Richard “Rick” Rogozinski
Died: June 20, 2019 | Place: London, ON
Obituary
ROGOZINSKI, Richard “Rick” …
It is with heavy hearts the family announces the passing of our beloved Rick on Thursday, June 20, 2019. Predeceased by his parents Marion and Adam. Brother of Jim (the late Bev) and Diane (Bill) Smith. Uncle of Melissa (Steve) Burdick, the late Jennifer and Amanda (Jeff) Wilson. Great Uncle to Kayla, Jessica, Brittney, David and Jacob. Rick belonged to a numerous amount of groups including: Rotary club of Strathroy, London Pro Musica Choir, choir at Thamesview United Church in Fullarton, Thames River United Church, Taught at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute and Strathroy Board of Trade. Also involved in a multitude of other musical and theatre groups over the years. Loved by students and teachers spanning from 1977 when he started in Strathroy to today as he was still volunteering. He chaperoned many student trips while teaching and during retirement. He also enjoyed many camping and golfing trips. He was a good friend to so many and was deeply loved by his family, friends and anyone who ever had the privilege of meeting him. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019 from 3-5pm at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute, 361 Second Street, Strathroy, ON N7G 3H8. The Celebration of Life will be broadcasted live at Patterson Funeral Home, 6062 Main Street, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 5Z9 on Friday, June 28, 2019 starting at 3pm. Guests are welcomed to gather 30 minutes prior. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Strathroy P.O. Box 232, Strathroy, ON N7G 3J2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
“Dress attire is casual, but a shoe untied along with a smear of shaving cream, behind the ear would be a great compliment to Rick”
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I was deeply saddened to hear about Mr. Rogozinski’s sudden passing. I was honoured to be a student in his first teaching class at SDCI in 1977. My three sons, Justin, Evan and Daniel were also taught music by him at SDCI. Even though he was only a few years older than I at the time , he taught me many life lessons which I have carried with me to this day. He was a much respected teacher, mentor, and musician and the world was a much better place because of him. He will be always remembered and sorely missed.
Sincerely, Ronald Wiley
I taught with Rick from 1998 until his retirement. As SDCI’s sole (a type of flounder) physics teacher since he passed along the music headship to Greg, Rick would gravitate to me for weekly discussions about physics, math, philosophy and life. Since my son became ill in 2012, Rick would show up at our place for always-appreciated support. I’ll always remember Rick as a sympathetic listener, someone who could always bring out the humorous side of grim things, and for all his atheistic leanings, a man of huge faith in humanity.
“God will wipe away every tear from our eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain.” Revelation 21.4
My sympathy is a small thing when measured against your loss, but I offer it because I want you to know I care. Rick will be missed @ Thamesview United Church in Fullarton.
There are so many of us sharing the sadness we are feeling over the loss of our dear friend, Rick. Or Rogo. I will never forget his infectious laugh, complete with snort; his love for music; his willingness to share his love for music; his ability to help out, whenever needed, without complaint; and his intentionally bad limericks. My condolences to all of the family and friends to whom Rick was a beacon of light and love.
We are all so blessed to have met you, and can only hope to leave such an impression on as many people as you did, for the brief moment you were in our lives.
I was a student of Mr. Rogozinski’s and although I was often intimidated to have him as a teacher, his warmth and his humour made a great impact on my years at SDCI.
Mr. Rogo helped me find my way to class when I was hopelessly lost on my first day of high school. One semester he helped my homeroom with the canned food drive because he didn’t have a homeroom of his own. I’ll always remember his laugh, and I know several of his recurring jokes by heart, as I’m sure many others do (“Let’s start from the very beginning, please, the very beginning as opposed to the other beginning”).
I especially remember one time Mr. Rogo told my class a story and the punchline was met with complete silence. He explained why it was funny and we gave a half-hearted “Ohhh hahaha.” He stepped out later in the class, and when he re-entered, he repeated the punchline with a stronger delivery. We then responded with the proper amount of hysterical laughter.
Another time Mr. Rogo told us, “I hate most things,” and dared us to name something he didn’t hate. The first person said, “dogs.” Mr. Rogo smiled and said, “Oh, I love dogs.” And that was the end of that.
I was a shy student and I very much kept to myself, but on more than one occassion, Mr. Rogo would approach me to compliment me on my work in the school play or the school television broadcast. Another time he pulled me aside to help me with my solo in the musical. I was always very touched by his kindness.
I just wanted to extend my condolences to Mr. Rogozinski’s friends and family and add my voice to the many of others from former students whose lives were greatly blessed by having known him.
I miss him as a teacher. He was such a fun-loving person and made high school feel like a better place to be than just a school. He will be greatly missed by so many. I’m very sorry for you all having to go through this. ?
Rick was quite a guy – made music class ALWAYS enjoyable. I’m sure he’ll be pulling the hairy Russian woman armpit trick in heaven too.
So sorry to hear of Ricks passing. Condolences to the family and friends of Rick. He has left a legacy of love and Respect to so very many people. The music of his heart song will echo forever. Thank you Rick for the blessing of your Kindness and passion for Music and Teaching. Rest Easy my friend. ????????????
