Roger Jerome Gillespie
1938 - 2006
 

Roger has left the building, but his spirit will remain in the hearts of his loving wife Carol Anne, his family, and his many many friends, musicians, and co-workers.
 

I met Roger over 45 years ago, and our friendship was instant. We both shared a great love for music, and through the years gathered countless fond memories whether on stage or over a cup of coffee. Roger was in his early 20's, looked like "Cliff Richards" and sounded like "Elvis". It was amazing how he lost that "cute" English accent when he sang. Roger sang every three chord Elvis song you could think of and all in the key of "E". Some of the Elvis songs had an extra chord called F# and I told Roger  he would have to learn it. After a couple of days of tying his fingers in  a knot, he learned it, promptly named it "Crazy Chord" and right up until the end we still laughed about it. We had a boss at work named Ray Richards, found out he played drums, and the three of us formed Roger's first band and called it "The Casuals" We started off just playing for beer.............played all the "Teen Town Dances", and eventually won the PNE Battle of the Bands sponsored by CHEK TV, hey, we even played the Kelowna regatta along side Guy Mitchell. The Casuals are shown on the PNW Bands website www.pnwbands.com/casualsrogerjerome.html click on Roger's name and take the tour.
 

Right up until the end Roger enjoyed what he did. He loved his job at Long and McQuade, (all those guitars......pronounced "geetars") and always told me how great the people are that he works with. Roger retired from Long & McQuade a couple of years ago and I was lucky enough to be invited to his retirement party that was organized by Phil. Roger was presented with the gift of a lifetime..........a brand new "Martin" with his name inlaid in pearl on the neck. (Have you ever seen a grown man cry?) I would call that a very proud and much appreciated "Kodak" moment. Through the years I have had a chance to meet most of his co-workers, and it's no wonder that Long & McQuade is as successful as it is. What a wonderful group of people. Retirement didn't last  long............. Pat asked Roger if he could come in one day a week, and let him pick the day.....Roger picked  Thursdays. Roger never ever complained about his job..........he loved  it. In May of this year Roger teamed up with co-worker Pete Werner from L&M and produced a CD of some of the songs he had written. (He had written 100's) On my regular "Thursday" visit to Long & McQuade Roger presented his CD to me, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life. Such a talent, such a guy, such a friend. Roger, I miss you so much already, and maybe if I behave myself............I'll see you again.

Love you buddy, what key are we doing this in?

Gerry Berg
 

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Scot at L&M super imposed Roger's image over Keith Richards  from the Rolling Stones, put it in his computer, and had Roger "accidentally"  spot it one day. He loved it and it really cracked him up!		This is a picture taken at Long & McQuade on  Granville Street, Vancouver in 2003

A celebration of Roger's life with music, and a benefit for The Canadian Cancer Society will be held on Sunday, December 3rd from 4 - 10 PM at the Masonic Hall, 1495 West 8th Ave., in Vancouver. The Masonic Hall is located across the street from L&M's former location on Granville Street. This event will be presented by Long & McQuade, and hosted by our band www.youngandtherestless.net and legendary radio personality "Long John" Tanner.

Hors' dourves will be provided, and a bar will be available where drinks may be purchased. There will be a stage with instruments provided ("geetars" of course) and you are invited to participate in helping celebrate Roger's life with music and stories.

If you would like to participate in helping celebrate Roger's life, have a story or two to share, or would like to assist in entertaining, please contact me at gerryberg@telus.net as soon as possible so we can get an estimated head count. You can also leave your name at Long & McQuade if you would like to be involved. If you have photos, or memorabilia to display, please bring them along for everyone to enjoy on the display tables.

The Canadian Cancer Society will also be on hand to assist with this "Celebration of Life" for Roger.

Thank you for remembering our good friend Roger..

 

The newly re-mastered  "Ain't I The Lucky Man"

Roger's CD was recorded with L&M co-worker Pete Werner in May of this year by Stacy James Archer at "The Humidor" Studio (soulivar@gmail.com). With the passing of Roger on October 27th, something had to be done with these  wonderful songs that had been written and composed and sung by Roger. I  gave a copy of Roger's CD to a friend of mine (and also a long time friend  of Rogers) Ray Hing. (Ray has his own recording studio "RayZ SoundZ"  www.rayzsoundz.com (carol_josey@telus.net) Ray liked what he heard, felt, "it needed bass & rhythm" and immediately contacted Stacy at "The Humidor" Studio. and made a plea for the master tracks. Stacy agreed, (after the permission of Roger's wife Carol Anne, and Stacy's father Jim Archer (who played in a band with Roger for years) of course. We asked bass player Roger Stomperud, and drummer Moe Hodgson if they could help on the re-mastering project, and without hesitation they came forward immediately. We know you will like what you hear, and Stacy, thank you for helping to make this possible. You are one super guy!

A big thank you also, to Pete Werner (mandolin & dobro) for backing Roger on his CD, and your kind assistance in helping to create this wonderful sound.

I find it very rewarding to know that Roger's friends are still there for him. Long & McQuade have been very supportive, and have come forward to help with the "Tribute", along with Roger's co-workers, lots and lots of musicians, and Roger's friends............. Roger touched the hearts of lots of people, and everyone wants to help in anyway they can, to make this "Tribute" a huge success, and also to help support the Canadian Cancer Society.

Thank you to our band members from "Sharon Young and The Restless" for agreeing to co-host, along with legendary radio personality (and one of the CFUN good guys) "Long John" Tanner.

See you all on December 3rd,
Gerry Berg
 

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