It's with great sadness that I come to you guys today and inform you of the passing of a good friend, and long time Gaiscioch member Roger Rall who most knew as Oldroar. After two weeks of inactivity Gabale, Myself, and Moredan went on a hunt to find our what had happened. Moredan today spoke with Rogers wife who informed us of the tragic news.
Roger passed away last week at 65 years of age quietly in his den. Oldroar will be missed dearly. His wife asked that we share the news with you all. Moredan has his address and will be posting it later tonight. I will be putting together a in memory of and welcome you all to go to his profile and leave feedback about him. Share a story or just give some friendly wishes. Thank you all for reading.
This is not an easy post to write or read. For those that knew or knew of Old he has past on. Old died last week. I talked to his wife Karen a few hours ago. She said that Roger (Oldroar) was in his chair when she left the room, she came back 15 min later and he had passed. It sounds like he went fast and did not suffer.
His wife Karen is holding up as well as someone can in this type of situation, she told me he meant the world to her (and we know she meant the world to him). She didn't know how to get online to let all of us know and asked if I could. She said she loved to see him online hanging out with all of us. It made him very happy.
I believe he passed on Tuesday the 27th, he was cremated per his wishes, the funeral was held last week.
I talked to his daughter Lauren. She gave me their address, and said if anyone would like to send a card, flowers, or money we could. She said we did not have too, but could if we wanted too.
Roger Rall
Karen Rall
3234 Soaring Bird circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
This is a tragedy. We have lost one of our greatest. I'm deeply saddened by this as I'm sure we all are.
Even though I never met Oldroar in person, he was that kind of guy you felt you already knew. He was friendly, classy, and an all around good man. His voice on vent was soothing and calming during even the most hectic events. He was as much a part of Gaiscioch as anyone else I've had the pleasure of meeting here amongst our family. During some of the louder times on vent he was a voice of reason.
Oldroar invited me to Gaiscioch. I appreciate him and all he has done. I respect him because he talked openly about his love for his wife and he appreciated her in a way a gentleman would. He was blessed in life and I believe he was satisfied. I wish I would have had the pleasure of formally making his acquaintance. He will be missed.
Oldroar was a great friend I will miss him dearly. No game will be the same with out his calm and fun loving attitude. Together Old and I had some great adventures in Warhammer, Rift, Guild Wars and World of Tanks.
I will miss Old a great deal. He was always kind, witty, and encouraging...a voice of reason when all other reason had flown out the window. And we ladies always appreciated that lovely "VOICE" booming gently into our ears on vent. Whether it was just "on" vent because he sensed you needed to "vent" he was always there for you. Many times I went into the tank game channel just to gab with him and gabe and those playing there just for the good company.
Roger you will be missed and I will be praying for your lovely wife to have the courage to endure this time of loneliness and grief.
Jeanie
Ravenclaw
Follow my new Blog at http://cubbyholes.wordpress.com
I have to say Oldroar was a true gentleman he was always kind and friendly willing to help and was a great guy to listen to on vent he made my day when he laugh and i will miss him greatly i will keep his family in my prayers
The Gaiscioch has lost a dear friend and brother. Oldroar(Roger) was a great leader and friend to many of the Gaiscioch in Warhammer, Rift, Guild Wars, and World of Tanks. Rising through the Family, Roger was the first in the family to reach Teagasgar(Teacher), very fitting for him. He embodied and represented the Gaiscioch core values and taught them everyone in and out of the family. I enjoyed the many raids, jokes, and various interests that we shared. There were a lot of great conversations with Oldroar and they will be missed.
Thank You Oldroar(Roger) for opportunity to meet and get to know you. You will be missed and may you rest in Peace.
Even though I never met this individual, from all the posts I am reading he seems to have been a superb person. I am saddened that I did not get the opportunity to meet someone like him and I will keep his family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace.
When I first joined Gaiscioch in Warhammer, I wondered who this person was who had the deep voice in Vent and always typed in capitals on raid chat. The longer I played with him, the more I admired and looked up to him.
His friendly demeanor towards everyone, his wry sense of humor, his humility while leading, and his ability to laugh at himself were just some of the few wonderful attributes that I remember about him. He was a tremendous role model to everyone in our family and a shining example of what a true leader of Gaiscioch should be. He played not for glory but for fun and he lead not for gain but to serve.
