Paden Gentry
Roger lived with my family for a year or two in New Franklin to help get clean. It was a real treat to get to be around him, watching him get better, and seeing some of his spark return after the hard years he had gone through. I remember playing chess with him and when he moved in, seeing the shape he was in, my 16-year-old self figured I could wipe the floor with him. But I don't think I ever beat the guy. Hell! I don't even think he was paying full attention while he took me down. If he was anything, it sure wasn't dull. He wasn't dull intellectually or in spirit. He was just overcome with addiction, and it was a shame he didn't get more support, and what support he did get, didn't take. He was in his early 40s then. I'll miss this man, but honestly I've missed him for 20 years already. I'll see you in the next life uncle!
