Contributions to the tribute of W. Roger Fry

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Tommy posted a condolence

Saturday, May 27, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Death is so painful and we never are prepared to deal with it. May the hope ay John 5:28,29 bring you a measure of comfort at this time.

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Sarah Fry posted a condolence

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

This morning, Lillian told me one of her dreams is to travel to Chili so she can talk with her grandfather's penguins. She wants to tell them hi. I told her someday she could do just that. And that her grandfather would be very proud. We miss him terribly.

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ray & patti normile posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Dear Will, Pat and all your family, We are truly touched that you have sent this loving memorial to us personally. When Jon told me of your Dad's passing, my plan was to write a "longhand" message to you. Having read this, the time is now! and it will be electronically. I am overwhelmed by the depth of this dear man. I am saddened that we did not become better acquainted. Roger's life story carries a message for all of us ~~ LIVE! Live life to the fullest! It is so easy to become comfortable, to sit back and simply enjoy what is. Obviously, your Dad never did that. How on earth did he find enough time in his too-brief years on earth to do all that he did? The other message that comes through is that we should live a broad spectrum of life, not narrowly focused. Yes, he was an expert but not just in one area. It's like learning languages. We are told that if we become proficient in three or four the next three or four become easier to master. What Roger learned in one area seems to have opened his mind, his being, his passion to other fields as well. What a gift that is to many. [On the lighter side, I will mention that when we visited the Indian Hill home, the thought crossed my mind, "How on earth could you dust the collections?!"] When Jon told us that Roger was getting ready to close this chapter of life, he suggested that we contact him in regard to preserving old houses. I could not bring myself to impose on his last days with such a request. Hmmmm, maybe I should have done that. We know that Roger's life has not ended. The life of his spirit will continue. The Easter season is a meaningful time to leave this life. He lives! He lives in all of you and in some way in each life he touched -- professionally, personally, spiritually. You will rediscover his presence is small and large ways all the days of your lives. The grandkids will get to know him through the stories and the lingering love that follows such a man. A question: Who will write Roger's biography? The beautiful obituary is an excellent beginning but I venture to say more stories, more love, more wisdom will emerge as time goes by. His story can make the world a better place. Thank you again, Will, for sending this to us. It's a keeper and a reminder to LIVE! God bless!

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George Zamary posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

I had the distinct privilege of beginning my legal career at Rendigs, Fry, Kiely & Dennis. More specifically, I was lucky enough to have my office two down from Roger. During my time there, I observed many things just from interacting with Roger. First, he had the knack of making very complicated matters easy to understand. This is a true skill for any lawyer. Roger made it seem effortless. I called it his "awe shucks" factor. He could tell a detailed story (without notes) and then seem to have a moment when it just made sense to whoever his audience was at the time. Second, he enjoyed the "eBay" machine in the office next to mine. Roger didn't have a computer in his office but would frequently use one next door for purchasing items on eBay. To my knowledge, he never used one in his practice of law. Third, he always had his hand held recorder on him. Whether at lunch or driving you can bet when he had a poignant thought he would immediate dictate it. I believe there is even a story of him driving and having a mishap that was recorded because he was using the recorder at the time. Fourth, he demonstrated a profound willingness to give back to the community. He did so through his time and a willingness to support wonderful causes such as the Cincinnati Zoo and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. I will certainly miss being able to see him and catch up at Zoofari. Fifth, he was humble. His success as a lawyer was significant. Yet, you would have never known it when you spoke with him. He always wanted to know what was going on in your life. One could get him talking more about his wood shop or various trips abroad than about his legal victories. Last, I will always remember him smiling. For him, life was precious and he was doing his best to take advantage of it. I believe he did very well in that regard. As I indicated to Will, I feel we are all at a loss now that Roger is no longer with us.

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James and Jen Mann lit a candle

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

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Caroline Wischmann posted a condolence

Monday, May 8, 2017

Pat, I am so sorry to hear about Roger. I am so glad I got to know him and spend time with you all in Santa Fe. I know he was your rock and will be so deeply missed. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you during this difficult time. Love, Caroline

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Jonathan Saxton posted a condolence