I remember the first moment that I felt truly a part of this family was when Old made some confused comment and I teased him about his forgetfulness. Instead of ignoring or chiding a relative newcomer, he laughed at himself and teased me in return. His conduct as a leader of warbands had the single biggest influence on me and my own ideas on what a leader should and should not be.
I really looked forward to seeing him again in Guild Wars 2 and sharing in the friendly banter once again. You will be missed terribly my friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was a tremendous person who touched a lot of people's lives.
It was a joy to know Oldroar and run with him in Warhammer, Rift, and (briefly GuildWars). I will miss his sense of humor and, something that seems to be missing in many today, his since of honor and willingness to put others before himself. He will be remembered.
I am deeply sadden by this news. I have liked roger since the day he came to join the family.Through warhammer rift world of tanks he was always there leading and helping. I will miss the long talks with him and the sharing of jokes and life experience. He helped me out alot during my life crises with the divorce losing my job and the flooding. No matter what happen to me I knew I could talk to Roger and he would give me good sound advice and encouragement.He was like the family wise grandfather who always knew what to do and knew how to handle alot of situations he has helped many in the family giving time and alot of patience to many. He was a soldier of fortune for this family and to his real family I'm sure. My prayers are with his wife and kids. I mourn this loss dearly there never will be a kinder soul out there and as the song goes only the good die young
I salute you roger.
May heaven take you with open arms and let the rays of joy and bliss take you
good bye my brother, my friend.
Vampiresbane Ard Tiarna na Aracos GW2: Vampiresbane.6847
Replied On: 10/05/2011 at 09:07 AM
I just found out-Ben just called me. I don't even know where to begin. All this time I was planning on pillaging in GW2 with him leading a horde alongside me. Too many fun times were had to count. There will definitely be a hole that cannot be filled now that Oldroar is gone. He was a great guy and a fun friend to have.
I'll definitely be sending something his wife's way. We all miss him greatly-I can only imagine how much she does.
MasterElements Seaimpin na Iompróidh GW2: MasterElements.5023
Replied On: 10/05/2011 at 10:38 AM
Fog was the one who invited me into the family in warhammer, but Roger was the one who truly sucked me in. He was the one who gave me the love for this family, the people in it and what it represented. He dispelled my cynicism that had developed by being alone on the internet, the jerks who hide behind their screens and were complete ***holes, don't exist here. I was skeptical but Roger showed me it was unfounded and I could be myself. I may have stepped on a few toes along the way but Roger would just laugh and tell me not to worry about it, that they will come around eventually. His ever positive attitude reminds me of a recent Canadian loss, Jack Layton, leader of the New-Democratic Party(NDP) died of cancer in mid September. Like Roger he was ever positive, stuck to his guns, and was probably the best politician Canada has ever seen.
This is the letter he wrote on his deathbed to all of Canada
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-last-letter.html
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
I have just been told of Oldroars (Roger) passing by Gabale. I am in total shock. I along with others were playing with him in World of Tanks just before he passed away. He was the voice of reason and was always willing to help anyone with their gaming exploits. I will miss his soothing voice and laughing tones in vent and his passion for co-operative gaming with Gaiscioch. We have lost our greatest guild treasure.
May he rest in peace and remain in our thoughts in our future gaming exploits.
Terrible news. I know we always joked about his age, but Oldroar was far too young to leave us like this. I was already missing his absence in vent the last few months when he left Rift for World of Tanks, and like Vampiresbane was really, really looking forward to rejoining him again in Guild Wars 2.
He will be greatly missed. He embodied everything this guild strives to stand for and then some. When the pressure was on in-game he always remained the calm voice of reason we needed when frustration threatened to get the better of us, and set an amazing standard we could all strive to learn from. It was an extreme pleasure to have known Oldroar this last year and a half. That deep voice of his still echoes in my mind months after last hearing it, and I hope it continues to do so for a long time to come.
Sending a consolidated list of quotes from this thread to his wife since she is likely not able to see all this and should. Hope you all don't mind. I deleted names so I figured none would get upset by this.
One of the greatest members of our family. Not only would he go out of your way to help someone in game but, he also gave sound advice to anyone that needed it, myself included. He is one of the main reasons i joined Gaiscioch. If it wasnt for all of the early morning Warbands i never wouldve known what a true family Gaiscioch is. He taught me what it was to be a Gaiscioch member. He will always be remembered as a teacher and friend. If ever there was a man that was a true Gentleman it was him. This Family will never forget him. May the Gods shine there light on his soul and keep a watchful eye on his Family.
