ROGER C. LADD, age 74, passed away peacefully on February 23, after a short battle with cancer.  Beloved husband of Barbara (nee Bundus); loving father of Denise Manak (Pat) and David Ladd (Lori) of Portland, Oregon;  "Papa" and "Grampi" to grandsons Jack and Luke Manak and Jacob Ladd; brother of Floyd "Skip" Ladd and Dorothy SantaMaria; brother-in-law of Karen and Jack Miller; uncle of John Miller, Amy Brewer, Greg, Rob and Susan Ladd.

Roger was owner/operator of Cleveland Food Machine for over 35 years.  Hard working and generous, he loved his work and the people it allowed him to form lifelong friendships with throughout the years.  He lived to serve others and always strived to make people laugh.  His affiliation with his River Oaks tennis league and his tennis buddies spanned decades and he was grateful for their friendship and loyalties, right up until the day he passed.

He will be fondly remembered each May at the running of the Kentucky Derby by David and many others who accompanied him to The Derby for 20+ years.  The many years of spring break in Siesta Key with "the group" were highlights for him and his family, and the solid friendships formed there remained steady until the end.

Blessed to be in the original house he built for his family in Fairview Park, and for the many friends and neighbors that were there for his family throughout the years and now.  A special thank you to Lynne Grainger, who is caring for Hunter, Roger's beloved chocolate lab, after he was transferred to Ames Hospice House.

Affectionately nicknamed "Big Daddy", his jokes and one-liners will continue to live on through his family and many friends.  Barbara, Denise and David would like to personally thank the staff at The Hospice of Western Reserve and the Ames Family Hospice House for their amazing and loving care of Roger and for the unlimited amounts of ice cream he enjoyed these past few weeks. He could not have asked for better surroundings.

"Goodbye, My Friend."

Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS, TUESDAY 3-7 P.M. Private Interment.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Roger's memory to Ames Family Hospice, 30080 Hospice Way, Westlake, OH 44145.