This weekend, a very good and dear friend of mine suddenly passed away. Roger Forehand was only 51 years old and had no health issues - he just had a pre-op series of exams and checked out clean, to prepare for a procedure on his back. The cause of death is unknown, his fiance Frances thinks it was an aneurysm.
Roger was a biker, a Harley guy through-and-through. The stories of his life warranted a book, and we asked to do an oral history with him, which sadly never happened. The episodes of his life were amazing, they could not be made up.
Roger managed to clean up several years ago and was part of the Phoenix Motorcycle Club, a clean-and-sober club that helped other bikers make the transition.
He was a huge dog- and pit bull lover. At the time of his passing, Roger had 3 pits - Gizmo, a beautiful male; Moonpie, a very unique white-faced rescue girl; and Zilphie, a rescue named in honor of his Grandmother. (I am unsure what will happen with the dogs, I am sure they are as bewildered as the rest of us.)
This guy would do anything for anyone, literally. He was having some financial troubles a few years ago when a plea to help a stranger keep his house came to us from a mutual friend. Roger found a way to tighten up on some things and make a contribution that helped a family keep their home.
Roger's presence was unforgettable. Sleeved and with more ink on his legs, he was quite a sight. His deep, deep booming voice with his drawl was entertaining enough; what he had to say, peppered with nonstop profanities and a smile on his face, demanded attention.
Above all, Roger was just a good guy, a great friend. He and Frances were engaged this past holiday season, and they were inseparable, so deeply in love and committed to one another. I really, truly ache for Frances, and for Roger's folks.
Goodbye my friend, and I'll look forward to hanging out with you again................. We have all been cheated by this untimely passing.
Roger was a biker, a Harley guy through-and-through. The stories of his life warranted a book, and we asked to do an oral history with him, which sadly never happened. The episodes of his life were amazing, they could not be made up.
Roger managed to clean up several years ago and was part of the Phoenix Motorcycle Club, a clean-and-sober club that helped other bikers make the transition.
He was a huge dog- and pit bull lover. At the time of his passing, Roger had 3 pits - Gizmo, a beautiful male; Moonpie, a very unique white-faced rescue girl; and Zilphie, a rescue named in honor of his Grandmother. (I am unsure what will happen with the dogs, I am sure they are as bewildered as the rest of us.)
This guy would do anything for anyone, literally. He was having some financial troubles a few years ago when a plea to help a stranger keep his house came to us from a mutual friend. Roger found a way to tighten up on some things and make a contribution that helped a family keep their home.
Roger's presence was unforgettable. Sleeved and with more ink on his legs, he was quite a sight. His deep, deep booming voice with his drawl was entertaining enough; what he had to say, peppered with nonstop profanities and a smile on his face, demanded attention.
Above all, Roger was just a good guy, a great friend. He and Frances were engaged this past holiday season, and they were inseparable, so deeply in love and committed to one another. I really, truly ache for Frances, and for Roger's folks.
Goodbye my friend, and I'll look forward to hanging out with you again................. We have all been cheated by this untimely passing.
R
