Family, We’re so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing.He always had a great time at the dances on Friday nights, and will be missed.He was also a great man to work with,having worked with him at the mill on repair days.We’re thinking of his family in this time of sorrow.R.I.P Roger!
Reid and Patti Emenau
Wayne, Susan and family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your dear dad and family member. He will be sadly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing his warm smile and pleasant nature. Our sincere condolences to you all.
Reid and Patti Emenau
Jeff Miller
It’s Never easy to lose a Family member but have some feeling of pride and comfort in that Roger lived one of the fullest lives that any of us could ask for! He will be missed every day but his spirit lives on! My condolences to you especially Wayne and have a shot of “Fireball” in his memory!!
Brian Murray
Wayne, Susan, and family,
It was a true pleasure knowing Roger. Thoughts and prayers during this tough time. God bless.
Bruce and Charlene White / Barbara and Bill Scobey
Wayne, Sue, Bren and Ali
Thinking of you and remembering Roger as a true gentleman and friend. May your memories bring you laughter and comfort in the days ahead.
Tim McDonald
So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a wonderful person…so full of energy and laughs. He always had a story to tell that would normally make you chuckle. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Tonya Patterson
I was very saddened to hear of Rogers passing.. He always had a joke to share or a story to tell. I will miss him very much. My sincere condolences to all.
Ruby Stevens
To Roger’s Family:
So very sorry to hear about the loss of Roger. He was an extremely nice man and he will be missed by many.
My sincerest condolences,
Ruby Stevens
Ron & Rose Anthony and Fred Lannan
Wayne, Susan and Family, we are sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Shelly & Derek Neilson
Wayne, Susan and family – so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing, he was always such a kind and thoughtful man. Thinking of you all.
Clark and Sandra Hebb
To the family of the late Roger Rafuse and friend.Esther , our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow . He will be greatly missed ,his keen wit and music everyone loved will be missed at the jams
Fred and Grace Speth
We were saddened to hear of Roger’s passing. We remember him well from the Hank Snow Centre. RIP Roger. Our sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
Valerie Pinhey
Wayne, Susan and my mom (Esther)
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was one of the nicest and funniest man I’ve ever known. He always smiled and joked and laughed with us. Loved his sense of humour. His time with my mom was nothing but joy and happiness and love.
I’m so grateful to have know this remarkable and unforgettable man. He will be greatly missed.
Valerie Legge-Pinhey
Maryann and Scott Rhyno
Wayne ,Susan and family
We are very sorry to hear about your dad.Please accept our deepest condolences and know that you are in our thoughts.
Karen Wamboldt
Wayne, Susan and Family, Sorry for your loss, Roger was a great man, thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time. R.I.P. Roger.
Dawn Harrington Roberton
Wayne, Susan and Family,
Sorry for the loss of your dad. Remember the good times and hold on to your memories.
Bessie Meisner
Sending my condolences to the family , i just got to know Roger from going to jams at Cherry Hill ,he was a very nice man ….
R.I.P. Roger
Linda Lucier
Am so sorry to hear this, loved Roger. What a great person. He will be sadly missed
Dina & Winston
Wayne, Susan & Family
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. Our most sincere condolences to you.
RIP Uncle Rog, you were one of a kind.
Greg and Lin Conrad
I worked with Roger many times at the church He was a great person. Sorry for your loss.
Rick & Maggie Coombs
Wayne, Susan, and Family,
So sorry to learn that your Dad has passed away Wayne.
May your many happy memories of him keep him close in your hearts everyone.
Melba Hubbard
Dear Rafuse family&Easter; so sorry to hear of Rogers passing,please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Melba& Joe.
Don and Vi Mackenzie
Wayne and Susan,
sorry for the loss of your father and father in law. I always enjoyed seeing Roger and enjoyed his jokes. He was a very interesting man who had packed a lot into his life, and seem to live life with a capital L, and I know you will miss him.
I am in NB at this time and am sorry I will not be there to celebrate his life with you. Be assured of our condolences at this time of loss.
