The obituary notice of Roger Eric PONTEFRACT

I do not know what led me to key in Roger's name when browsing the internet yesterday. How sad I was to see the news of his death. Such a fine man of great talent, intellectual and in sports. We studied Economics together at Cambridge University. Roger was also an Olympic swimmer and pentathlete, able to combine performance at a high level in both sports and academia. We used to share a tutor Mr. Hyde, at whose sessions Roger's high intelligence was evident. At the same time he was modest, understated and thoughtful - he was always willing to discuss and explain difficult sections of Mr. Hyde's presentations. Coming from a relatively under-privileged background, with his natural empathy and multi-layered talents, he was able to transcend class and other differences. I have no doubt that he was a positive influence and impact throughout his work career. What a shame for me that I maintained only limited contact with him since leaving Cambridge.
Chris Harris

There is little I can add to the tributes already left by former colleagues, and I echo them all. Roger was a thoroughly decent man and a consummate professional. He will be greatly missed by the NW sporting community.

Roger was a class act; as a gentleman, sportsman and leisure professional. He, was my boss, mentor and latterly friend and I will always be grateful for his advice, wisdom and sense of humour and for giving me my breakthrough in management in my late 20’s.
After several roles with the English Sports Council, and Birmingham City he arrived at Sefton Council in 1992 as its first Leisure Director. This was where he would make his mark.
He transformed this sleepy Council from its parks and gardens focus to a modern, ambitious leisure service that had business to do. For me, finally sports development had a champion and leader. with a rags to riches story, with Roger leading a department that eventually became one of the most respected in the NW.
That was Roger's impact and I am very proud to have worked for and with him on that journey.
In a distinguished career he achieved much and gained the respect of all he came into contact with. Sefton is the richer for his service as I am I for the time spent with him. So thanks Boss for everything, you are a leisure legend and will be very sorely missed. RIP.

Elaine Middleton:

Worked with Roger when he joined Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton as a Trustee.
He was a lovely caring man who had empathy for older people and wanted to make a difference.
His contribution as a Board member was invaluable and he was respected by other Trustees and the Management team and could be counted on to play his part within the Charity

He was a lovely man and will be sadly missed by so many people.

Roger was a friend, a colleague and an inspiration to all of us who worked in the sport and leisure industry from the late seventies virtually to the present day. I knew him from his work with the Sports Council at regional and national level and particularly From his distinguished career in local government. I always saw him as a man of enormous intellect and impeccable judgement but most importantly as someone who had a massive impact on national thinking on the delivery of leisure and sport. He was a crucial member of our Merseyside Chief Leisure Officers group and the national body as well. His advice and counsel was always impeccable. He was honest and honourable and a massive credit to our industry.
Bottom line - he was a great bloke who I admired hugely. It is tragic that he is no longer with us. RIP Roger.
Andy Worthington

I too worked with Roger when he came to the Sports Council (NW) as Regional Director. in the early 80s. We instantly developed an affinity that I feel sure would have been replicated with colleagues wherever his distinguished career took him. He was so warm, empathetic, genuine; as well as thoughtful, incisive, as much at ease working through the issues of the day as he was foreseeing the challenges and opportunities of the future. I never had cause to doubt Roger, or his judgement. Nor his support, and his friendship. It is so sad to have to write this message, but I hope it adds just a little to the tapestry of condolences that so many will no doubt be extending to his family. RIP Roger.
Mick Aitken

I first met Roger when he joined the North West office of Sport England. I was the Office Manager at the time so we had a close working relationship. Roger was an excellent boss, understanding and compassionate to his staff but focused on the job and values of Sport England.
I came across him later when he worked for Sefton and it was always a pleasure to meet him. Sincere condolences to the family

I got to know Roger when we worked together as Non-Executive Directors of Sefton PCT from 2006-2012. He was a lovely man with a passionate commitment to the Health Service. I quickly grew to respect his judgment and calm good sense. It was a great pleasure (and completely unexpected) to renew contact with him when we both joined the Board of Age Concern Liverpool and Sefton in 2016. I knew he was ill but news of his death still came as a shock. What a waste. I have nothing but positive memories of Roger and send my commiserations to all his family.
Keith Cawdron