Roger John Culbertson

Roger John Culbertson, age 65, passed away suddenly on September 27, 2018, extinguishing a bright light that filled the hearts and lives of the many blessed to know him, but his legacy of love shines on. Born on February 11, 1953, in Jackson, Mississippi, Roger was the younger of two children born to Verne Culbertson and Jean Bunge. A voracious reader, brilliant mind, exceptional chef, pioneering pop-up book designer, accomplished golfer, world traveler, gifted orchid whisperer and talented musician and vocalist – a true modern-day Renaissance man – his was a towering presence in his field, his community and his wide circle of friends, a gentle giant whose large frame was outmatched only by the size of his heart.

He graduated Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts in communications, writing for the school newspaper, The Reflector, and acting out his irrepressible charm and humor in theater productions. Roger designed many children’s books, including the best-selling House that Jack Built, and in his spare time, he acted in and wrote plays in community theater and designed sound for numerous productions in Los Angeles theaters, including The Actors Studio and Stages Theatre Center. He also worked for a short time as a sports writer for the Los Angeles Times and as a staff writer for The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson.

Roger went on to leave an indelible mark as a world-renowned pop-up book designer and innovator. He published nearly 100 titles over three decades, made the Guinness Book of World Records twice for the World’s Largest Pop-up Book (in 2004 and 2011), and set industry standards for paper engineering, design and production that influence the craft to this day. He started his own company, Designimation, Inc., on a shoestring budget in 1989, and after quickly landing a lucrative pharmaceutical contract, it soon made the list of Philadelphia’s fastest-growing companies. After moving to the Winston Trails golf community in suburban Lake Worth, he met and married (in 2002) the love of his life, Linda (nee Miller). He was tirelessly active in their church, Unity of the Palm Beaches, singing in the choir and volunteering wherever there was a need. Roger was also a member of The Robert Sharon Chorale in West Palm Beach and The Coastmen Chorus barbershop group in Boynton Beach. He played the ukulele and piano, and as proof that his talents knew no bounds, he won the Winston Trails Golf Club championship three times and its senior championship four times. A learned man with insatiable curiosity, he had an impeccable memory for facts and history and was versatile and conversant on just about every topic. He was immensely proud of his 150-piece martini glass collection, the vibrancy of the orchids he grew and, especially, his exceptional culinary talents, to which every friend and visitor lucky enough to dine “Chez Culbertson” could attest.

Most of all, Roger had a gift for caring. He gave selflessly to many charitable causes. He loved his friends and family, loved making them laugh and making them happy, and he’d do anything to accomplish either. He had a passion for life that was infectious. He could fill any room, not just with his 6-foot, 4-inch frame, but with his boisterous laugh and his signature bonhomie. His kind, sensitive, empathetic spirit was always driving him in new directions. After a couple of years playing weekend golf with Jude Eustaquio, a teenage golf prodigy from the Philippines, Roger learned that Jude was going to have to return to the Philippines, leaving behind a beloved coach and the many opportunities available to young golfers in the United States. Roger talked with Linda, and they quickly made arrangements for Jude to move into their home so Jude could stay in his school, go on to college and continue to build his golf career. Roger was so proud to watch him become a nationally ranked junior golfer and winner of several state and national junior and amateur tournaments. Roger loved Jude as his son, and their strong father-son bond has been a force in both of their lives to this day.

Roger was a doting son to his mother, Jean, a devoted son-in-law to Jim and Mary Ann Miller, and an especially adoring husband to Linda. Together, they traveled the world, making beautiful memories. He is preceded in death by his father, Verne Culbertson. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his daughter, Melissa Culbertson (Brockett Davidson) of Austin, Texas; son, Jude Eustaquio (Erica Samonte) of Quezon City, Philippines; grandchildren Caden Brednich, Charlie Gunn, Lillian Gunn and Lucille Davidson of Austin, and Hans Jacob Eustaquio of Quezon City; sister, Jeannie Denniston (Len Schlientz) and niece, Sara Damron (Mike) of Conway, Arkansas; and his adored dogs, Raven and Georgia. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 5 at the Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Events Center, 5411 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33417. Reception begins at 4:30 p.m. A memorial service begins at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unity of the Palm Beaches at unitypalmbeach.com/give.