Monday, May 8, 2017

Here are some for your collection of stories When I started at Rendigs, I had the good fortune to have Roger as my mentor. I accompanied him to many depositions. I have a vivid recall of the first deposition. It was taken in the Rendigs “helmet room” which obviously dates this story. I do not recall who the Plaintiff lawyer was but it was a contentious deposition. The Plaintiff lawyer had nothing good to say about our client or about us. I’m pretty sure the Plaintiff lawyer never even acknowledged me. At a break, when Roger left the room, the Plaintiff lawyer stared at me and said, in a very serious manner, “You need to learn from him. Do everything he does because he is very very good.” Roger then came back in the room and the Plaintiff lawyer looked back at his notes and acted as if his comments to me had never been made. Roger and I worked on many cases together. Some very large and complex and some not so. Mostly his were large and complex and mine not so much. One Sunday I was seeking advice from Roger on a number of cases and apparently my thought process took me from one case to another. I may have lamented that we have so many cases to work on. Roger stopped me and provided a pearl of wisdom – He said “no case is more important than the one we are working on right now.” He taught me that every legal matter entrusted to us is equally important and when we worked on a case, that particular case was our focus as if there were no others because to our client, that was very much true. I could go one forever. I am truly sorry for your loss

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Elizabeth Olmstead McBride posted a condolence

Sunday, May 7, 2017

I am sorry that the beast ocular melanoma has taken another life. The term A Man for All Seasons comes to mind reading about Roger's life, I wish I could have known him. May all the happy memories from his life with you sustain you as you mourn.

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Liz in SC posted a condolence

Sunday, May 7, 2017

As an OM warrior myself, I am saddened to hear about the loss of Mr. Fry. This is the most beautiful obituary I have ever read. I am so sorry I never got to meet this wonderful man. Wishing you sweet memories.

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Theresa Beck Abbate posted a condolence

Sunday, May 7, 2017

As a fellow Ocular Melanoma person, please accept my deepest condolences. Your father was blessed to have a beautiful family there for him as you had him. Beautiful obituary written with much love. God bless all of you. Sending prayers and hugs.

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Scott Leff posted a condolence

Sunday, May 7, 2017

I only met Roger once -- this past December -- and only for a few hours, but I came away with a profound sense of his warmth, curiosity, intelligence, and character. He struck me as a true gentleman of a bygone era... in all the best senses of that description. Now, reading this tribute and learning much more about him, I see both how accurate and how fractional a part of the whole man my impressions were. I'm very glad that I got to know him briefly. Condolences to all. Scott Leff

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Shayne Caples posted a condolence

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Rest in peace. Peace and fond memories to the family of a good man.

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Ray and Patti Normile posted a condolence

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Dear Will, Pat and all your family, We are truly touched that you have sent this loving memorial to us personally. When Jon told me of your Dad's passing, my plan was to write a "longhand" message to you. Having read this, the time is now! and it will be electronically. I am overwhelmed by the depth of this dear man. I am saddened that we did not become better acquainted. Roger's life story carries a message for all of us ~~ LIVE! Live life to the fullest! It is so easy to become comfortable, to sit back and simply enjoy what is. Obviously, your Dad never did that. How on earth did he find enough time in his too-brief years on earth to do all that he did? The other message that comes through is that we should live a broad spectrum of life, not narrowly focused. Yes, he was an expert but not just in one area. It's like learning languages. We are told that if we become proficient in three or four the next three or four become easier to master. What Roger learned in one area seems to have opened his mind, his being, his passion to other fields as well. What a gift that is to many. [On the lighter side, I will mention that when we visited the Indian Hill home, the thought crossed my mind, "How on earth could you dust the collections?!"] When Jon told us that Roger was getting ready to close this chapter of life, he suggested that we contact him in regard to preserving old houses. I could not bring myself to impose on his last days with such a request. Hmmmm, maybe I should have done that. We know that Roger's life has not ended. The life of his spirit will continue. The Easter season is a meaningful time to leave this life. He lives! He lives in all of you and in some way in each life he touched -- professionally, personally, spiritually. You will rediscover his presence is small and large ways all the days of your lives. The grandkids will get to know him through the stories and the lingering love that follows such a man. A question: Who will write Roger's biography? The beautiful obituary is an excellent beginning but I venture to say more stories, more love, more wisdom will emerge as time goes by. His story can make the world a better place. Thank you again, Will, for sending this to us. It's a keeper and a reminder to LIVE! God bless! patti & ray

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Jerusha Kesler posted a condolence

Saturday, May 6, 2017

My sincerest condolences to the Fry family as well as the RFKD family. Roger was one of a kind. Even though I didn't work directly with him, he was probably one of the nicest people I've ever met. There are two things that stand out in my mind about Roger. The first was that he treated people equally. It didn't matter if you were a law clerk or a managing partner. I really appreciated that. The second was his collections around the office. He had no problems talking about them and his eyes would light up like a kid at Christmas. I especially like the naked mole rat (at least I think that's what they were) exhibit. One day, he pulled me aside and asked if I would be interested in a side job. It was Roger, so I said "sure." It was a cat-sitting job for his brother Alan. It was actually pretty fun until one of the cats jumped on my head in the middle of the night. Roger had a good laugh about it! Obviously, Roger has touched a lot of lives. What a legacy to pass onto the future generations.

