Roger Bradbury

Roger and Clare Ski-ing The Bradburys

Roger Bradbury 26th April 1951-25th March 2003 This is a site in memory of Roger Bradbury, beloved husband to Clare and devoted father to Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry. With this site we can keep Roger’s beaming smile and personality alive by exchanging photos and expressing our thoughts and memories. To send a message, just write in the message box, say whom it is from and click ‘add message’. You can also attach photos to your message by clicking on ‘browse’ and then ‘add message’. THANK YOU We would like to thank all family and friends who came to Roger's funeral. We will always remember the beautiful floral tributes, condolences, donations to the NSPCC and your kind words in memory of Roger. It is a great comfort to know that Roger's memory will live on through the vast number of people who clearly cared for him. Finally, I would like to thank Peter, a close friend of Roger's and the family for producing this website. Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry

From the day we began our lives together, Roger was always a loving and caring husband. He always had a big appetite for life and his positivity and willingness to give were an inspiration to us all. Though Roger can no longer be with us, I feel blessed that he wil live on through my four children as well as in my heart. Although our life together was cut short, I would rather have those years with him than a life time with anyone else. Clare Bradbury

Dear Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry, We are thinking of you at this sad time in your lives. We all thought Roger was a loving caring person and are devastated of your loss. We new he was always there for us when we needed him. If there is anything we can do for you we are happy too help in any way. God bless you all. Love from Rae, Shamayne and Josh. (Rae will be at the service). Rae@rprince.freeserve.co.uk

Roger was wonderful friend to me and my family. We first met in 1984 when we became neighbours in Lower Earley, and we kept in close touch ever since. In the early days I taught him squash only to find him fairly quickly overtaking me and demonstrating his determination to succeed at anything. Later on we started to play tennis and once again he quickly overhauled my progress. As time went on our two families grew up together sharing many many happy occasions together, whether it was a simple birthday party, or a trip on the boat on the river in latter years or just a good old family’s get together. Our two families went on many holidays together year after year, only recently Ski-ing in Canada in the February 03 half term. Over the years Roger has been a strength and an inspiration to me, in trouble and in triumph he has always been there. He would always want to help at every juncture, and time and time again it would drop out in conversation how he had helped somebody or other without wanting any thing in return and without almost anybody but them knowing. He was one of the most kind and selfless men that I knew, and he had a very easy interested manner in every subject that you could want to talk about. Roger was dynamic, sharp, quick witted, always had a smile, hardly ever down in the dumps, and carried burdens without anyone knowing. I and very many others will miss him a lot. He is irreplaceable and has left a big hole in my life. But his memory will not fade, I will forever remember his cheerful manner, Joi de vie and kindness and he will be an example to me for the rest of my life. peter.newman@panadea.co.uk Peter Newman

My first memory of Roger was working behind the bar with him at Goldsmiths- we used to compete over who could use the foulest language! I think he won, but only just! Seeing Roger again over the last few years it was good to see that he hadn't changed and was still the life and soul of the party. Roger was a character who will not be forgotten. Jo Wilkes, Dave Tommy and Martha

We are all stunned by the loss of Roger. Our family calendar will never read the same. For the past 15 years it has said:- "TP & Rog out"in the Friday box. I have calculated that between them they have consumed 2000 curries on these nights at a cost of £30K if you include the Cobras and Kingfishers! They have solved the world's problems many times over and talked computers and cars incessantly. I would happily put the same amount in again if they could do the same again for the next fifteen years. They have been so privileged to have each other there could not have been many friendships to match this one. We have known Rog for 30 years through thick and thin. Our families have grown up and holidayed together....So many fantastic times in GOA, Portugal, Spain and France. He was never boring! A whirlwind of energy with a thirst for life. A thoughtful sensitive man with real depths. A caring, supportive individual who made an impact on everyone that met him. His capacity for steering and helping others was awe-inspiring. We as a family cannot imagine how we will ever fill that huge space that he has left behind in our lives. Stella Paes

I have just heard the terrible news of Roger's passing. Like everyone else, I feel so useless and don't know what to say but know that I want to say something. So here goes... Roger and I played squash several times over the last few years and he was always someone that I enjoyed being with. Whilst I didn't know him well I knew him well enough to consider him a friend. He was a fun person, never lost for words and always had tremendous enthusiasm and a desire to live life to the full. The world is now left with a gap and my sincere thoughts go to his family and close friends. Phil Lawman

