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Roger Guy Rajotte

March 11, 1948 - January 6, 2015


It is with the deepest sadness that we tell you of the passing of Roger, husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, colleague and teacher. He died on January 6 in Vancouver with Mary-Ann, and his children by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Mary-Ann, his daughter, Chantelle, his son, Daniel and his daughter in law, Laura, his stepsons, Mikhail and Matthew, and his grandsons, Ryder and Koa, whom he loved beyond belief. Roger also leaves his three sisters, Elaine, Evelyn, and Joanne and their husbands, Bruce, Rick, and Andrew.

Roger possessed an overwhelmingly positive view of the world. He saw potential in and had an interest in everyone he met. He gave you his complete attention and was truly interested in understanding everyone’s story. He had an amazing capacity to care deeply about everyone.

Roger loved teaching, loved his students and his colleagues. Roger spent thirty years of a thirty three year teaching career at Highland Secondary School in Comox where he inspired generations of students in his History classes with his “stories”. It was impossible to go into Courtenay or Comox without meeting a former student – who always rushed up with a huge hug for “Mr. Rajotte”, even if their last encounter had been a grade 8 French class at Robb Road in 1978.

In retirement he continued to work with students, this time in the role of Faculty Advisor at Vancouver Island University, supporting student teachers. It was a perfect job for him – sharing his passion and vision of teaching with aspiring teachers.

Our journey in the last few years has taken us from biopsies to stem cell transplants, from chemotherapy to the ICU. We moved into a world that we knew nothing about, and then it became our world. And every step of that journey while grounded in the present was focused on the future. In the end Roger succumbed to complications from the stem cell transplant. His unfailing positive attitude prevailed throughout. He died as he lived, full of that loving energy that he so willingly shared with all of us.

Thank you to the amazing medical staff from T15 and CP6 at Vancouver General Hospital where we spent the last five months. Your professionalism, compassion and friendship are so appreciated. To our special T15 angels Kate, Carla and Joan you became part of our family and to Gagan, our doctor for our three plus months at BMT Day Care your friendship and genuine caring gave us strength. We also express deep thanks to the doctors and nurses in the ICU at Vancouver General.

To honour Roger ‘s life a private service will be held for family and close friends.

This will be followed by a Celebration of Roger’s life which will be held at Highland Secondary School on Sunday, February 8 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Please come and share your stories about the greatest storyteller. He will love to hear them.

In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to the Friends of Strathcona Park or to a charity of your choice.



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