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Lisa Jones posted a condolence

Friday, May 5, 2017

To my dear friend Pat, I cannot express the shock of the loss of your so loved husband, Roger. I am beyond sad for your loss, but I am glad you, your boys and your loved animals were by his side at "his" time. What an accomplished man your dear Roger was and wow oh wow...how many lives he touched!!! My blessings and much love to you during this time. I am truly blessed to have met you thru our early morning "30 minute workouts"........and I cannot leave this post without saying and appropriately so: "change stations now". I love you Miss Pat and will see you Wednesday. Xoxo Lisa Jones xoxo

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Rayan & Anna Coutinho posted a condolence

Friday, May 5, 2017

Dear Pat & the Fry Family, Through the conversations around the Chimenea and our interactions over the years, Roger imparted some invaluable life lessons to me. 1. Give Back. Roger (and the Fry Family) taught me how to be a good American before I became one. It was eye-opening to watch Roger and Pat share their successes and blessings with organizations and individuals in the city and the country they love so dearly without expectation of return or publicity. Giving back is a simple but powerful idea. 2. Always do the ethical thing. Of all the things Roger said, this advice has stuck with me through the years. He said “if you start down the path of making an exception to doing the right thing, you lose the inhibition against doing something progressively worse.” BEST ADVICE EVER. 3. Listen and Learn. Roger had an amazing ability to listen. He didn’t just hear the words, but actually listened and genuinely empathized with the other person. It felt good to talk to him. He had an elegant way of helping you find a solution without telling you what to do. 4. Be Humble. Despite all his accomplishments, Roger always kept the focus on the other person’s achievements or story. I never heard him talk even once about his achievements. 5. Be More. Do More. Roger was a successful lawyer with a thriving practice. Yet, he somehow found the time to create, travel, volunteer, donate, build, help, share, collect, parent, and excel in so many different facets of human endeavor. He continued to do these things till the very end. 6. Be Positive. Roger had an uncanny ability, strength and perseverance to handle difficult people and adverse situations in a calm, non-confrontational and positive way, without any hint of impatience or anger. 7. Focus on the Family. Roger was a family man and put his wife and family above all else. In the end, he was blessed to have his wife and family at his side. I am privileged, honored and blessed to meet and know Roger. Anna and I will continue to honor Roger by imparting his lessons to our kids. We wish you peace in this difficult time. Rayan Coutinho

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The Cincinnati Bar Association lit a candle

Friday, May 5, 2017

Our most sincere condolences are being shared with you today, as we celebrate the life of an amazing man, and share the sorrow of such profound loss.

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Mimi and Garrett Frey posted a condolence

Friday, May 5, 2017

Pat and Family, We were deeply saddened to read of Roger passing. What an AMAZING person and a very full and wonderful life. We first met you guys around 1971 at Montessori Center Rooms. So nice having our kids go to pre-school together. So many wonderful memories from those years. Remember we got some kind of recognition for being there so many years!! At that last day with our youngest, I guess. Julie is now 40.Must have been around 1982!! Wow!! Then we sort of reconnected with the other Roger and Pat. I know he passed years ago. I know Roger will be deeply missed by all of you and so many friends. Please know you have our deepest sympathy and are very much in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Mimi and Garrett Frey

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Mike and Amy Foley lit a candle

Friday, May 5, 2017

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Don & Sandie Spohler posted a condolence

Friday, May 5, 2017

There are so many moments I could write about with Roger. I will focus on three experiences. Pre-Teen: Roger had a new Run-About boat that was really cool. It had a sleek design with a very pointed bow and was pretty fast in that day. Well, one day we decided to take out his Run-About and I got permission from my dad to take out his brand new Elgin 14 foot fishing boat. We were out on the lake having a good time chasing each other, kind of like cat and mouse. We both made turns that put us on a collision course at close range. All of a sudden the pointed bow of Roger’s boat broke through the starboard side of my dad’s brand new boat. Not a good thing. Teen Age: Roger had a car, so most every Saturday night we would go over to the Wamplers Lake pool hall. Sometimes we would play pool but mostly to visit with new friends from the Wamplers area. After some time we would go over to Glock-a-Mora an ice cream store on Route 12. The attraction was a five or six dip banana split. If you ate enough of them you got your name on the banners around the walls of the shop. We both had our names there. One night coming home the conversation turned to the road in the woods. We thought a fella ought to be able to drive that road at night without lights. Good thing cars had REAL bumpers on them at that time. Adult: Too many things here but I will relate one I most cherish. For countless years Roger and I would arise at day break Saturday and Sunday morning and each would brew a pot of coffee. We had neighboring cottages. Then we would fill our thermos containers and head down to the lake. Shortly after dawn we were hoisting our sails. Then off we would go for an hour or an hour and a half sail side by side. When one of us would run out of coffee the other would throw his thermos over and we replenished. If Roger was out I would throw mine over and he would comment about its strength being just brown water. When he threw my way I would comment that his stuff didn’t need a cup it would stand up on its own. Beyond that, hundreds of hours of great conversation. I will miss him dearly.

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Troy and Carol DeBord posted a condolence

Friday, May 5, 2017

Our family sends both its condolences and its joy in knowing Roger to Pat and Roger's family and friends. Roger generously shared his love of western artists , Santa Fe, Indian artifacts, history and his love of adventure in the outdoors with an eager audience ( us included) , both here in Cincinnati , and across the globe. He is one of the rarest of humans who maintained an incredibly strong sense of family and love of his spouse Pat while excelling so magnificently in so many other endeavors. Far off adventure, his dedication to law, giving back to society and others in every way imaginable and his ardent passion of Indian culture were only a few. His service on the Board of the Chase College Foundation and our mutual interest in Cincinnati Taos artists created a long friendship ...one repeated thousands of times over with so many who were touched and engaged by his deep knowledge of so many aspects of history, nature and ancient cultures . If ones life is measured by the number of friends left behind and lives enriched by your presence on this earth..Roger is one of the greats. I am certain the ancient spirits welcome him into their midst with open arms . .. We are honored to have known him. Troy and Carol DeBord and family

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Audrey Merrill posted a condolence

Friday, May 5, 2017

I never met this person or his family, however being 81 yrs. old, the usual first thing I do is in the morning is to check the obits. Reading this one I feel like I not only know Roger but his whole family. What a very beautiful to your husband, dad, grand dad. He certainly must have been a very unique person. I'm sure he's extremely happy in knowing how much he was loved, not only by his family, but some many others with whom he came in contact with. May he rest in peace and my you find comfort that some man;y others share in your sorry. Sincerely, a daily reader of the Enquirer. Mrs.Merrill

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Susan Schmid posted a condolence

Friday, May 5, 2017

To the friends and family of Roger Fry, My first encounter with Roger was a trip to Alaska in 1998. We were camped on a small island on the Aleutian Island chain and the weather was not so pleasant. In fact, it was quite dreadful. After our gear was accounted for and arranged nicely in “tent city”. We began the process of devising a plan and a feeding schedule. Now began the diet preparations in the make shift kitchen tent. As I was the person in charge of the feeding of the Whiskered Auklet chicks, I was the first one up in the mornings. Roger was also up early and he asked what can he do to help. He was a tremendous help in charging the battery and preparing the blended diet. He was also not opposed to washing the utensils and storing them properly. I remember his constant presence and his childlike eagerness to help. He never turned down a task. Roger always carried a good nature about him and it was easy to pick up this good feeling when you were near him. I will never forget such a kind person that was willing and anxious to learn about wildlife. He will forever remain in my heart as a true gentleman with a kind heart and disposition. I am very thankful that I was able to spend this time with Roger and I will never forget our experiences together. Sincerely, Susan Schmid

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David Oehler posted a condolence

Friday, May 5, 2017

Dear family and friends of Roger Fry, I shared many adventures with a true gentleman and avid explorer and I am honored to have Roger consider me as a friend. It is a friendship that I will always cherish. All during those treks to the islands off the coast of Alaska or to the southern tip of the world in Chile, Roger carried himself as a statesman reassuring us that, “it will be fine” no matter what obstacles that we faced. His dedication and legacy to penguin conservation is meaningful to our future generations and especially to me. In 1996, I received a hand-written letter from a lawyer named W. Roger Fry stating that he was fascinated with our work in Alaska, rescuing walrus pups, and would like to support (and join) us in our work. Little did I know that this small note would lead to decades of work together as we studied auklets in the Bering Straits and later more than fifteen years of exploring the outer islands off the coast of Chile in search of penguins and always pushing for more protection for those colonies of penguins. In 1998, Roger joined us on our trip to the Baby Islands along the Aleutian Islands chain, in search of auklets. We were joined by Len Weakley, Ed Maruska, John Ruthven and others as we surveyed the island to find these elusive birds, particularly the Whiskered Auklet. A constant rainy mist fell upon us as we camped on the Aleutian Islands and when it wasn’t raining the small flies that breed on the moist driftwood and rocks would cover everything. Each day we would carry a car battery and radio to an antenna on a small hill to call to Don Graves, our boat captain, to inform him that we were well. One of the favorite stories that came out of this trip was the attempt to start a fire, for comfort against the flies and warmth. Remember that I said it rained a great deal in the Aleutians and while there is driftwood to be found, it was by no means dry. Somehow these adventurous individuals had purchased a hatchet on the way to the islands. Unfortunately, it was not a very sharp hatchet. Taking time out from our search for auklets, I found myself helping these folks roll large pieces of driftwood (some up to 15 feet long) along the beach. We then watched as the logs were chipped away with the recently purchased hatchet, which, judging by the progress that was being made, more closely resembled a hammer. I don’t know how but after hours of work, a fire was started. Everyone surrounded the fire in their newly purchased raingear…did I mention that raingear and fires do not necessarily go together? More than one individual’s pants melted that day. While the mantra of, “it will be fine,” lingered in the air, I guess some of our party decided that Dutch Harbor was a much nicer place to stay and off they went on Don’s boat. The last words that I remember were, “keep the fire burning.” On our last trip to Chile, Roger, Len and I were attempting to retrieve tracking units that we had placed on Rockhopper Penguins. Our treks, over the last 15 years, to Isla Noir were to study the penguins and more importantly to collect data that would help conserve the areas that the penguins needed to survive. These conservation efforts were important to Roger and I am happy to say that his advocacy is paying off as we begin to see the Chilean Government protect more marine environments, based in part on our data. While Roger and Len became proficient in conducting the field work, I can say that this was not the case during our first trip to Isla Noir. The goal was to survey the Rockhopper Penguin colonies and provide the first comprehensive survey of this important breeding area. While both Roger and Len are great lawyers, it was apparent that they had a lot to learn when it came to surveying penguin populations. One of the first days on Isla Noir, I remember laughing so hard that I couldn’t function. Image two grown men, up to their ankles in mud, fighting with a yellow nylon line, trying to section off a study plot involving a loud raucous group of penguins. Both of their “skills” as lawyers were on full display as they bickered with each other, gently informing the other how best to stake out a study plot. It was like watching the Rockhoppers fuss with each other and it went on for some time. I am happy to say that with practice, these two became quite proficient at the field work and I would put them up against many of the biologists that do this work year-round. Together, Len and Roger had an incredible bond and loyalty! We accomplished a great deal and the benefit to all of us is that we had a blast completing the work. Roger supported my work in the field and always had a kind and encouraging word when we got together. I will always remember Roger and his calm demeanor…”it will be fine.” I can say that my life is better having known Roger and he will truly be missed. We can also say that the world and wildlife conservation is stronger now and into the future because of the work and support of W. Roger Fry and his wife Pat! Sincerely, David Oehler

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The family of W. Roger Fry uploaded a photo

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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Nadia and Juliet Tyshenko lit a candle

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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The family of W. Roger Fry uploaded a photo

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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The Coutinho Family lit a candle

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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The family of W. Roger Fry uploaded a photo

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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The family of W. Roger Fry uploaded a photo

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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The family of W. Roger Fry uploaded a photo

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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Melodie Kelley lit a candle

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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Christina Anderson lit a candle

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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Thane Maynard posted a condolence

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Roger Fry was a truly wonderful man. He loved his wife and sons, and he sure loved his life. He was a perpetually pleasant and generous person. And it was always a delight to hear his retelling of the adventures he had undertaken in wilderness areas. Roger will certainly be missed and remembered by his friends and colleagues at the Cincinnati Zoo.

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Andy Ries, Elyria, Ohio lit a candle

Thursday, May 4, 2017

My condolences.

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Addison Fry uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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Addison Fry uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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The family of W. Roger Fry uploaded a photo

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

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The family of W. Roger Fry uploaded a photo

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

W. Roger Fry

1940 - 2017

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