Retired Detective Inspector Roger Somerville 15/11/1944 - 21/12/2025
Born Roger Frederick Somerville on 15th November 1944. His Bermondsey upbringing developed his sense of community, public service, and connecting with others. Roger lived with his parents, Fred and Flo and his sister, Dawn and was always "proud to be an Englishman", but particularly a Londoner.
Athletics, sport in general and the Boys Brigade, were a large part of Rogers life, providing values and skills he used in all his years. Roger and Margaret were married in 1965, celebrating their 60yr Diamond wedding anniversary in September 2025. In addition to his 3 children, 6 grandchildren, Jasper dog (who he is now reunited with), Rogers other 2 main loves were Charlton Athletic Football Club and the Metropolitan Police Service. Roger joined the Force aged 19, on 30th December 1963 and served over 31 years retiring from Bromley on 30th March 1995 having obtained the rank of Detective Inspector. He then moved into civilian roles.
Following a reluctant retirement, he continued to volunteer as a driver for the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) and at Demelza charity shop in Petts Wood (supporting Children's Hospices). He continued to use his detective skills finding valuable donations and enjoy the camaraderie with all he met. As an avid reader, learning and being informed was always important to Roger, as well as having.
As a family we adopted Roger’s detective skills as his health became more challenged. He knew in his words, he was "in trouble".....
Roger had an unplanned quintuple heart bypass in July 2022, from which he never fully recovered. This may have been when he lost touch with many of you. After almost a year of medical input, research, tests and many months in specialist wards, Roger was diagnosed with Encephalitis, a rare degenerative brain disease, from which he sadly never recovered.
Roger’s resilience and fortitude throughout the last 3.5years of his life was incredible, and he did his best. Until the end there was a twinkle in his eye and smiles for those supporting him. On 21st December Roger sadly passed away, with family by his side (and match of the day on TV!).
Roger Somerville much loved husband, Dad, Grandpops (Popsie & Pop pops), brother, family and friend to many of you.
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