Vicki Dyer
Dear Wayne and Sue: I was most saddened today to read in the paper of your Dad’s passing. This must be a difficult time for you all. Please know I am thinking of you and wishing you in time many happy memories. All the best. Vicki
Steven and Brenda Kennedy
Wayne, Susan, Bren and Ali, all our love and prayers go out to you at this time, uncle Roger was a very important part of our lives and we will miss him very much. Your Dad and grandpa was one of God’s special gifts to this world, he will be remembered by anyone who met him or heard about him for his beautiful outlook he had on life, good and bad. So…. Rest easy Uncle Roger aka ” Trouble ”
Scott, Nikki John and Joel Orme
Sending our condolences to the family. He was a beautiful man and he always had a story to tell me, usually about Jack and Erma. He would always come to me after John sang in church and tease that he did not get that singing voice from Fred. Many great memories, will bring peace. Thinking of you all.
Greta Johnson
So sorry for the loss of Roger he was a very nice man I only knew him at the jams in Cherry Hill but was very friendly so condolences goes out to his family R. I. P. Roger
Charlene & Carl Veinot
Wayne, Susan & Family and Companion Esther:
So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Mom and Dad always told us about the parties
and dances they went to with Roger and Mary and what a great time they had. Roger
was such a sweet man and always had a smile on his face!!! Hold all your wonderful
memories close to your heart and hopefully that will help you heal. Our thoughts and
prayers are with you at this most difficult time!! Take Care.
Duncan MacIsaac
Dear Wayne, Susan, Bren & Ali,
Although we didn’t know your dad personally, your family is a testament to his goodness. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.
Sincerely,
Duncan & Goretti MacIsaac
Barry and Sharon Levy
Wayne, Susan and Family,
We are sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Barry enjoyed his conversations with your Dad
when he plowed his driveway.
Judi Maillett
Wayne ,Susan & family,so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing.I just found out a few days ago he was ill.I was wondering why i hadn’t see him at my work.I will miss our chats & his jokes & the best smile around.You are now wtih your beloved wife Mary whom i know you missed dearly. Until we meet again.Rest easy Roger.Hope you are singing & playing high above with the Angels my friend.
Barb and Ulf Snarby
Wayne,Susan and Family
We were so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was always so full of life and laughter. His impact on our community will always be remembered. Please accept our condolences.
JeanSaulnier-Blades
So saddened to hear of Roger’s passing.. I met Roger at the Thursday night jam sessions at the United Church hall, and was always friendly and cordial when we’d meet at the Post office or other places in town. I was always impressed with how strong his voice still was at the jam sessions.. I wish to offer my most sincere condolences to his family, to his lovely Ether, and to all his friends. Deepest sympathy.
Marsha& Gordie Arthur
Wayne, Susan and Family Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time.
Irene Wilkins from the USA
To Wayne and Family,
My heartfelt thoughts go out to you all. My renewed friendship with Roger started 12 years ago on a visit to Nova Scotia with my sister. Roger brought much joy to my life.. at the age of 75, he taught me how to play the guitar and we enjoyed many sing-alongs together with friends. Roger visited Vermont three times over those years where he was welcomed by my family and friends.
Roger was a great writer of songs and poems. He was always one to make me laugh and pick fun. A couple of his favorite saying were “You know something?” which would always be followed by a fact or a story; the other saying was “Let’s put it this way..” at which point he would emphasize and give his opinion on a matter.
I feel blessed to have known him early in life (at the ages of 16 and 20) and then later in life as we rekindled our friendship.
My prayers and thought are with you at this time. Love, Irene
Shirley Croft
Wayne, Susan, Family and companion Esther Legge
Sorry to hear about Roger passing away. My prayers are with you and your family.
Dennis & Sherri Harrington
Sending our sincere condolences to the Family, Roger was a very special man and will be missed.
David &Judy Whynott of mersey point
We are sorry to hear of Rogers passing.Roger was a great guy, a great masonic brother and friend.he will be thought of often by many .our
condolences to Wayne and Susan and all of Rogers family
Danny&Diana Hirtle
Wayne , Susan,Ali & Brendan ; our condolences to you on the loss of your Dad/grandfather. Cherish all your memories as we know you have lots. May he rest in peace.