Rogo was easily my favourite teacher at SDCI. His energy and unique outlook made every class fun and he was also happy to have us hang out in the music lounge on a spare. I was at SDCI when Rogo left to teach elsewhere for a few semesters. Our concert band was warming up in a classroom while preparing to perform at at a competition in London (Saunders, I think). Rogo popped in to say hi and was greeted by a raucous standing ovation that lasted well over a minute. It brought many of us to tears, including Rogo, and I’ll never forget that moment. Every time I listen to Vivaldi Four Seasons or Bach’s Organ Fugue’s I think of Rogo. Love you buddy, rest easy, and my deepest condolences to the family. P.S. Rogo, you’ll be pleased to know I’ve never spelt “whole note” wrong again….
My thoughts and prayers are with Rick and his family. Rick was a truly incredible man and an unwavering force.
The world is a sadder place without him. I had the pleasure of being his student starting in 1977 and he gave his heart and soul to us. He also taught my daughters Heartbroken that he left us but so enriched to have known him.
My deepest condolences to Rogo’s family. I had the pleasure of having Rick as my high school music teacher. Some of my best high school memories surround time spent in the music room at SDCI. RIP Rogo. You will be missed. ??
Rick was a fine man and a good friend. He built friendships throughout his career and into retirement, but always stayed true to his closest friendships he developed at SDCI.
My thoughts and prayers are with Rick’s family at this moment.
God bless you Rick.
I first met Rick when he became our music teacher in 1977 at SDCI where he was a breath of fresh air from the moment he introduced himself. I have had several opportunities to share some time with him when our paths have crossed in the past 42 years. During this past year, with the loss of our mutual dear friends, Rick took the time to visit my parents as well. He was an incredibly gentle, caring person. His spirit will carry on in the many lives he touched. Thanks Rick.
I had Mr Rogo for only Gr 10 music class (Mainprize for 9 and 11) and I will never forget him. What a character! What a great teacher! I know his legacy will carry on with all his students and SDCI alumni for many, many years to come. my deepest condolences to his family and friends. ????
Rick left an indelible mark on so many of our lives. The music room wasn’t really a classroom, it was a place where misfits and oddballs and losers and loners could hang out, and feel like we were part of something good. We convinced ourselves that our bands were better than they probably were, and Rogo encouraged us to do just that. He would laugh at himself, cackling maniacally when he told a corny joke or made a mistake sight reading, but he never laughed at us.
And he very gently and with good humour showed us a whole world of music that was so much wider than any of us could have known. In his class we listened to PDQ Bach, and Bernstein’s Mass and Woody Herman and Aida… and Rogo taught us to love all of it.
A few of us went on to be professional musicians. Most of us didn’t. And some of my crowd didn’t even play music in high school — they just recognized that the music room was a fun and safe and caring place to hang out, and Rogo welcomed them, too.
The world needs more Rogos.
RIP Mr. Rogozinski. And thanks for the music and the good times.
To Mr. Rogozinski’s family, friends, colleagues and fellow former students,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I am an elementary school music teacher. Twelve of my classes will be performing in our year end concert tomorrow. The concert will be dedicated to Mr. Rogozinski.
So much of what I communicate with my students and how it is presented, has been guided and influenced by Mr. Rogo. My students have known who he was for years as they have heard the many stories about him that I have shared. I will continue to share these for years to come.
He was my music teacher from 1986-1991 at SDCI and I will forever remember his dedication, and support of my future in music. I am so incredibly grateful for his influence.
Laureen Howlett
It would be impossible to overstate how important Rogo’s impact was on me as a student as he was everything you could wish for in a teacher. Passionate about his subject in such a way that you couldn’t help but get caught up in it yourself. Rick was possessed of a marvelous sense of humour that made you laugh with him at every turn. Even if he was a little bugged one funny remark would bring him right back. I can see him so clearly standing in front of the band, wand up, and looking over the top of his glasses with a poorly hidden smile at whoever had made him laugh. Those memories and countless more will stay with me all my life and for that I am forever grateful to this wonderful man. Rick you will be sorely missed. Love, Cooper.
I’m so sad to hear of Rick’s death. He was definitely one of a kind and an all-round fantastic human being. I went on to study music in university and won’t forget his robust laugh cutting through the serious silence of the hall when I was performing in my final juried recital. That laugh meant he was loving every minute of it.
Rick often expressed affection for his students by saying “I love you all. Except for one of you.” I’m pretty sure he loved us all.
Deepest sympathy to Rick’s family and friends.
I remember my cousin Ricky when we were little kids playing with our siblings so long ago and eating homemade pizza made by his mom, my aunt Marion
Two cornerstones of Rick’s character were patience and humility. Personally, he provided me with the most memorable learning experiences of my high school days. (Graduating Class of ’88) Rick was fun, serious about music, and occasionally frustrated with some of the wrif wraf, but always defaulted back to his true character with a smile and and a shrug. The world was a better place with you around Rick. God speed old friend.
