John W. Roper

John W. Roper, 85, died peacefully at his home in Clearwater, Florida on May 5, 2010 with his family by his side. John was dearly loved and respected by his family and many close friends and he lived a full, rewarding, and interesting life. His kind, gentle spirit and warm, engaging personality and wit will be missed by those of us who considered ourselves privileged to have known him. The only child of Frank and Vi Roper, John was born on July 22, 1924 at Grierfield, the family property in Moneague, St. Ann, Jamaica WI. He attended DeCarteret College in Mandeville and in 1939 left Jamaica to attend boarding school at Taunton School, Taunton Somerset, England, where he remained for two years. His education was cut short when the school was transformed into an infirmary for wounded soldiers returning from World War II. He returned to Jamaica in 1941 as part of one of the last British ship convoys to the Caribbean, successfully running the gauntlet of German U-Boats which were by then very active in the area. After completing his studies, he began working with Reynolds Aluminum Company and managed properties in St. Elizabeth and St. Ann. Ultimately, he took over the operation of Grierfield from his father and successfully managed that property until 1977 when he emigrated to the United States. He truly loved and cherished his life as a farmer and took great pride in his accomplishments in providing for his family and developing his cattle, citrus, and other crops. He was known and respected as a fair and honest business man whose word was his bond. He served as a Justice of the Peace; was a member of the Board of the Building Society; and participated in many other civic, agricultural, and business organizations. John became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1985 and was always proud of his new country and appreciative of the freedoms and opportunities which it afforded to him and his family. John's work ethic would not allow him to remain idle and so after settling in Clearwater, he began working at Publix Supermarket on Belcher Road where he remained for several years and made many enduring friendships. The most important aspect of John's life was his total commitment to and love for his family. He married the love of his life, Dorothy, nee Hopwood on February 11, 1956. Together, they created a wonderful life for each other and raised their three children in a loving and safe home, making sure that they had every possible advantage and opportunity available. John and Dorothy enjoyed a rare and precious love and devotion for one another which was evident to all who knew and loved them. They were inseparable but still managed to maintain their individuality; had big dreams but still kept their feet on the ground; and knew they could rely on each other completely. John enjoyed sports and as a young man, he was an avid polo player and a founding member of the Drax Hall Polo Club where he is remembered fondly. He looked forward to giving or attending parties (which he called "sessions") and other social events and particularly enjoyed hearing the latest jokes. He was famous for his many "old-time" Jamaican proverbs and sayings, which in addition to being humorous, often remained relevant to current affairs. He was a gentleman, in the truest sense of that term and always conducted himself with decorum, integrity, and compassion. He was generous and gracious in his dealings with others and was always willing to lend a helping hand or kind word. John is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Dorothy , with whom he enjoyed a lifetime of love, laughter, and devotion; his daughter, Katherine Lord of Plantation, Florida; his sons, Michael Roper of Orlando, Florida and Donovan Roper of Apopka, Florida; grandsons, Christopher Lord, Jason Lord, and Zachary Roper; granddaughter, Kelley Roper; and other caring and special in-laws and family. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Light of Christ Catholic Church, 2176 Marilyn St., Clearwater. The family requests that in lieu of flowers those wishing to express condolences, send donations to Suncoast Hospice located at 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida 33760.