Bev Pettersen
Wayne, Susan & Family, I’m very sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. Roger was a special man, full of smiles, good humor and so interested in life. He always gave a lot of himself and left people feeling a little bit better after seeing him, a great gift. Sincere condolences to you all.
George &Pat Fralic
To Rogers family
So sorry to read of this gentle man’s passing …..the dances will never be the same….
George &Pat Fralic
Cathy Wentzell
Wayne, Susan, & Family,
We are very saddened to hear of Roger’s passing. He certainly
was a kind man, who inspired many in our communities over the
years. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult of times.
Cathy & Rollie
Eleanor and Sherman Roberts
Dear Wayne, Susan and family:
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Growing up as a young member of JA, your mother taught me many things, which I still have and upon graduation she had given me a picture of the Lord which has hung above one of my doors ever since I got married. I still think of your mom often and now I will think of your dad. He was a great person with a few words of encouragement and always a smile on his face. I got to hear him play his guitar and sing and he did it beautifully. It is so hard to lose family and I will certainly keep you in my prayers. The pain does ease with each passing day. Memories will be what you lean on most.
Maurice & Judy Westhaver
We will miss his cheerfulness and joking manner. We are sorry to hear of your loss and I’m sure you will miss him too. He will stay in your hearts and we wish you lots of happy memories.
Judy & Maurice(Sonny)
Fred & Dot
Wayne & Family, so very sorry for your loss , Our most sincere condolences to you all.
Lloyd & Barbara Naugler
Wayne & Susan & family & Ester;; We are very saddened to hear of Roger,s passing. He was such a friendly man & so musical. He made such a difference in people,s lives just by being himself. He will always be Loved & remembered by all who knew him. RIP Roger .
Kirk and Donna Whynot
Wayne,Susan and family, so sorry to hear Roger’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Donna and Mike West
Wayne, Susan and Family, So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Mike always enjoyed his talks with Roger at Bowater. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Robert & Sally Fader
To Roger’s family:
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Roger.
David Porteous
As MC of the Jam Sessions at the United Communities Fire Hall at Cherry Hill I had the opportunity to meet and get to know a great and funny entertainer. On behalf of the Fire Dept. I wish to express our deepest feeling for Roger and extend condolences to his family at this difficult time. He will truly be missed as he was a much loved member of our “jam family”.
David and Bonnie Hatt
Wayne and family, so sorry to hear of your Dad’passing. He was a true gentleman.Thinking of you during this difficult time.
David and Bonnie Hatt
Wayne and family, so sorry to hear of your Dad’passing. He was a true gentleman.Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Paul & Shirley Neals
We add our condolences on Rogers passing. May Gods blessings of comfort
be with you all.
Sterling Belliveau
My sincerest condolences to the family of Roger Rafuse on the loss of your loved one. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers this sad time.
With sincerest sympathy
Sterling Belliveau, MLA
Reid and Patti Emenau
Dear Wayne, Susan and family,
We send our sincere thoughts of sympathy to you on the loss of your dear dad. He was always smiling and doing kind deeds for everyone, especially his church. Keep your memories close. He will be missed my all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Gail Whynot
To Wayne, Susan, Brennan & Ali
My sincerest condolences to your family. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers this sad time.I always enjoyed my chats with Roger over the years
Annette White
Wayne and family,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Roger was quite a joker and loved to make people laugh and he will be missed dearly by all who knew him. I have known you and your mom and dad for many years and my heart goes out to you. Sending you my heartfelt condolences.
Diane and Donald White
Dear Wayne and Sue and family,
So sorry to hear of your Dads passing, he was a lovely man . He will be missed by many but has left wonderful memories for you to enjoy of him.
DIane and Donald
Kelly and Randy Blair
Wayne and Susan, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. After watching the slide show, it was apparent that he was a very active, compassionate and musical man who loved his family. Our thoughts are with you.
Pat Drew and Robert Comeau
We were so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing.We only knew him from the music jams,but enjoyed his singing so much. He was such a nice gentleman. Our thought and prayers are with you at this sad time, Pat and Robert