My condolences for your loss. I hadn’t seen Mr. Rogo since graduating from SDCI in 1984. He was an awesome teacher. He encouraged us to do and be our best. When we won in our Kiwanis festival it was all due to him and his leadership. I am truly sorry for your loss ??
I will miss my friend Rick. He was always so full of enthusiasm for music…so excited about a great rehearsal or an amazing performance. I am honoured to have sung with Rick in London Pro Musica. His sense of humour was infectious…even the snort!! Rick & laughter we’re always a winning combination!
We will all miss you, my friend.
I had the pleasure of being Ricks neighbour for 17 years . His annual blitz in the garden , and the pleasure he got out of it was amazing ! God Bless.
We used to come up to Niagara Falls, Canada every summer to visit relatives. Through them we met the unique “Rogo” … Although we hadn’t seen him in years, Rick’s compassion, sensitivity, and amiability was unforgettable … He was a friend, a good guy, and one-of-a-kind …
We’ll miss him …
Dave and Kit Rafalko
Rick was a longtime best friend from my Middlesex teaching days at SDCI (1984-1988) ; continuing our connection,despite my teaching move to the Niagara area , was eased by his frequent visits to his Mum, Dad, his brother and nieces in the Falls.Concerts,golf,dinners,conversations of God,politics,history,dogs and the raucous English staff room at SDCI amused us for years.
Rogo was an accomplished musician whose love of Mozart, Chopin,Vivaldi et.al. pushed me into following classical music. As a teacher at Strathroy, he was an icon for students and an inspiration,again for me to revere our profession and to do our utmost for those kids whom we met each day… I am beyond saddened for our loss of such a trigger and a light to others in this life.
I was so sad to hear of his passing. I had him as a teacher in grade 11. He was by far- hands down- the best highschool teacher I had in those 4 years at SDCI. His laughter could be heard through an entire section of the school, and he found joy in every little thing. He helped me find a new love for music and always encouraged us to think outside the box and try something new. The world lost an amazing talent. You will be missed, “Rogo”!
I was one of the bunch he started teaching in 1977. The music he loved and exposed us to over the next three years is still at the top of my favourites list! Mozart’s 40th and Shostakovitch’s 5th and so many more. He loved teaching and we made beautiful music together because of Mr.Rogozinski! Today, before I learned of his passing, I thought of him as I told people it was the penultimate day of school. He had us forever starting at the penultimate bar!
My condolences to you, his family and all who have lost the special man!
To Rick’s family, we send our deepest condolences. Our family was blessed to know Rick. He taught both of our kids, but he was so much more than a teacher. He was their mentor, their cheerleader and a confidante. He recognized their talent and encouraged them to share their gifts with others. He took the time to come along with us to university auditions, to play accompaniment for our daughter and support her. She is now a high school music teacher!
He encouraged our son musically, both instrumental and vocal. He helped him join the London Gilbert and Sullivan Society and perform in the production of The Gondoliers. Although his studies took him in a different direction, he too continues to use his musical talents.
We have fond memories of Rick, sharing a dinner together, a round of golf, and always a good time. He was special! He will be missed.
Thank, you, Andrew Wagner-Chazalon for eloquently expressing so many of my own thoughts. My years at SDCI (79-83) were defined by music. Great teacher, great classes, great bands, great friends. As my own kids start music programmes at senior public and high school, I have been reflecting a lot on how much a teacher can positively influence lives. I still play clarinet in a community band. I treasure my SDCI music memories. Thank you to a gifted teacher.
Rick has been a friend since University days at Queens and Western. Our love of music and Niagara Falls roots connected us since then. Sincere condolences to Jim, Diane and families.
Arlene (Pietrobon) & Rob Nicholson
Always friendly. Always a great guy. Condolences to his family.
What a shock. We miss him at Thamesview United Church for his stories and wit and also very much for his choir work. My condolence to all the family.
To the dear family and friends of Rick, I was so saddened to hear of his passing; wishing you all the moments of peace throughout this time. To say it was a pleasure to know him would be an understatement, he has and will continue to be part of my life story. As a former SDCI student grad 88…like many Mr. Rogo was my favourite teacher ( without music class, band and choir what else was there). He was all about the journey of music and life: having fully embodied and modeled the passion it was easily absorbed -our paths diverged long ago but his teaching will never fade. A teacher myself and parent of a 9yr daughter, I was attending the last school assembly of the year when the gr6-8 school band took the stage to play a melody of Momma Mia. The moment took me back to my grade 9 concert in where we played William Tell Overture like the piece played -great attempts at notes – great phrases and several squawky places..loved ever moment of both times of my life.. forever thankyou Rogo as your imprint has been repeated more than you will ever know. I attended the celebration of life -where the joy was overflowing..the laughter was as infectious as yours.. the picture of your crazy finger-combed hair and irregularly buttoned shirts are always in my heart..to life in gratitude
A kind man and great, enthusiastic teacher. Rogo made a huge impact on all of his students. He also brought me a secret bottle of Polish beer to school on my 19th birthday in a not to be opened brown paper bag, handed to me with a broad grin and trademark twinkle in his eyes. I kept the secret long enough Rick! Too bad we couldn’t sit down again to enjoy a cold one together.