Redneck/Bloodburner
Aaron L. Jacobs
Two years of playing an Engineer in Warhammer taught me that DOT’s are bad. Really bad. Can this be good? Who knows? - Salom, Engineer
I only recently joined the guild but have been gaming with a couple of the same people for years now and could imagine that the news is hard for you all. Sorry for your loss. RIP Oldroar.
Seeing as Fog is already sending it, I will just leave my thoughts here instead of the letter I wrote to accompany the posts summary.
To his loved wife:
Thank you for letting us share your husband Roger. His love and kindness touched us all. During this time of sadness, try to remember all the memories of him. Remember the little things that you shared and forget the regrets. Roger loved you. Remember to see the love in what he left behind and not the love you lost. He leaves you his love in your daughter, around the table, in the bed you shared. He left his love in us. We all knew how good of a husband he was to you and how much he cared for everyone around him. During this time of sadness, create a memory of his love, his voice, of him the way he wants you to remember him.
I will be praying for you and wish you all the comfort and understanding in the world.
~Melissa
P.S. - I would recommend the following book to help with the greif and to work your way through it all: "A Grief Observed" by C.S. Lewis
This is a true tragedy and I'm sorry to hear this roger was a great man I can still remember the times he helped me he would always be thee to give advice and nearly always in the morning raids he was one of the people who really brought the family together RIP.
My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. I know from the gaming perspective how hard it is to lose a brother and know how strongly and it will affect all.
I wanted to post about all the good times Roar and I had, but when I started typing so did the tears so all I am going to say is Lead the way Roar and we will all be following. To his family you have my deepest sympathy.
Our thoughts and prayers going out to his family and friends.
"You were not born to immortality, but it has been forced upon you. While your body has been forced to adapt, no such provision has been made for your mind. Beware the toll of time, and stay close to your heart, for only through it shall you prevail."
I've been here only a short time and only heard Oldroar in vent once or twice. Could have listened to him talk all night..."the VOICE" indeed!
My heart goes out to his wife and family, in this time of grief. I lost all of my immediate family within a 3 year span, back in the early 80s, so I know how you feel. My prayers go out to you.
My Heart felt Prayers and Condolences to Friends and Family of Oldroar. I didn't have the pleasure of knowing him but I have heard great things about him.
I just received the email while sitting at my office desk. I must confess that while I deal with this sort of news quite often in my profession it never comes easy and this has left me a bit broken up. I will miss Roger/Oldroar greatly.
As a fellow "old-timer" I greatly appreciated his his perspective and sense of humor. I often found his voice a calm haven amidst all the chaos. Even when he was leading us to our certain death in our armored tanks or realm battles. He was one of the many reasons that I have enjoyed our guild so much.
To our younger members and to all those new to the family, I will tell you that you will not find a greater example of gameplay and sportsmanship. You would do well to follow his example.
I was reminded of this viking prayer made famous in the movie "The 13th Warrior" taken from the Varangian Rus and made me think of our noble warrior.
Lo, there do I see my Father..
Lo, there do I see my Mother
And my Sisters and my Brothers..
Lo, there do I see the line
Of my people back to the beginning..
Thay do bid me to take my place among them..
In the Halls of Valhalla,
Where the Brave may live forever.
Damn... I just got the mail and... sigh... don't think words can do justice to the friend we lost...
Death comes to us all, sooner or later. What really matters is what we do with our life til that moment when one's light goes out. Roger's shone bright, clean and strong, touching all that had the honor of meeting him, no matter how brief. He left us a wonderfull legacy of good memories and a great example of sportsmanship, kindness and patience. Of how to be a better person, despite aggravating situations. How to be a good friend and leader.
I can't claim to know oldroar of old, but, i do think he would like it best if we lingered not on his absence, which is sure to be felt, but on all the good moments we had the honour of sharing with him.
Requiescat in pace, Roger.
Nos omnes honoravit occursum tuum.
"When in deadly peril,
When beset by doubts,
Run in little circles,
Scream and shout!"
Unfortunately I haven't had the pleasure of knowing Roger as well as most of you. I'd still like to extend my condolences and best wishes to all his entire family, whether they be real or virtual. He indeed seems to have touched many and lived a wonderful and admirable life.
I`ve just read the dreadful news. I know I have been absent for a long time, but I've felt this loss deeply in my heart.
Oldroar was one of the most active and wise officers I`ve ever met, back at the good old Warhammer Online glorious days. He taught me a lot by word and example, and every time I saw one of his many toons riding into the fray I knew I would be in great company. How many great moments of fun and glory we shared, so many sieges and defenses!
