Editor’s Note: The author stated that George Rooks has lung cancer. Mr. Rooks does not have lung cancer. We apologize for the error.
The Sun apologizes for and regrets that these errors were made.
Submitted by Janice Anne Llewellyn Uible of Cincinnati.
I do not live in Clermont County but read The Clermont Sun online column of “The Ole Fisherman” George Rooks. George was kind and a friend to everyone. My dad, Jack Llewellyn, enjoyed visiting George and Ruth Ann, especially being invited to fish on their pontoon boat.
After Dad died in 2009, I made it a point to keep in touch with his friends with a card or phone call. In 2014, Ruth Ann Rooks died the week before Christmas. Only meeting them in person once (when dad’s driving was not so good) I still felt a kinship to them. They had the kind of faith that does not want recognition; they were servants of our Lord. As a widow, I knew the loneliness that comes after a spouse dies, so I sent “goodie” packages to George from Amazon and drove to meet him for lunch at Bob Evans. But in my 70s I did not feel comfortable driving that far. I continued to send “anonymous” Amazon packages and George wanted and needed more than a distant friend.
George was active in every cause that needed him. My dad had told me that George paid for the ones on bus trips that wouldn’t have been able to afford to go. He reminisced with seniors he visited and made each feel special. He was active in Lions and The Grange (I only know these groups by names, as a city girl!)
Going through photos a few weeks ago, I found one of George, dad, and Ruth Ann. I sent a floral arrangement to him at the nursing home, signing it from my family even though I am the only one left. I sent the photo by email to Siena Gardens since that was the only communication allowed due to the pandemic.
I hope that you will find a way to remember George, too, while he is with us.
As George ended each column, “More Later….”