Saturday, August 29, 2026
Remembering Roger Champagne,
Roger, my manager/boss for many years, certainly put up with a lot from me over the years! To be honest, I was quite surprised when he hired me. I didn’t really have all that much experience in what he was looking for, but Roger took a chance on me—and I’m so glad he did. We seemed to work really well together as a team, doing the main estimates on the first Xerox page display, which started my career in computer technology.
When I first started working with Roger, he had just quit smoking. Of course, this was back in the days when smoking in the workplace was still allowed. I would have an ashtray on my desk filled with cigarette butts, and Roger never seemed to mind. In fact, he once told me that he loved the smell of cigarettes, even though he had no intention of ever smoking again.
Even after our working days together were over, we kept in touch. Eventually, I moved into Bells Corners, where Roger and Inez also lived, so our paths continued to cross over the years.
Roger was such a kind and cheerful person, and I have many fond memories of him. I’m truly sorry that I didn’t get the chance to see you, Roger, before you passed away. We had talked about going to the casino together, and I would have loved to take you up on that.
Thank you for taking a chance on me all those years ago, for putting up with me, and for being such a wonderful boss and friend. You will be missed.❤️
My heartfelt condolences go out to Roger's family at this time of sorrow.
