Charles Craig Roemer, son of Whitelaw and Lillian (Mahan) Roemer, died of metastatic prostate cancer on May 31, 2022, at the age of 76, after living with that disease for over 19 years. He is survived by his life partner Helvi McClelland, his daughter Alanna Roemer-Koke, his son-in-law Gary Koke, his former wife Darlene Roemer, his cousins, and his close friends.
Charlie was a passionate learner. He studied English literature and social work, both of which set the foundation for how he lived life. His social work training led to many years of work taking special needs people on wilderness trips and also to working with school children and their families. He taught all of us to challenge ourselves, push past our comfort zone and live in the moment.
Charlie was a true adventurer at heart living with joy and exuberance. He loved sailing Lake Ontario with his mother and family. He even crossed the Atlantic as a crew member of a Tall Ship. Charlie loved seeing the world. He drove cross-country several times, often on his motorcycle. Connecting with the land, taking the “road less traveled,” and trying to get lost brought him happiness. He created his own path and encouraged others to do the same. He loved life and its diverse tapestry.
With contagious laughter and sharp, witty humor, his compassion was undeniable. Conversations with Charlie left friends feeling entirely seen and heard. He intuitively believed in the importance of interconnection with each other and the environment, that what we do to one impacts the whole. To that end, he treated people with genuine love, gentleness, respect and kindness.
At the age of 53, he took up stone carving, working in verde antique, marble, sandstone, and granite. He lives on in his many sculptures that are now in the possession of individuals and organizations with whom he had close ties.
Charlie was honored with an intimate graveside celebration of his life and spirit on June 1, 2022 in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or contributions, Charlie said he’d like each person who reads this to do something good for another person. Till we meet again…
Leave a Comment
Beautiful man. I was always smiling inside when talking to him. He will be missed.
Beautiful
– and as True as True CanBe- Marti
Charlie was a wonderful man. The world was a better place with him in it. Love Kelly zfrank and z jordan
Even though I haven’t lived in Rochester for many years, I always looked forward to spending time together when I visited. For over 50 years, you have been a supportive, involved rock in our family. I remember crazy motorcycle rides with you, fun sailing, and those times on the dock at the river by Lillians boat, laughs we all shared, advice you gave me through the years. I remember the trips you, Darlene, and Alanna took to visit me when, and where, Jim, Arren and I relocated to yet another state. I thank God I was in Rochester this April and Darlene, you, and I spent time together reminiscing about the past, learning you liked popsicles and ice cream cones and drives around Charlotte and the lake Charlie, you are very missed, and your memory will live on
❤️
I had the good fortune of knowing and working with Charlie for several years in the HFL school system. He was a man of many talents and he made meaningful connections with students and staff alike. He made a difference in their lives and on society as a whole. To that end, he has left this world a much better place and his presence will truly be missed, but not forgotten. May you rest in peace my friend.
I am so grateful I got to know and work with Charlie at HFL and travel with him and others to Nicaragua to build a school. Charlie was always compassionate with the students and staff at Manor and I found him to be a true advocate for all. I also loved his out of box thinking, that helped carry us through many challenges, and his passion for his work. While he passed before I could visit him I did have an amazingly upbeat conversation with him and we were able to reconnect on the phone shortly before he passed. His love and light will live on in all the lives he touched.
Friends at Rochester Quaker meeting have been slow to discover that Charlie has died. He made a last visit to us on Zoom during his final days to worship with us and to tell us of his terminal status. Though we had lost touch with Charlie and Helvi, he was such a welcome presence to those of us who knew and remembered him. Charlie was a profoundly loving and centered man who understood life, and death, deeply. He gifted us with his presence and his words on that day. May the many memories of shared times of joy and companionship be with all who grieve the loss of his physical presence. May Charlie be safe, may he be well, may he be peaceful, may he be happy in his continuation.