The photo is the gang skiing in Whistler 2001, how tragic that the two biggest personalities have been snatched from us. Roger smiled his way through each holiday, "MAN O MAN" "PANTS", he was such fun, but also such a considerate man, a true friend. Ron & I only got to know Roger well over the last 5years, but we are proud to have known him. Our thoughts go out to his family. Our love always. JANET RICE

We only met Roger a couple of times when visiting our good friends Tom and Stella. He and Tom did have a legendary relationship as referred to so succinctly by Stella. Our thoughts go out to Tom and Stella, all of you who knew and loved him, but especially to Clare and their children. Greg, Jackie, Holly, Tom and Conor

There will always be fond memories as Roger, Clare and the children became members of the extended Paes family. If Clare needs any help, please let me know. Love Tessa Paes

The reality of this huge loss, still has not really sunk in yet. Paul knew Roger since their teens, and has always looked up to him...in more ways than one! He was the big brother Paul never had. They fixed cars, wore dodgy leather coats and had very silly hair dos...I've seen the photos! Neither of us can imagine the world without this larger than life man who was always there for us, always smiling and full of positivity. I will never forget seeing him in jumping in a swimming pool in his white y fronts !! Paul can't find the words to express how devasted he is, and can't imagine life without him. Although over the last few years we didn't see as much of him as we would have liked, he was at Pauls 50th birthday which meant alot to him. Roger made a lasting impression on anyone who was lucky enough to meet him. Clare, Hannah,Sarah, Jane and Harry our thoughts are with you. We are all better people for knowing Roger Bradbury x Tracy & Paul Harding

Roger was a big man with a big heart and a captivating smile.I only wish that I had taken time to get to know him and the rest of his family better.As a member of the Wednesday night tennis crowd it was always a pleasure to play with him or against him. The man,the memories and the smile will remain with me for the rest of my life. Goodbye dear friend. Jan and Kelvyn Marketis.

For Roger "Are" and "were" merge in my memories of you Unceasing passion when you argued points of principle Never neutral or on the fence Bursting with a life force that could be as unnerving as it was energising Animated discussions late into the night and early morning About everything Wanting to make it right and just Taking no prisoners Especially after a few beers Nineteen when we met Ideas and dreams already part of your psyche Cars!! A Cooper S with wide wheels - the ultimate Working holidays in America New Cross to New York Remember watching "Shaft" on 42nd Street? Then proper jobs after college But regular contact, despite physical distance Honoured to be Best Man at your wedding Happy that my speech went OK Your success in business truly remarkable Inspired by the work ethic instilled in you by your father Approaching family and fatherhood with true love and affection With results that are plain to see Speaking to me about Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry With unrestrained joy and pride Your grounding in an action-packed schedule Through which many came to know you well At work and play Our closeness always a "given" over the years But summed up by one word Love Which survives in hearts and minds For me and many others That is where you are Thank you for being there Barry Gilhooly

Roger was a friend and neighbour who will be sadly missed by our whole family - we will always remember that hearty laugh, cheerful voice and his smile as he was always enjoying life to the full. Whenever we met up on the driveway, at the bonfire parties or at barbecues he was so full of life and always had time for everyone. A few words with Roger and life always seemed to be brighter. Since we heard the dreadful news it has been hard to stop wishing that you could just shut your eyes and open them again to find that it had all been a bad dream and that the clock could somehow be turned back to before Monday night so everything would be fine once again and we could have Roger back . Roger will be sadly missed by us all and by so many friends and acquaintances and our thoughts and prayers are with Clare and their family. Love Jean, Neil, Matthew and Andrew Hopkins

There was always a smile which we shall all miss. Keith & Val Smith

We like everyone else who knew Roger were stunned and totally devastated by this tragic news. We are at a total loss as to what to say or do, except that we feel exceptionally honoured and privileged to have known Roger over the last 20 years. Roger, you will be very sadly missed, you were a one off! Our thoughts are with you Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry at this very sad time. David and Janet Brooks

Dear Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry, I am sorry to say I did not know Roger - only by sight at any Crosfields events. From reading all the messages about him he was a remarkable man. I cannot imagine what you are all going through at present but please know that our thoughts are with you. Alison, Paul, Alex and Harry Aitken

Unintentionally, Roger completely soaked me every time he rowed in the seat in front of me during the Dragon Boat Race we organised in aid of the NSPCC! Being soaked by Roger was I think illustrative of the tireless determination he demonstrated in the short time I knew him. Maybe I just got on with Roger, I don’t know, but to me he was just such a nice chap with a beaming positive attitude & very a generous manner too, which is why I feel it is so sad to loose him. David Ridgley

