Nigel Paul Roper (25 Jan 1956 - 7 Feb 2014)

Nigel, a first rate nephew, he is greatly missed by Judy and me and all of his family

Nige was just a huge part of what made our Bancroft's group special. Even now, at 90, my mum reminds me how he came to our house on his bike one day and never took off his full-face crash helmet even when we were all standing in the hall chatting for quite a while! That was Nige. Definitely a unique and special personality - and one of the smartest guys I've ever known. Hadn't seen him since a pub reunion (what else?) several years ago, but I will seriously miss him.

Nigel, I spent three very happy years as your lodger. I have many memories of discussing literature - or generally putting the world to rights. I still quote you often, particularly when it comes to my taste ( lack of it) in art. You pointed out that I have "Queen Victoria's taste in art - as long as you stick a fat mammal in there it makes it a great painting!". A cursory look at the art on my walls provides evidence for your theory... You'll be missed but not forgotten by your many friends.

Nigel, you have been my best brother-in-law and a best friend to me. I wanted to come to say thank you personally to u for all the help you have given me. I'm the only one in the family that didn't get a chance to meet you i was unlucky . You tried the best to see me but It didn't worked out you will always be in my heart in my prayer's forever.
♡ may you rest in peace in the Lord.♡

I have felt blessed to have known Nigel. He is not around, but his memories still remain in my heart. I still remember the time when Nigel helped me with my study. He was always so helpful and always there for me. He was also a great listener. No stories were too long for him ( I think :O)..). You will be missed Nigel. May his soul rest in Peace.

We first met Nigel as foreign contractors at his employer's 2003 summer party and struck a conversation. Actually, he did.

It was a very warm-hearted, empathic and educated as well as informed exchange on his part - and hopefully on ours.

We loosely kept in touch over the years, and he kept being like that, fatal disease and all.

Nigel will have been much more to his family and close friends. We will miss and mourn him for what little we knew of him.

Nige,

You were truly one in a million and my best mate during our student years in Leeds. Even though we saw each other a lot less in recent years, I will always think of you as my closest and dearest friend.

I remember how we used to sit in our little student house (6PG) doing the Grauniad and Telegraph cryptic crosswords. I would be sitting in the broken chair and you would be in front of the electric fire (always turned up to maximum power) sitting with your legs going the wrong way.

I remember eating ‘jaw breaker’ sandwiches in the pub just off campus. If memory serves, this was on Monday lunchtimes, the only day we were required to be on campus in both the morning AND the afternoon. Cheese and raw onion in a very crunchy baguette, washed down with a couple of pints of Tetleys. What more could anyone ever want?

What about when we did Catterick races and Verdi’s Rigoletto both in the same day? The fog was so thick at Catterick that we could only see the horses as they passed the finish line.

What we always did, though, was have great conversations. You were a good talker but also a good listener. We did talk a lot, and that’s what I’m going to miss. I have never met anyone else with your wisdom and interest in all things and all people.

Love always,
Jonny

Nige,
I was lucky enough to spend a few recent years in your company in Elephant & Castle, and to share your house for a while.
I fondly remember your wit, your love of books, your delight in small pleasures, your love of your friends and your old and new families.
Like many others, I remember your kindness. You gave real help to people in need; you once even housed a homeless friend of mine for several months and I’m sure he, no longer homeless, remembers you fondly.
I remember your courage. When you got badly sick, the first time, you were really brave. I remember how much the hospital staff liked you, and how you did your best to joke and flirt with the nurses.
After your recovery you followed through on your longstanding love of children, and determined to make the most of your life. I think you really did.
So Nige, I hope you’ve got a good book, a glass of something nice and some good company in the next life. Love to you,
Matt.

My dear avuncular friend,
You were exceptional. Your humor, your knowledge, your ability to make people feel at ease and special. I’ve never known anyone so capable of caring deeply about friends and family.

You will always be in my heart and memories,
Lauretta

I still remember your smile, your support to our Burmese people and willingness to help us whenever we needed. You will always be in our heart. Our condolences to family.