Dear Rolly,
You have been a bright light for many thousands of people over the years and on February 25th, 2015, your light dimmed on this plane and began to shine brightly in the next.
For myself, I am sad.
I am sad that even though we talked on the telephone sometimes and exchanged emails and I felt I knew you, I never had the privilege of meeting you.
I am sad that when you left this world, we all lost your heart-fullness, your willingness to share, your intelligence and humour and your deep love and knowledge of Mexico, her people and her lore.
I am sad that the Mexconnect Forums will no longer have your gentle hand on the wheel, assisting, guiding, gently admonishing and ensuring that the Forums were an informative and safe place to interact. You were truly the voice of MexConnect and brought an integrity and well-reasoned personality to the forums that fostered a community that you were proud of. Despite the occasional “out there” presence, you managed the energy of the posters in a gentle and informative way that has been and will continue to be exemplary for all of us.
We knew you through your generosity of spirit in helping so many people with their questions and confusions.
We knew you through your wonderful blog on various aspects of Mexico that interested you – especially food. (https://rollybrook.com/my_blog.htm)
We knew you through the incredibly informative web site that you lovingly and gracefully and with full integrity published for the education and entertainment of all. And yes, Mexconnect will continue to keep your site hosted on the Mexconnect servers – as promised. (https://rollybrook.com/)
We knew you for the people who became ex-pats now living in Mexico – well prepared thanks to you.
We knew you through your devotion to and sheer pleasure at being with your students most of whom became successful graduates and then professionals in their sphere of interest. (https://rollybrook.com/english_students.htm)
We knew you through your wonderful 2009 book that you co-authored with Carol Schmidt and Norma Hair which gave you such pleasure to publish and us such quality information about “Moving To Mexico”.
Rolly, dear friend, your light may have passed from this realm, true. However all the love, respect and gratitude flowing to you from all of us will surely make your new light blinding in its intensity and purity.
We loved you Rolly and we still do.
The people of Mexconnect;
David McLaughlin, Tony Burton, Carol Wheeler and all the Moderators
Published or Updated on: February 26, 2015 by David McLaughlin © 2015