I have served Roger and friends from behind Sindlesham's bar over the years. Roger also played my David (Mathews) on a number of occasions and I usually watched them. He was a always smiling and friendly. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you. Jan Farrant

Roger What will we do now not having a rest before you get to the bottom of the ski run.Man O Man What will we do now without the man management discussion at lunch. Man o Man What will we do now without someone getting the rounds in at apres ski and the B52's Man O Man Dinner will never be the same again but at least we will have some early nights ready for the early ski. You will be sadly missed Man O Man Jeff Moore (Skip) Pauline & Jemma Jeff Moore

ROGER BRAD. Neighbour and Friend. I was introduced to Roger some 15 years ago at Sindlesham Squash Club(where else did people meet) by a friend. This friend was puzzled that we did not know each other and yet lived one house apart. Neither of us were aware at the time, such was the busyness of our lives. Hence the friendship, took off. ROGER BRAD. Starship Captain. We went to a fancy dress music in the park evening 18 months ago, the theme was science fiction. We all dressed as Aliens, Roger as John Luc Picard (he had his hair done especially) and he took us there in his VOYAGER. What a laugh we had. Starship Captain, yes I think so, he certainly had the credentials. ROGER BRAD. Husband and father. What ever Roger did he did properly and that is reflected in his outstanding wife and children. He never hesitated to speak about them, so proud, and he loved them all dearly. We who have been honoured to know the man have been enriched for knowing him. The world will be a lesser place without him but memories of him and related stories will be spoken until we all finally join him. I have visions of him and John Glenn having a ball without us. The big man with the big smile will be missed. Clare,Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry Our thoughts are with you. Jim and Janice Walters Mark and Ben

Man O Man why did you go and do that. Wednesday night tennis will never be the same. look down on us some times. maybe you could see and help with the line calls. We all have lost a Friend. Wednesday Tennis Boys

Dear Roger - the times we had skiing were so much fun. You taught me not to take business so personally...you were at the same time so wise and so funny - you were a great ski mate and a great friend - whilst we mainly knew each other on the slopes we knew you were a man of integrity + a great father and husband a "proper person" - a light has gone out ... we miss you. Tim & Paul

Roger Whenever we think of you we will always smile lots of fond memories. A lovely kind and considerate man, privilege to have known you. Our though Are with you Clare,Hannah,Sarah,Jane, and Harry. Stephen & Jackie Kent

Roger won every time we played tennis, and even if I did win the last game of squash we played, that didn't count for much. He was quite simply a winner. My thoughts are with his family, who must be missing him terribly. David Whitaker

Roger has been part of our family for over 25 years. In that time we have enjoyed numerous special occasions and many good times - celebrating the milestones along the way. Our New Years Eve and family get togethers will never be the same without his laughter. He possessed many qualities but he had the rare gift of taking a genuine interest in what everyone was doing in their lives. He was always there to offer encouragement and give advice when required. Roger was always busy living life to the full but he was never too busy to be there for you if you ever needed help - you knew he could always be relied upon. It has been a privilege to have known Roger and he will always be in our thoughts. Dave, Janie, Helen and Stephen

Dear Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry, Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. Kevin Good & Mieke van de Gender

It will be that wonderful smile that always greeted us that we shall remember first, and the fun-loving nature that was always behind it. A gentle and caring man, your love lives on through your wonderful family. Our thoughts are with you Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry. Chris, Amanda, Lisa, Thom, Sam, Joe and Ben

Dear Claire, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry, Roger touched all our lives with his dynamic, kind, generous, funny, witty and caring personality. We shared wonderful holidays, Christmases, birthdays (not forgetting the blue shirts), not needing occassions to celebrate a celebration together, with the odd curry or two. A man who was very proud of his family and all his friends will be sorely missed. We all loved him dearly and will never forget him. A toast to absent friends! All our love Joseph and Patricia Knapp and Family

A tragedy for his family and a loss to us all. Roger was one of the best guys around. A sportsman, familyman,businessman, bar-room raconteur, friend. A Squash chum.

Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane, Harry, There is nothing I can say, What a bloke and friend for many years, My thoughts are with you all. Love Adrian.

