Obituary of Roger William Hacker
Hacker, Roger William
March 22, 1939 – November 19, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roger William Hacker, philosopher, musician, charmer and friend, at his home in Portland, Ontario, peacefully on November 19th, 2020 at the age of 81.
Roger was the dear father of Jessica (Dan) and Adam (Katrina), and cherished grandfather of Ashley, Devin and Kathryn. He will be sadly missed by his siblings Virginia (Kevin), Charmaine (Bill) and William and will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins in England, Australia and Alaska, Daniel (Candy), David (Karly) and Matthew (Sarah). Roger was predeceased by his parents William Henry George Hacker and Ethel (nee Cole).
Roger was born and spent his early years in Swindon, Wiltshire, England, before immigrating to Canada with his mother as a teen. A personable young man, Roger connected deeply with many and formed lifelong friendships wherever he went. He earned a degree in political science from Carleton University, and an L.L.B. from the University of Ottawa. After being called to the bar in 1971 and joining the Law Society of Upper Canada, he had a long and distinguished career as a lawyer in Ottawa, Boston and the Bay area of San Francisco.
Music, sports and literature were Roger’s ultimate passions. He was known for travelling with his guitar and as a talented musician he taught himself to play a vast repertoire of folk and bluegrass music. Roger was an avid sports fan and a tough competitor both on and off the field. He enjoyed many sports, but excelled at rugby and track, and once had the fortune of competing with the Duke of Edinburgh in a cricket match. A devoted (Oakland) Raiders fan he never stopped cheering for his team. Roger had a passion for literature, he loved to read and write poetry and regularly quoted the classics from memory.
Settling in retirement along the water’s edge of the Big Rideau, Roger enjoyed a peaceful and quiet existence among friends, family and his much-loved dog Chester.
In light of Covid-19 restrictions, a private interment will take place in Ottawa, Ontario on a beautiful spring day in 2021. In lieu of flowers please raise a pint for Roger and consider a memorial contribution to your locally preferred animal shelter, sports club or spiritual organization. Arrangements are in the care of Blair & Son Funeral Directors, Perth.
