Joe Roller
William H Kaempfer
It was certainly sad to hear in the CoBirds messaging this evening of Joe Roller’s passing. Joe was a wonderful guy and terrific birder; a true and cherished friend. Joe, it saddens me to have lost you, and I will miss you greatly.
I know that in my many years on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Field Ornithologists, Joe, a fellow Board member, was the among first colleagues that I would turn to for advice on tough issues. It was always sound and well-reasoned advice, and Joe’s cool head helped moved the CFO on the path that it continues to this day as a fine organization. I must say that the DFO had to have prospered as well under his direction.
But, Joe was a great and tenacious field birder in Colorado as well. Be aware that he was number one on the state’s eBird list. He would have been in sole possession of first place, but I think Norm Erthal caught him with this fall’s Magnificent Frigatebird. There are so many warm and cherished memories that I have of Joe, it’s hard to think of him as gone.
My deepest prayers go to Maryanne who I know will miss him so, and to his sons (and fellow Blue Devils).
Bill Kaempfer
Safety Harbor, FL
Lauren Hyde
Paula Hansley
I cannot believe he is gone.
Paula Hansley
Louisville
Sent from my iPhone
Ellinor Laurie
Going thru Chemotherapy myself currently has given me a certain compassion for others going thru a tragedy as you are... My thoughts and prayers are with you, though I've known neither you nor Joe.
Joe was a wonderful teacher and I read many of his instructionals, correctionals, and testimonials he wrote to others in this group... he doesn't seem the type to relish being a teacher... but he was!
Good luck to you in this new phase of your life! Elinor
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Pam Piombino
Steven Rash
John Vanderpoel
Joe Roller will be missed. He was knowledgeable about Colorado birds and birders and often interjected humor into our discussions.
JWV
lynn wickersham
Allison Hilf
I want to thank all of you who posted such fond memories of Joe, and to thank Larry for such an appropriate tribute.
The last time I saw Joe I was visiting Maryanne, and he was expecting another Grandchild during the beginning of COVID. While Joe taught me much about birds, birding and birders, I’m most grateful for what he taught me about life - to enjoy it and take the risks that matter. During the times we birded together we often had long talks in the car while getting to our destination (which we often drove passed because we were too busy talking).
Joe knew the fine line between friend and Dr, but made sure to help me understand that enjoying every day mattered; that no matter how bad a day might be, there was always something to laugh about. I remember the time he convinced me to pull over and call one of my Drs to tell them I was going to Australia even if I had to go with IV medications. Little did I know that he called my Dr that evening and I got a “go and have fun” message from my Dr the next morning.
Then there was the innocent side of Joe attempting to open my glove compartment when I got pulled over for speeding. He wasn’t able to, but we had an engineer in the back seat. Without thinking Joe kindly got out of the car to switch seats; yes, a bunch of dorky birders were a bit stunned to have guns pointing at us. While the officer was writing my ticket, Joe still found a bird to look at, so long as we stood up and looked through the sunroof. I can just imagine what the officer was thinking….
Joe did an amazing job of continuing the RBA after Joyce retired. COVID and e-bird changed the RBA; Joe and I disagreed about continuing it, but I know Joe held no grudges. RIP my dear friend. You are already missed.
