![Rodger.McFarlane~p1[1]](http://drsmithshealthcorner.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/rodger-mcfarlanep11.jpg?w=600&h=400 "Rodger.McFarlane~p1[1]")
It’s with surprise and sadness that I announce the passing of Roger McFarlane. I first met Roger thru a dear friend. He was tall, charismatic, and confident. He loved to talk to me about his experience as an HIV/AIDS care giver, organizer and executive. Roger was there at the beginning of the HIV epidemic and bore witness to the devastating effects of HIV on friends and loved ones. He, as many will attest to, dared to do something about the HIV epidemic. Roger started an HIV hotline, became Gay Men’s Health Crisis’s first paid executive director and was executive director for Broadway Cares. Most recently he was the executive director for the Gill Foundation.
Roger often gave career advise and was a great strategist. Lots will be said about Roger in the upcoming days, weeks and months but I will remember Roger for his strange humor, advise and laugh. We all carry a different piece of the man that had a profound impact on so many lives. God speed to his family and friends.
Yours in Good Health
I knew Roger as a fine Respiratory Therapist. I was his supervisor on the night shift in a 450 hospital in Mobile, Al. back in the late seventies, early eighties, just before he moved to New York and helped change the world. We worked together on the first AIDS case to come to south Alabama. Our hospital being a region trauma/critical care/burn center, we got the worst cases. Roger was one of the hardest working people I’ve ever had the honor of knowing. He was a sponge for knowledge. He worked Crtical Care, Burn Unit, Coronary Care, Neonatal Care Unit and Peds ICU. I could put him anywhere and know that the job would get done. My wife and I were saddened by the news of his death. Roger left his mark on the world and will not be forgotten by all of us in lower Alabama who worked with and knew him. He was a giant literally and figuratively and is missed. And yes his laugh was contagious…I can hear it now…
I knew Rodger in his younger, carefree Navy days – we served together on the USS Flying Fish – I was shocked to learn of his passing – I haven’t seen him for too many years – and I had no idea what an accomplished life he lead – I am saddened at his passing, but proud of his accomplishments – and proud to say he was my friend.
Peace,
John