The residents of the community of Brighton, Ontario, are saddened following the passing of their beloved member Roger Michael Cooper Cole, who died peacefully on December 31, 2025. At the age of 74, Roger departed at home, surrounded by the devoted care of his wife Susan and her sister Christine, bringing a gentle close to a life marked by kindness and quiet contribution in this serene Northumberland County town.
Born on May 19, 1951, in Toronto, Roger grew up in the bustling urban environment of Canada’s largest city before building a fulfilling career and family life. He pursued higher education at Ryerson University, graduating with a business degree that equipped him for a successful path in sales and management. This foundation allowed him to excel professionally while maintaining the approachable demeanor that endeared him to colleagues and neighbors alike.
Roger spent decades as a Sales Director in the plastic packaging industry, forging lifelong friendships through his reliability and genuine interest in others. His professional world balanced ambition with interpersonal warmth, often extending beyond the workplace into acts of generosity that strengthened community ties. In retirement, these qualities shone brighter in Brighton, where he became known as an exceptional neighbor always ready to lend expertise or encouragement.
A passionate enthusiast for home projects, Roger found satisfaction in hands-on improvements and assisting others with theirs, though he openly avoided heights and appreciated help with tasks like roofing. This practical, helpful nature embodied a lifestyle of service and humility, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. His kindness and generosity left lasting impressions on those in Brighton and beyond, fostering a spirit of mutual support.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease fifteen years prior, Roger faced the condition with resilience, channeling energy into fundraising efforts that benefited research. Together with Susan, he founded the Parkinson’s SuperWalk team Rogie’s Rockets, often rallying over thirty supporters and achieving top fundraising status in Cobourg and Northumberland County. These initiatives highlighted his determination to turn personal adversity into broader good.
Roger Michael Cooper Cole’s legacy endures as a tribute to a life well lived through professional dedication, neighborly generosity, and unwavering commitment to family and cause. In Brighton and the surrounding areas, his memory inspires continued kindness and community involvement. Though his absence creates a profound quiet, the impact of his thoughtful presence will resonate for years among those he touched so deeply.