In loving memory of Roger John Hill who sadly passed away on 28th November 2020.
Roger was our beloved Dad, husband, Bapa, brother, a Reader in the church, Choir Master, lover of music, a Governor and Trustee at a number of charities and schools, a well-respected businessman, committed Rotarian, supporter of charities and so much more.
He was a kind and gentle man, always fair and patient.
He has left a far reaching legacy, having touched so many lives and we know that many share fond memories of him, for which we are so grateful at this time.
He asked that any donations in his memory should go to support the ongoing work of the Rotary Club of Rochester and in particular their work with the Medway Young Musician Competition and their work in partnership with Parkinson’s UK. Please do make any donations through the Just Giving Link on this page.
The funeral will be for close family only due to current restrictions but we welcome anyone who would like to join us to share in the service online.
Please contact Jenny for more details, jenny@jennyandjon.co.uk
Many thanks for the numerous donations to Rotary charities. Roger would be so pleased to know that the Medway Young Musicians and the joint Rotary/Parkinson UK support cafe will receive extra cash on his behalf. Two very worthy causes. Sue
Thank you everyone for your lovely messages and memories. It's impossible to answer all of them individually, especially as I am only now just getting over the Covid I picked up when I went into the care hone to clear Roger's room. December and January are just a distant blur I fear but it is so comforting to us all to know that Roger was loved and respected by so many different people, of all ages and varying interests. He would have been very touched by all your comments and thrilled to know his quirky humour was appreciated! Between you you've reawakened many old memories. It was also encouraging to know so many of you joined us virtually for the funeral service. Such a strange time for such events. Maybe now the vaccine has arrived there's a chance 2021 will be better, providing people generally respect this awful virus.
Thank you from us all. Sue
From David, Esther James and Andrew. My boys will always be very grateful to Roger for the marvellous time they spent in the Medway Boys Choir.
Roger and me in the foreground and my dad (in a suit) in front of the Dankeskirche in Wesseling
With regret we heard of the passing of Roger. We have great memories of him in Wesseling and in Rochester. We are thinking back of his loving, kind and humorous way.
We had a great time when I was living in Rochester for 2 weeks for a language course in Sue's and Roger's gorgeous house when I was 12 - that's 14 years ago. I felt so comfortable hanging out with Roger, watching cricket and playing in the garden. Sue and Roger made me feel welcome like grandparents would do and made me forget being so far from home for the first time in my life without my parents. Thank you! I will never forget your kindness.
In loving memory, Alexander and Christian Roth
Thank you so very much for sharing your memories and photo, he had such fond memories of your time together too. X
Thank you Alexander for your kind words. You were a lovely guest to have in our house and it's good to know that you have such good memories of your stay with us. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply but I got Covid when I went to the care home to clear Roger's room and am only now beginning to feel something like normal again. 2020 was not a good year! I hope life is good for you now. Sue
With my heartfelt condolences to Sue and the family.
Roger was a warm, caring gentleman who gave himself fully to his work and organisations with which he was connected.
His leadership and direction of St Stephen's Church Choir and later establishing and directing Medway Boys' Choir with Vox Roffensis was inspired. I have many fond memories of our times together including many annual choir holidays! He will be sadly missed.
Thank you so much Chris, I know so many of you have such precious memories of the choir days.
In loving memory of a warm, selfless gentleman who gave his all to the work and organisations with which he was connected.
His leadership and direction of St Stephen's Church Choir and the setting up of Medway Boys' Choir with Vox Roffensis was inspired and I have many fond memories of our times together including annual choir holidays!
We remember your visit in Wesseling. We had a meeting with the mayor.
Thank you so much for sharing this photo and your memories.
Thinking of you all. xxx
In memory of Roger, who will be very much missed. Roger was a big influence on my life, both at St Stephen’s and St Alban’s. Sending our love and condolences to Sue and all the family.
Remembering Roger with love
Remembering Roger with love.
Receiving a much coveted Polo award at the Caister Choir Holiday. I can’t remember what for though.
Thank you so much Matt. Yes! I wonder how many of those Polo awards were given over the years?! And the ghost stories... I bet they are written down somewhere!
No, the ghost stories were never written down. They were always made up on the spot to suit the time and place. I've been sorting through decades of paperwork and can assure you they are not there - and nothing was ever thrown away! Sue
Roger was such a wonderful leader of both the Church Choir and later Medway Boys Choir and Vox Roffensis, but we should not forget what an inspiring writer of ghost stories he was. I could probably recite the one from St Germans (my first Choir Holiday) some 20 odd years since I last heard him read it.
I only knew Roger and some of his family from 2015 at ST Albans Church. He was a gentle and witty man, and I missed him when health prevented him from coming to the Sunday service, so said my last farewell to him at the Medway Crematorium today. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. God bless you Roger (I know He will).
Thank you so much David for coming out on a cold damp morning to say farewell to Roger. He would have appreciated that. Sue
For many years Roger organized the visits between the parishes in Chatham and Wesseling and was host to many of us. I remember interesting discussions always with a special sense of humor. I am very grateful for knowing him. In loving memory - Claudia
Thank you Claudia. The link with Wesselling was very special to Roger and he was very sad that it has weakened over the years. They were very special times for both of us and I have many memories and pictures of those visits to enjoy. It was a pleasure to know you all and I hope you have coped OK with the trials of the Covid pandemic. What strange times and such a difficult year. Lovely to hear from you. Sue
Thinking of Roger's family today as you say goodbye to a much loved husband, father and grandfather. Peace and light to you all at this difficult time.
My thoughts and love are with Roger’s family whom I deeply love. Reading people’s memories of Roger and seeing what a deep impact he had on so many people’s lives is truly inspiring. Sue King
We thank God for Roger, a gentle giant of a man. Earth is now poorer but heaven surely richer.
One of his nieces reckons he will already be conductor-in-chief of the heavenly choir! Sue
We thank God for a gentle giant of a man.
It was a pleasure to work for you. Rest in peace Mr Hill
I have organised many photos of Roger over the years and this one is my favourite. It was taken at his retirement party for staff at Leeds Castle. Look at his face while he is being sung to by Elvis and his staff dance behind him. Priceless!!
Roger with the Mayor of Medway
Roger and Geoff Clark, tv presenter, opening mhs homes office
Roger and me in the foreground and my dad (in a suit) in front of the Dankeskirche in Wesseling
We remember your visit in Wesseling. We had a meeting with the mayor.
Receiving a much coveted Polo award at the Caister Choir Holiday. I can’t remember what for though.
For many years Roger organized the visits between the parishes in Chatham and Wesseling and was host to many of us. I remember interesting discussions always with a special sense of humor. I am very grateful for knowing him. In loving memory - Claudia
I have organised many photos of Roger over the years and this one is my favourite. It was taken at his retirement party for staff at Leeds Castle. Look at his face while he is being sung to by Elvis and his staff dance behind him. Priceless!!
Roger with the Mayor of Medway
Roger and Geoff Clark, tv presenter, opening mhs homes office
Roger signing landmark loan agreement for mhs homes
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