Roger Siple remembered as devoted brother and nature lover
On December 7, 2023, tragedy struck in the quiet town of Zorra Township, northeast of London, Ontario as a young man lost his life in a workplace incident, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
The incident has led to orders against two companies, according to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
The London Free Press identified 20-year-old Roger Siple as the victim of an accident at a construction site.
According to the ministry's statement sent to Canadian Occupational Safety, Siple fell from a height and succumbed to his injuries.
A ministry inspector was promptly assigned and attended the scene, issuing one order to the constructor, Bolton Manor Holstein LTD, and two orders and one requirement to the employer, Henry Van Ginkel's Construction. As the ministry's investigation is ongoing, further details are currently unavailable.
“We are saddened to hear about this incident,” reads the ministry statement. “Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of the worker.”
Siple is more than just a statistic in a workplace accident; he was a young man with a passion for life and an affinity for the natural world. Growing up in Newark, Ontario he embraced the outdoors with enthusiasm, engaging in activities like motorsports, canoeing, horse-riding, and raising various animals, including calves, goats, laying hens, and turkeys.
A close friend remembers Siple as someone who "enjoyed the simplest pleasures and spent hours walking the fields with his dogs at his side or spending time with his many friends." His love for animals was apparent to all who knew him, and he had a special connection with cats and dogs, often having one by his side or in his lap.
But it was Siple’s devotion to his family, particularly his sister, Zoe, that truly defined him. An obituary describes their bond as unbreakable, with Zoe being his best friend.
“His family was the centre of his life, and he was a source of immense pride for them. His roots were deep, and while his life was short, he leaves a huge void that will be filled as much as possible by honoring his legacy and wisdom,” reads the obituary.
Siple is also described as a deep thinker, constantly seeking to expand his knowledge and perspective. He was an avid listener of podcasts, showing a thirst for learning and self-improvement. In his school days, he was a trend-setter, known for his distinctive long hair and his fondness for Pit Viper Sunglasses and NELK Boys gear.
In honor of his memory, his family has requested donations be made to the Oxford County Animal Rescue or Operation Sharing, reflecting his passion for animals and his commitment to helping others.
As the community mourns the loss of a young man full of promise, the investigation into the workplace incident continues. Siple's memory will endure through the love of his family, the stories of his adventures in the great outdoors, and the wisdom he shared with those fortunate enough to know him.
