GREEN
Roger Clifton
Dec.10, 1945 - August 9, 2015
Roger Clifton Green was born December 10, 1945 in Langley, Worcestershire, England, the second son to Alfred "Erb" and Louie "Lou" (nee Davis) Green.

Growing up in England, a young Roger especially enjoyed time spent with his big brother fixing cars, fishing, and building short wave radios. An athletic and sometimes mischievous lad, he worked part-time at his Uncle Harry's gas station during his high school years when not playing guitar with school friends.

With an inquisitive and gifted mind, Roger entered the undergraduate Medical Biochemistry Program at the University of Birmingham in 1963. Upon earning an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in 1966, he was accepted directly into the Doctoral Program in Biochemistry under the supervision of Dr. Peter O'Brien.

When Dr. O'Brien accepted a position at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), Roger sought permission to continue his doctoral studies oversees in Canada under his direction, and made the move to St. John's, Newfoundland in 1968.

Roger earned his PhD in 1970 from the University of Birmingham and commenced a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in 1971 at the newly created medical school at MUN, joining the Faculty of Medicine full-time in 1972. He served with the Faculty teaching and researching for 42 years, with the distinction of having taught every doctor that graduated from MUN's medical school. After retiring in September 2014, he held the position of Honorary Research Professor, Discipline of Medical Genetics, continuing to apply his considerable knowledge and experience to ongoing research, a mentor to graduate students as well.

Roger pursued an active life with many diverse interests. Early enjoyment playing football (soccer) followed him to St. John's where he played with the Fieldians. The Canadian wilderness quickly became one of his passions. He enjoyed many camping and canoeing trips across Newfoundland, canvas knapsack always in tow and stocked with the essentials: Swiss Army knife, bread and cheese, compass and map. And often a piece of rope, handy for practicing knots, securing the canoe, or leashing the dog.

Intrigued at understanding how things worked - ranging from testing the claims of waterproof watches to experimenting with shutter speed as a young, avid photographer to computer programming a provincial-scale database to support medical research - he was keen to use the latest technology, including GPS. He set up the first geocache in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2001.

He most enjoyed simple moments of solitude, especially out on the barrens with his trusted four-legged companion or hunting partner. Sometimes his escape was watching for whales from eastern points, or just reading or tinkering while enjoying a good cup of tea.

Few knew that he used to build wooden furniture as a hobby. Some knew that he used duct tape to hem his pants. Many knew him for his sense of humour and wit. He should also be remembered for the loyal and generous man he was.

Roger is survived by many who miss him deeply. His qualities and interests will continue on in his three children: eldest son Jason (Jennifer) Green, Mississauga, ON, and daughter Zoë (Kevin Hofer) Green, Dundas, ON, born in the early 1970s to then wife Stella; and Zachary Giovannini-Green of Logy Bay, NL, born in the late 1980s to partner Gemma Giovannini. He is missed terribly by all.

Grandad's playful ways and infinite curiosity will especially be missed by Jason's boys Nathan and Callum, and Zoë's sons Targän and Quillan.

Leaving to mourn in the United Kingdom, beloved brother Brian (Pat) Green of Bourneheath, Worcestershire, England; nieces Julie (Paul) and Karen (Mark); great nieces and nephews Adrian, Michelle, Lorna, and Joseph; and great-great niece Jessica.

Roger was a special part of the extended Giovannini family, the Poynter and McNicholas families, and admired by Gus and Kay Etchegary and family. He is survived by Gemma's brother Albert Giovannini, Burlington, ON, and children Gregory, Gina, and Dylan; and predeceased by Gemma's sister Creusa (Ian) Hendry, Montreal, QC, and their daughters Cynthia (Joseph) Williams, Calgary, AB, and Stephanie (Thomas) Poynter, Boston, MA, and their families.

Roger leaves behind a group of dear friends and exceptional colleagues each with their own very special memories of him. Know that he appreciated your friendship and the times you shared together.

December 10th would have been Roger's 70th birthday. We all raised a glass to him.