Although I`ve been absent from the Gaiscioch day to day affairs for almost a year now, I miss the old times dearly, and I will miss Teagasgar na Cu Oldroar!
May the Gods have him with them!
In Guild Wars II, look for Seabhran Sihdrail, Lothean, Morrighu, Alanleigh, Beladona Atropa and Ravenna Duskwind.
Wow. This is sad indeed. I haven't been active in the guild for about a year but one of my fondest memories of Warhammer Online was being helped by Oldroar when I first joined up. I was floored by how willing to help me this obviously important member of the guild was. I barely knew him and didn't have many interactions with him after that first day, but I knew exactly who it was you were talking about when I got the email with the news of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and family.
Oldroar, Roger, was/is the true heart of Gaiscioch and all it stands for. Here was a beautiful man. I will so, miss his wonderful voice on vent and his sage words of understanding and reason very, very much. A man who touched so many lives. His humor, honesty and bravery displayed on the game of battle. My thoughts are with his wife and family. Take great pride, all ye who knew this man, Roger Rall. We hold him in our heart lights and memory
I am sorry that I didn't have the opportunity to meet this great person.. I can see by the notes that he left his mark and a part of him with all of you that have so many kind memories... My sympathys with his family .. gaming and otherwise he will be missed but never forgotten.
Many fun nights were spent running with Oldroar, I always enjoyed his outlook on things and his great attitude. It will be a little less fun in vent to not hear that voice on our guild nights. I wish his family the best. He will be missed.
I just got the email from Fog stay Oldroar had passed on. It's been quite a while since I played with everyone but Oldroar was one of the reasons I miss everyone so much even as I write this I'm fighting back the tears. I met Oldroar through Warhammer online in fact the most fun I had was being in Oldroar's warbands listening to him be patient and give orders. There was this one time just for fun we formed at warband it was only a small one but we managed to hold off destro from locking the zone. Was the funniest thing ever to watch destro break down as Old and the rest of us held them back.
I spent a great deal of time with Old and Gab before Rift came out and that was some of the best times I had playing in a long time. It reminds me why this gaming family is so special to me. I count Old as a great friend and he will be missed. I time I spent with him might not have been much but the impact he had on me was great. He was a great man and friend for a lot of us. Rest well my friend for you will be missed.
The biggest mistake we make is not to try because we think it's something we can't do.
It has been awhile since I have been around anyone from the family. I got the email this morning and it has taken me all day to try to phrase what I wanted to say on here..Oldroar was a great friend, a good leader, and everyone loved him. He was a great person to do events with and had more generosity than anyone I have known. He would do anything to help anyone without cause. I know i will miss him greatly and will always remember the guy that all the girls oogled over in vent cause of his voice. Meritra also wants me to send her sincere prayers and wishes as she is unable to log on and post.
Old you was a great friend and a great man.. you have left a loving feeling in everyone as you pass and we hope you only the best and the best for your family as they deal with this difficult time.
I was at Garrison of Skulls today and needed to repair the door and thought "I need to get wood" then smiled and literally started to chuckle - thinking of Old and figured I would pop in tonight and see how you all are doing in Rift..
Words escape me atm and I am typing through my tears.
Breannan would never had stepped up and helped lead in any event had it not been for Old. In The Black Fleet we all just had fun! I'm nearly numb right now..
Rest well, dear friend.. You touched our lives, made us laugh and lead us to victory countless times. You will not be forgotten.
Much love - ~Bre / Pipsqueax
ps - Xhao and friends - if you pop in on Gorfang just holler - I'm usually on Dokseuss or Vortices *hugs* to all!
Lisa/Docfixit - *HUGS*
» Edited on: 2011-10-10 21:14:14
"Rat ogre throwing a dwarf? I would really like to punch you in the face. -Reclis"
It means "May you rest in peace and the road rise with you"
The brackets are how to pronounce it properly...
I Didn't know him, but a loss to the Family is a loss for us all. I will miss him, and the missed chance to get to know this wonderful person. We are saddened by the loss, but we should not be - He is just beginning his grandest adventure yet..we are the one's missing out...So strike true "Oldroar" and hold the line, reinforcements are just over the horizon..we ride to meet you there..
Aethenbrior Seaimpin na Sailetheach GW2: Aethenbrior.9608
Replied On: 10/11/2011 at 10:03 AM
After months of inactivity from RIFT and the guild, I dropped by today to see how everyone is doing. I'm very devastated to be greeted by this news.
