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Rodger Swan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Rodger Swan
Adrian T.
May 27, 2021
Ten years, wow. Every now and again I'll check your youtube page, and still have a yearning hope that you've uploaded another new video. :)
We never met beyond just a few long-lost comments from long ago, and I was just a middle- and high-schooler back then. But the lifestyle v-logs of you and so many others inspired me to take Japanese language and cultural studies for half a decade.
Anyhow, I hope that your friends and family know that your impact still makes people happy and charmed to this very day.
See you next time, Rodger.
Nathan Biggs
April 10, 2020
Not having known Rodger on a personal level makes me feel a little odd writing this but having been a fan of his online content and general personality, I felt that a few words were required. I always enjoyed watching his content and was genuinely shocked by his death. It is always a tragedy when somebody dies so young especially somebody who seemed to enjoy life so much. I am writing this 10 years after he passed so hopefully this is a sign of the impact he had on people not just in his personal life, but also globally. R.I.P
Bryan Valov
February 27, 2019
I was a teen when I first found Rodger on youtube. He kindled a passion in me for japanese culture, and a strong desire to visit Japan and experience the culture. Over the several months and years that I watched him on youtube, I suppose that I developed an emotional tie to him, he had his own gravity so to speak. So when he died it hit me pretty hard and I felt genuine sadness for his passing. I had hoped to one day meet him if the chance had ever arisen.
He will be remembered by all those who he inspired and will live on through the memories of everyone who he touched. I hope you are at peace brother
Benjamin Perry
August 14, 2017
i didn't know him personally but i love watching his videos and can tell that he is one of the nicest and most genuine person ive seen, it hurts me to think he is gone because the world needs more people like him, rip rodger.
January 1, 2011
I was another one of his many admirers for his dedication to his YouTube channel, however, I never knew about his videos until just a short while ago. It is sad to watch the videos knowing he's not around for me to tell him how much they've meant to me in the small time I've watched them. Unfortunately, it has only been several short months since I've written in the obituary of a dear friend of my own who died just 10 days before her 21st birthday. You can never take time with loved ones for granted, because it can all be snatched away in an instant. I hope the friends and family are healing, and maybe being comforted knowing he loved what he was doing, and got to live a much fuller life in such a short time than people I know far older than him.
Victor Terrero
December 19, 2010
i never knew Rodger personally i only knew him through his videos online. but when i saw his videos and saw the many things i had in common with him i was hooked on the guy. i would have loved to have met the guy and hung out just to talk about movies and life in japan guess thats not going to be happening anymore.
RIP Rodger..... you are missed in my eyes.
Julio
August 31, 2010
One of my favorite YouTube bloggers..you are truly missed. RIP.
Harold Cain
August 31, 2010
In my mind Rodger was an fearless explorer who was passionate about his dreams of living in Japan. I am nothing more than a coward compared to this brave young man. I'm a big man and strong, but I would have never found the strength and courage that Rodger found to uproot and move to a foreign country. I have lived vicariously through Rodgers videos, and even though I am 40 I looked up to this young man who was in my eyes so much more mature than I. Rarely dose a person ever meet a person who so profoundly alters their life that even though they never met, there is a void left. I wish I could muster an ounce of the courage that Rodger had. Rodger is an example of what all mankind should strive for. He was kind and courteous to all he met and talked to. Truly a great man has died.
Yukie M
August 11, 2010
My Canadian husband and I live in Canada and often visit Iwate, Japan to see my family. We have always watched "Iwate Swan" videos on YouTube, since we love Iwate and it was good to see someone like Rodger introduced one of the most beutiful prefectures to the world. It was good to see familiar places on his videos. We are very shocked to learn his sudden passing and our hearts go out to his family and friends. I'm sure that many people from Iwate miss him, also. Thank you, Rodger for your passion, creativity and love for people.
Daniel Doyle
June 1, 2010
I didn't know Rodger personalliy, but he was extremely nice to the youtube community and his fans, always replying to my comments etc. I don't know if im his only fan in Ireland? But I think it's great to know his charisma and personallity brightened up the lives of people from ALL over the world.