Dear Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry Remembering Roger who was so devoted to you. I will always remember his warm, beaming smile - he brought sunshine into your life instantly! He was such a charismatic person and so full of fun and laughter. I will miss him dearly at our family get-togethers. The kindness he showed and the support he gave when needed will never be forgotten. Roger truly was a man in a million and an inspiration to us all. My thoughts are with you, and with Roger. Love Noreen

clare,hannah,sarah,jane,harry. no words can describe how sorry i am to hear this sad news roger was a freind to so many people in particular myself when i needed one he helped me ,but made no big deal about it,that was roger,my deepest sympathy. JOE BECKETT

I first met Roger when he was at Goldsmiths and I used to see him when I visited my brother Tom Paes there. Roger's smile (grin?) was infectious and always made everyone happier no matter what. I am so very sorry Claire, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry. Trevor Paes

As a family we have known Roger for many years. Our two daughters Arese and Monique were is the same class with Hannah and Sarah in primary and secondary school. Roger was always a lively and cheerful person, and he will be sorely missed by all of us. David Annabelle Arese and Monique Pollard

Roger, I was up north (proper place) when I got this dreadful news - absolutely stunned - which doesn't cover what has happened to you and the family. Somewhat selfishly I immediately thought John has got a player to thrash - which he would, of course! Having just read the website and the wonderful things being genuinely expressed about you, we can't forget the support and friendship you have given us this past year. You took time to visit John when he was ill lifting his spirits with your brilliant personality, and endless banter! Big people leave big holes, which makes getting along without them extremely hard, but you wouldn't want them any other way. We are pleased that you passed through our lives and left a mark, and we'll all catch up with you later. With love and thanks, Janet, Christian & Oliver JANET GLENN

Although we did not know Roger, we are related to his brother, Guy and his wife Margaret. We have been deeply saddened by hearing about the loss of this pparently larger than life character who was Roger. We are thinking about his personal family, Clare and the children and Guy, Margaret and family. God Bless. Philip and Elizabeth and Family.

All the words have been said - these are my memories. Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane, Harry - I'm here always. Tom Paes

Just to let you know that we have arrived safely in South Africa and that you are in our thoughts on this sad day. Sending you all our love and strength today and everyday. Clare- I know you'll look just right! Love and lots of hugs to you all. God Bless. Sally Claughton and family

i first knew clare and roger 20 years ago from their first house in lower earley and the humble beginings of hygiene services this chap with a larger than life personality i think i first introduced to sindleshams so i might have alot to answer for we went our seperate ways but it was always a pleasure to bump into roger or walk into a room full of strangers and hear his voice above all others i will remember alan loveridge alan@impact-future.co.uk

We met Roger & Claire when our boys started in the same class at Crosfields in 1997. The lasting memory is always of the genuine smile, the quick humour and the zest for life. Roger, you will be sorely missed by your family and friends, which is a great tribute to you. Claire, Hannah, Jane, Sarah and Harry, our thoughts and support remain with you. He would be so proud of you all, and arranging this web site would really appeal to him. John, Barbara, Edward & Jamie Farrow

We originally got to know the Bradburys through our daughter Becky's friendship with Hannah. My abiding memory of Roger was his generosity to people he had only just met and his keen interest in what we were about, and subsequent meetings were always convivial and light-hearted, endorsing his obvious zest for life and humanity. No one can rationalise the tragedy that has occurred to this lovely family, but Clare and her children will be strenghtened by the high esteem in which Roger was held. Hopefully this above all else will sustain them as they face the future. The Davisons

Our family knew the Bradburys through my sister Jean (Newman) and her husband Peter. Over the years we met at J&P's social occasions both in Reading and in our home county Devon (at Saunton Sands). Even though we were friends of friends Roger and Clare gave me a bottle of champagne on my 50th birthday last September. We have not yet drunk it but we now will, in celebration of Rogers life; sparkling and bubbly, and to toast such heart warming thoughtfulness and generosity. Paul and Caroline Adams and Family

I'm Alan, one of the Monday tennis crowd. A huge gap will be there from now on. Roger and I won the club tournament together in 2002. I think he was quite pleased because it took the club 6 months to get the trophy back from him! I'm proud that my name is on that trophy alongside his. Always interesting, and always genuinely interested in everybody. I'm very, very sad at the tragic death of such a 'never say die' character, and my heart goes out to Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry. Alan Brown

Roger it was a privilege and joy to share time with you and your family. We certainly will never forget an amazing holiday in Goa with yourselves. You always were smiling and full of jokes with boundless energy. Our Love and thoughts at this time are with Claire, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry. Anton and Avril Bray

I have known Roger all my life and feel privalaged to have been his brother.We have shared many happy times as a family and are lives have been forever enriched by his prescence.He was everything and more expressed in the tributes in this web site.The great love and devastating loss we feel can not be described.We know he counted everyone of us as special and the huge void will be forever present with the realisation that life is never long enough.To know that he had such a lot of very special friends and a life full of love and happiness will be a comfort in my quiet moments of memories. Guy, Margaret, Oliver and Adam Bradbury