While I didn't spend much with Oldroar in RIFT, I had tons of fun playing with him in Warhammer, including the time when we held Tier 4 for 8 hours under his leadership.
Like many PvP-mongers in our guild, I was really looking forward to play Guild Wars 2 with him. It's sad to know that won't happen anymore.
I didn't know him but in WAR, however he was always a rock-solid warband leader who never got too high or low. From what I've read of him in this post, that was the man in truth both in and out of game. It sucks I'll never get to run in one of his warbands again. Farewell.
I decided to go back to Warhammer Online to honor Oldroar's memory. During the next days I will be running to the highest place in every taken keep and shouting homages to our Teagasgar. Does anyone want to join me?
In Guild Wars II, look for Seabhran Sihdrail, Lothean, Morrighu, Alanleigh, Beladona Atropa and Ravenna Duskwind.
I haven't been around in quite sometime. However, I was leaving my fitness studio and walking home when my phone began to vibrate. I looked at my phone and saw that there was a message from Ben Foley. I opened it up and received the news about OldRoar's passing.
My head began to fill with the sound of his voice and of all the things that he taught me. This man sat with me on Ventrillo for hours, counselled and supported me about getting and finding a job. He shared with me stories about his experiences in the field. He assisted me with my life.
My heart filled with appreciation and I started to cry, on the side of the road, in the city; looking down at my phone.
OldRoar, I never got a chance to communicate to you how much I appreciated your existence and how you touched my life. You made me a better person. You made me a better man. You enhanced my soul. Thank you so much, my friend.
Radgasken Seaimpin na Iompróidh GW2: Radgasken.9586
Replied On: 03/16/2012 at 10:26 PM
I know I'm a bit late to join you all in sharing my sorrow over the loss of Oldroar, but I thought better late than not at all. I found out about his passing shortly before heading out to sea on deployment, and just recently got back. I'm not surprised that the thought of him being gone still has a strong impression on me even after nearly half a year. Now that I'm back home, I've started looking for a game to play to pass the time and remembered the last time I came home from deployment, I didn't really care what I played... I got onto vent and asked Oldroar what he was playing and joined him there playing World of Tanks and having a great time. Anyhow, I decided to try and write a poem about our dear friend. Perhaps I need to to help stem the sinking feeling I still have about it. I actually haven't written a poem in about 6 years. Hopefully it does him some small measure of justice. Here it goes:
Fatherly Love
Even keel
Eyes fixed on the horizon
Your voice resonates...
Somewhere within
Depth of heart
Pooled like a well
Springing forth
A smirking glow
Quicker than the strong
Stronger than the quick
Bolder than the kind
Kinder than the bold
Wiser than the skilled
Humbler than the wise
Your sheer totality
Benevolence enshrined
A great mass once gone
Leaves a vacuum too strong
One can only hope to bare
These winds of change
And disrepair
Anchored in goodness
Bathed in light
Your memory inspires
My friend, goodnight.
Oh my, I'm a little late to this thread, but I will miss him, even though I have not spent all that much time with the Gaiscioch.
Old was always the one to help me out and type stuff because I do not use voicechat. I always loved being in his groups in Warhammer and Rift because he was so patient and kind.
I know you are in a better place, Roger Rall, and I hope your family is doing well.
I've also been known as: Giacinta -> Arieltalia -> Cedia -> Dreamchaser
Hello all I am happy to say i am back. I have been gone for a long time due to the Army but i am back for at least 2 years before i figure out what they will have me do next. First off I would like to thank Ben and Don for staying in contact with me you are atrue freinds. I'd also like to give a small story about my last days here in the faimly before I left me and our very good freind Old were with Vamp tryign to coem up with ways to defend and attack a castle when we were to fight Ben in battle for Badlands. Those 3 days were the funnest days of my life showing my Army skills and how i would do things. they were hard task to do but with Olds help and Vamps support they were a success. I will miss him alot and i am very upset i am just now finding out all of this. Those who i led in my guild and on War Hammer i am now playing guild wars 2 with the faimly as a memeber and not an exteneded faimly. Bless all and I am greatfull for all the freinds i have met here. And to Old and his fam I hope you can hear me where you are resting I will never forget hwo you took all my crazy ways and showed others that crazy sometimes works much respect will be givin to your name for ever from me.
Site No. 70 by Benjamin Foley