Michael C
March 3, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Rodger's passing. I have been a fan of his videos for close to a year, and he always seemed like a great guy who you'd want to know. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and thanks Rodger for all the joy you've brought into people's lives.
Chad Mainstone
February 25, 2010
Rodger we loved working with you at the movie theater in the mall. You were so much fun to be around and you will be missed very much. You are a great guy and always willing to lend a hand to anybody it didnt matter who they were or what they looked like, you were always there to help and i know you are in a much better place even with it being very difficult for your family and friends. You will always be taken care of up there!!! Your friends from the theaters, Chad and Alex
(Battle Creek, MI)
Eric Ostrowski
February 17, 2010
Rodger, my friend, you were such an incredible person... I have never met you, but just getting to know you through your YouTube videos I find myself in tears reading this. I am more than certain you will rest in eternal piece. Thank you for everything you have done Rodger, thank you so very much.
Paul Breuler
February 12, 2010
Rodger was a great inspiration. No words can convey my condolences.
Ryan Brandes
February 10, 2010
You will be missed, dearly. You ignited a passion for japanese culture even more so in me. I hope to follow in your footsteps
Jenae Corbeil
February 10, 2010
I love you Rodger. You were always a great friend to me!! I will truly miss you!!!!
Nicole Hernandez
February 9, 2010
Rodger, even though I never met you, I will still always think of you as the big brother I never had. You inspired me and brought joy back into my life. Domo arigatou gozaimasu.
David Greenman
February 9, 2010
I knew Rodger as one of the male posters on the LDR forums. He had given advice frequently, and was always fun, honest and a pleasure to communicate with him. I wish I had actually gotten to meet him in person (Battle Creek is close enough to drive) but I guess that will have to wait till I get to Heaven. He's at peace now, teaching Japanese to other angels perhaps. Blessings and Prayers to all.
Laurel Boudreau
February 9, 2010
My sincerest and deepest condolences to Rodger’s family and fiancée. I only knew Rodger through his postings on LYC. Such a wonderful young man with such a positive outlook on life. He was a true inspiration to so many people who were blessed to have known him. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this very difficult time.
Hideo
February 9, 2010
One more thing Rodger was highly praised for was that he was posted also at The Central Education Center of Iwate as an assistant consultant in the branch of English language education to the teachers.
Sincere condolences on your sad loss.
Greg and Cinde VanDusen
February 8, 2010
Rodger was truly a shining star in all of our lives. He grew up with our son, Ryan. His unconditional friendship was truly a blessing for all of his friends. He was an accomplished young man who fulfilled his dreams to the highest extent. There are so many wonderful memories. He leaves a void in all of our lives but will never be forgotten. God Bless.
Marilyn Carrier
February 7, 2010
Rodger's great sense of humor, kind nature,and his natural curiosity made him an unforgettable student. May God bless and keep your entire family!
Mrs. Carrier
Lakeview High School
Brenda Jackson
February 7, 2010
My son, Stephen Jackson, was a close friend to Rodger, and I met him several times at our home. He was truly a wonderful young man, with such a positive outlook on life. His spirit will always be alive in the memories of those whom he touched.
Jackie Studer
February 7, 2010
Rodger is such an amazing person. He has a gift for uplifting others, and many of us LYC'ers admired him for his positive outlook on life . I am blessed to know him, and I can't put into words how much he'll be missed.
Ryan
February 7, 2010
May the sweet profusion of his tenderness survive through those he touched.
"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people."
Isaiah 40:1
Ellen Andersen
February 6, 2010
Rodger was an incredibly inspirational person, and a genuinely lovely one with it. He will be hugely missed. My condolences to his friends, family and fiancée.
Zen Sasaki
February 6, 2010
My deepest condolences to Rodger’s family and fiancée. I have been blessed to get to know Rodger through his videos giving me a glimpse into Japan and his experiences. He was truly a wonderful and uplifting individual. May he live on in our hearts and through his Memorial Fund. He will be greatly missed
Hideo
February 6, 2010
I'm a wearily tottering old Japanese.