Roger, I will miss you although we had a difference in age we had a friendship in which I valued more than any other. I think of how fortunate I and many others are that you stayed in the south after you finished college and enriched our lives. I have many happy memories of our times together; one that I will remember most was when we played golf last summer in Oxford. Clare had brought you a set of clubs as a present and the woods had been sent away to be altered and you had just had them returned to you. We started about 2.30, you drove off with one of the woods and the ball went somewhere left or right, having played with you previously, before you had the woods your favoured club was a 5 iron. By the time we got to the seventh tee you had lost 9 of your golf balls, by the time we arrived at the sixteenth tee we had lost a further 12 golf balls having always driven off with a wood. At this stage we had 4 golf balls left. The sixteenth was a short hole with water on the right. You played with an iron, at the end of this hole we had one ball each to play with. We must have walked a few miles by this time having gone to the left and right many times and we were meeting Tom and Jim at 8.30. We decided to miss out the seventeenth and play the eighteenth. You teed of with an iron and we both finished the hole having not lost any more balls. As we walked off you just made a comment that the more you played with a wood the more proficient you would be. Who would argue with his logic! You were always ready to give advice any time and help whoever asked. Even under pressure you were always there for others. You will be greatly missed. We will look after all you loved. God Bless You. Harry Prince

Roger said four very pertinent words to me one bonfire night"hang on in there" I did,he wasn't allowed to. Not fair. tnewman@estate.fco.gov.uk

I only met Roger a few times but I commented on his lovely smile and friendly way and I remembered him. I was so sad to hear the tragic news. My heart goes out to Clare and his children. Vivien Smith

Clare Sincere Condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. Lots of Love Sabina, Paul, Georgina & Jonathan Green

we are sad for the loss of a great father,worker and friend raju

i hope claire isn't finding it hard on her own bob farmer

Fond memories of a wonderful fun guy on a great skiing holiday in Cervinia, Italy in 1998. Just one of many happy times spent together with Rog over the last 10 years. Sorry that our plans to visit The Comedy Store did not happen, but the two best "stand up" comediens are together now running a show for themselves. (Glenn & Brad) All our thoughts are with Claire, Hannah, Sarah, Jane & Harry with love Pauline & Geoff (Bromley)

it is really sad that a life is lossed in such a tragic accident we all do miss you dave

it is bad that he died what what can u do we miss u john

sory mate is sad losing famer spot

it is sorry raju

It is such a shame that roger died in such a tragic accident. It must be hard on Clare ut hopefully she would manage with the support of friends and family Matthew

A year has gone by, and we miss him every bit as much. Gareth, Lyn, Jennie, Kate and Susie.

i wish roger was still here we had some great times together dave

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To The Family & Friends that Roger Left Behind! We first met Roger back in 1990, when we shared premisis with Techne in Basingstoke. We were always pleased to see him, on his frequent visits, he was such a wonderful charcter, always willing to help with the numerous computer problems we had! We did various work for Rogers company, also for his friends such as Tom. What a great shock it was when we heard. We really could'nt believe the bad news. We will miss him greatly. although not an intimate friend, he became the best acquaintance (with a capital A) you could possibly have. We miss his charm and cheer. I personally said my goodbyes, when I was asked to take his phone kit out of his pickup. Cheers Roger. God Bless. Helene & Colin (Impact Communications Basingstoke)

Almost 2 years since i have seen your face yet it still burns so brightly in my minds eye. It has been that long since we shared a conversation yet i feel as though we have conversed many a time since. Although you are no longer able to be with us i feel that you are still watching us , i hope with pride, though occassionally with some amusement. ok, quite frequently amusement but most importantly, you are still there. Life isnt and never will b the same wihtout you. If only I could, or at least try, to explain your abscenece i may be able to find some condolence in your death. to this day you will remain the most passionate, genuine and inspirational man i have ever had the pleasure to meet and i only hope that at least some components of your personality have been passed on to me through genes. I will never cease to try and only hope that i may succeed to be half the man that you were. i will never forget you and know that our relationship was and continues to be in my heart, a special one. your loving and always questioning daughter Sarah

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Clare, Hannah, Sarah, Jane and Harry. I wanted to say that I love you all so dearly and think you are all doing such a grand job. You have kept Roger's wonderful spirit alive. I can see him in you all. Keep up the positivity, the warmth, the enthusiasm. Your zest for life. I miss Rog a lot. He still continues to inspire me. I wish he could have met Stephen. They would have got on so well. Love and warm hugs forever. Susie

i fill your pane lil g