We have spent the past few days trying to find words to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that we received from the very moment the first person heard about Rick's death. To say we are overwhelmed does not even begin to cover our emotions. We don't know how to even begin to thank the drum corps and marching band communities for not only their flowers, donations, cards, emails and phone calls, but the people that came to Newark - some from very far distances - to say good bye to Rick, was more than we could have ever expected or imagined. He would have found it to be quite the party and reunion with many old friends, and I know he was smiling down on us.
To those of you from CA Palmer, the Geneva Appleknockers, Watkin Glen Squires, Phoenix, Purple Lancers, Statesmen, Hitmen, Primetime, Thunderbirds, Brigadiers, White Sabers, Kingston Grenadiers and Ghost Riders - we thank you so very much - you all meant so very much to Rick and it was so wonderful to meet many of you after hearing your names for so many years. The tribute from the Ghost Riders at the service meant so very much and we will always be grateful that you played in his service and for the hat presentation. Thank you also so very much to Joey Pero, Donny Allen and Nick Filia for playing so beautifully for Rick. I wish I knew the names of all of the Ghost Riders so I could thank you all individually, but please know that you all are equally appreciated. I know it couldn't have been easy to play on such an emotional day.
To those from Eastridge, Marcus Whitman, Jordan Elbridge, Auburn, and Oswego - please know how happy he was when he was teaching his students. No matter how far he had to drive for rehearsals from Oswego, he left and came home always smiling while I was nervous waiting at home!
We thank the NYS Percussion Circuit for honoring Rick's memory by establishing the Annual Rick Rogers Memorial Award to be given to the top snare lines at the NYSPC championships. He would have been, and we are so thrilled that you are honoring the young people that Rick loved to teach so much in his name. Marcus Whitman - go get that trophy for Rick - he really loved you all.
To our family at Cru - what can I even begin to say. You started as my family in '79 and became the place where Rick and I met in '80. Our years together there were happy ones, and even though I retired I have always loved hearing Rick's Cru stories after corps weekends. You embraced us and more recently embraced Sara and Josh. Gary - the video is beautiful and I promise to watch it with the music turned up sometime in the next few weeks! The love that you put into that tribute was evident and very appreciated by his entire family.
To our protectors this past week - Gary Goldstein, Mike Linton, Dan Gorman, Mike Pafka and Bill Oney - thank you so much for taking such good care of us and checking on us this week. Yes - I do take seriously your offer that if there is anything we need that I will call. We know that there are many of you that will be there for us each day from now on and that is more comforting than you know.
Mike - I've told you how I feel - on behalf of all of Rick's family we are so very grateful - there really are not enough words for the generosity.
I apologize if I have forgotten to thank anyone or any organization - this was a surreal week that has left us all in a blur. Please know that all and everyone that contributed to the love and support were appreciated.
Now for our request of all of you. Please, please in Rick's memory, take care of your health and go for that medical test that you have put off for now. Rick had been playing volleyball, was active in Tae Kwon Do and working when this happened. Please let this be your wake up call to take care of yourself and go for that stress test or annual physical or whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. 53 was not the time to leave us. Remember that there are some of you that I've asked to mail me your results - don't think I'm not serious - as you check on us - I will be checking on you.
We love and thank you all,
Cheryl, Josh and Sara Rogers
P.S. To those of you at the service you will understand this PS. Taps was perfect - he would have been loving it!