How greatly I felt encouraged by his videos! I was thrown into confusion by
the sudden news, and had to write in
a certain person's youtube channel, quoting from Niethzsche's wotds; "God is dead." Now I've come to think we Japanese can greatly revere this youg man, Rodger Swan, as our gurdian God.
With deep sympathies to all members of
his family.
Sebastian Castaneda
February 6, 2010
This man is such an inspiration to me. He was a man who truly had love for people. I am very thankful because I can see that God is working in me through Mr. Swan's videos. I am not very sure if Mr. Swan's family will read this. But, I do want them to remember everyday of their life that Rodger loved them and regardless of the time Rodger was on earth, he lived his life to the fullest. Rodger has accomplished what he had to do on this earth. So as I pray for his family,remember Rodger as a beloved son, brother, and friend. Contact me at: [email protected]
Dan and Derek Morrow
February 5, 2010
Rodger is an inpiration to us and so many more. He is the nicest person that we have ever seen and we're sure anyone would agree. Our thoughts go out to his freinds and family. He will always be in our hearts.
Matthew
February 5, 2010
Family of Iwate Swan. I am very sorry for your loss, Rodger was a big inspiration too all of us that watched him the past few years. because of him, only he being a year older than me, i have followed my dream of Living and working in Japan. He will be greatly missed,
Kristin Heppner
February 5, 2010
Being from a little town in Canada, Rodger's videos gave me a glimpse into Japan that I would have never got to see if it weren't for him. He definitely was (and still is) an influence as I pursue my dreams of learning Japanese so that I may visit Japan as well.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
February 5, 2010
My son, Adam Shook, had been a friend of Rogers since 6th grade. I've seen Rodger over the years and thought he was an extraordinary young man. I know how much his friendship meant to my son. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and many friends.
Debbie Reynolds
Battle Creek, MI
Christopher Nagle
February 5, 2010
Rodger was a wonderful presence in my classroom at WMU, adding so much through his intelligence and his kindness to others. His loss is tremendous, and my warmest thoughts and wishes for comfort are with you now.
Conrad Abbott
February 5, 2010
Rodger was a man who followed his dreams, but in his quest to become a teacher, he did nothing but succeed. What else could he ask for.
He had a loving family which he not to long ago spent Christmas holidays with, a beautiful girlfriend which he adored, and a wonderful online community which he was proud of.
I always looked up to him, he always was what I wanted to be, what he had and where he was going in life.
Unfortunately, he got most of what he wanted but never got to enjoy for a long time, being taken away from earth early in what most people would say.
Well miss you Rodger Swan, But you lived a great life for what Time you were here.
You'll forever live on in our hearts,
CJ
Arthur & Virginia Rice
February 5, 2010
Cousins Of Grandma & Grandpa We're Sorry for your Loss
Art & Ginny( Mcginnis) Rice
February 5, 2010
Your son was a remarkable individual and an effective and perceptive teacher. I followed his Vblogs for years, learned from them, and will miss him greatly. My sympathies to you and to all members of your family.
Karen (from the Web community)
Richard Lincheta
February 5, 2010
Rodger has touch many hearts across the land, including mine. I didn't know him personally but from watching his videos on Youtube over the years i felt like he was my best friend. If everyone had a friend like Rodger this world would be a happier place that's for sure. Rodger will continue to touch hearts and inspire people for many many years to come, the legacy he has left is a great one. Rest well Swan, ill see you next time.
February 5, 2010
We wish you a small semblance of comfort in your time of grief. Rodger will be greatly missed.
Eric and Valerie Hanson
Shawn Holbrook
February 5, 2010
Although I had only known Rodger Swan through his videos, I still feel that he has influenced my life in many ways. He was a great person who will be missed by many.
February 5, 2010
Ted & Donna Headings
Jeffrey Angles
February 5, 2010
Rodger was a tremendous, brilliant young man. I treasure the memories of the many hours he spent in my office at WMU talking about Japan and Japanese literature. My thoughts are with you, his family and loved ones, in this difficult time.
Gloria McLaughlin
February 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
February 5, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
Stephan, Therese, Elyse, and Brandon
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