Roger Blishen
A tribute to Roger Blishen
We are deeply saddened to let you know that Coalition member Roger Blishen died on Tuesday 8th November.
Roger was a Board Director and member of the organisation for many years. Roger was also Chair and now Vice Chair for the South West DENS (Disability Empowerment Network Surrey) group and represented the Coalition on Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board. Roger was a supportive and familiar face to many members. Roger was always willing to help whether this was to carry things, offer round tea/biscuits or to offer assistance to manual wheelchair users going uphill! I’m sure members will also remember Roger’s generosity and thoughtfulness. I don’t think either Roger or his wife Ann ever forgot someone’s birthday and he kept one member supplied with Jaffa cakes for years!
Roger was also a local councillor representing Farnham Bourne ward on Waverley Borough and Farnham Town Councils. Roger passionate about ensuring that Farnham was the most inclusive place it could be.
Roger embraced the challenges of the last few years and the Covid-19 lockdowns with a spirit of adventure and threw himself into utilising new technology to enable him to continue to contribute to all the boards and networks he was a part of. As restrictions eased, Roger could often be found at events helping to run the Coalition stall and we always looked forward to seeing which jaunty tie he would pick for the occasion. Roger also loved a Costa and would often treat us to a coffee when we were out and about. Roger’s favourite was a large cappuccino which has a cup that is so big it requires two handles!
As well as helping those in Surrey Roger also helped those from further afield and was recently involved in assisting in sending ambulances loaded with medical and other essential supplies to Ukraine.
We will miss Roger terribly; he had such a big personality and presence. We are thinking of his family at this time, and particularly of his wife Ann Blishen, his children and grandchildren.
If you would like to submit a tribute to Roger, please use the link below or contact the office and we can do this on your behalf:
