Obituary of Roger Gregory Pighin

“Time you old gypsy man, will you not stay, put up your caravan just for one day? All things I’ll give

you…” ( Ralph Hodgon, 1910)

 

Time ended for Roger, after a brief battle with cancer, on August 21, 2024. Roger was born in Cranbrook, BC, the youngest son of Nervy and Ange Pighin. He grew up in Fort Steele and Cranbrook. Roger has a large extended family and his memories of his youth, the adventures he had with his siblings and cousins, were very special to him. So many wonderful stories from those days!

Roger was with Shaw’s Enterprises for 66 years, working in the welding and fabrication industry. He never retired and continued to be a valuable employee through his 80th birthday! The long-time customers would often visit him, knowing to look for him “out back”. His motto in life was “play hard, but work even harder.”

Roger loved to hunt, fish, gold pan and play hockey, baseball and golf. For the past 30 years he could be found on the golf course every Monday and Thursday with his “group.” He enjoyed the outdoors. Cranbrook was his home and he never had a desire to be anywhere else. Honoring his Italian heritage, he loved to make raviolis, always perfecting the process. His family looked forward to these meals.

Roger was a strong, loyal and humble man.

Roger was predeceased by his eldest grandchild, Tyson and his sister in law Ruth Pighin He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joanne, his children Jody (Ash), Rene (Joselita), and Ryan (Tara). His grandchildren Laney, Baden, Sabine and Rohan will miss their Noni and Shar and Nick will miss “Rog”. He also leaves his brother David Pighin, sister Eleanor Pighin, sister RoseLeigh Serediuk (Irvin), brother in law Fred Wittman and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Per his wishes, a private graveside service took place at Serenity Gardens at Westlawn Cemetery In Cranbrook.

Special thanks to Interior Health’s Palliative Home Care team, who made it possible for Roger to be cared for at home until his passing.

 

 

The Village Blacksmith

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Under the spreading chestnut- tree

The village smithy stands;

The smith a mighty man is he;

With large and sinewy hands;

And the muscles of his brawny arms

Are as strong as iron bands.

His hair is crisp, and black, and long,

His face is like the tan;

His brow is wet with honest sweat,

He earns what’er he can,

And looks the whole world in the face,

For he owes not any man.