Memorial Service To Be Held for Roger Nicklin

Published on: 18 Jun, 2017
Updated on: 24 Sep, 2018

Roger Nicklin

A memorial service for the respected and well known Guildford optometrist and businessman Roger Nicklin, 69, is to be held at Holy Trinity Church, Guildford High Street, at 4pm on Thursday, June 22 (2017j.

His family announced his death, following depression, on social media.

In a circulated email they said: “Words cannot express the sadness that fills us all as we write to tell you of the loss of our darling Roger.

“He had bravely battled with depression his whole life but the final episode was just too impossible to cope with leading him to end his life on the 29th of May 2017.

“He was our hero – the best dad, husband, brother, grandfather and friend to so many people. It is hard to comprehend a life without him in it and ironically it will be a darker place for it.”

There is also to be a celebration of his life at the Old Guildfordian’s Rugby Club on Stoke Park from 5pm on the same day. Anyone who would like to attend is invited.

The family has requested those intending to attend either event to indicate their intention via Doodle.

They are also requesting that their announcement is further circulated to his wide circle of friends.

The Royal Grammar School added in a statement on their website: “Roger was a renowned and respected figure in Guildford and a cherished member of the RGS community, serving as Chairman of the Old Guildfordians Association for over 18 years.

“The headmaster has written to his family on behalf of the school, the Old Guildfordians and the wider RGS community to express our sincere condolences.”

The family have requested no flowers but for those who feel the need to make a donation to consider the Samaritans and these charities, which they say: “… are close to our hearts.”

Responses to Memorial Service To Be Held for Roger Nicklin

Dave Middleton Reply

June 18, 2017 at 5:41 pm

Such sad news and such a shock to read this today.

Roger was my optician for the better part of 20 years.

He was really good at his trade and a really nice man.

God bless you Roger, may you rest in peace.
Barbara Hester Reply

June 19, 2017 at 9:24 am

A great shock to read this today. Such a lovely man, always there for people. He was my optician for years and years. Such a loss for his family and the community. God bless.
Anne Rouse Reply

June 21, 2017 at 5:29 am

So sad to hear this news and my sympathy goes to his family and colleagues.

Roger was such a kind man and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Susan Dunning Reply

June 21, 2017 at 8:06 pm

I have only just heard the very sad news of Roger’s death and feel as if I have lost a member of my own family.

I saw Roger on the 20th May and we chatted about retirement and our families.

He has looked after my eyes for 43 years and diagnosed a detached retina in 2000, sending me straight to the Royal Surrey County Hospital where thankfully my sight was saved for which I’ve been eternally grateful.

I send my condolences to his much loved family and to all his colleagues at Nicklin’s who must feel devastated. I hope to be at the memorial service to pay my last respects.
Ian Nicholls Reply

June 22, 2017 at 11:50 am

Such sad news. I was lucky enough to have my eyes tested by Roger since I arrived in Guildford as an impoverished student 30 years ago.

He offered me “student discount” even though it was not advertised and I was so pleased with this, the high standards and personal service that I have never been anywhere else.

It is clear I am not alone in my appreciation of this true gentleman.
Joy Hunter Reply

June 22, 2017 at 8:35 pm

I am deeply shocked to read of Roger’s death. I knew him and his mother originally through the Guildford Philharmonic Choir, then as a wonderfully caring optician. I shall miss him greatly.
James John Reply

June 23, 2017 at 6:13 pm

I have only just heard this sad news.

Roger was always so generous and welcoming whether at his shop or when having a post match drink at the Old Guildfordian’s rugby club.

I will always remember the spare ticket he gave me in 1989 to watch Wales v England – provided I drove his mini-bus, (with half the club in the back) and did not drink!

As our optician he was always caring and patient. RIP Roger – you will be missed.
Richard Fox Reply

June 25, 2017 at 1:46 pm

We were shocked and saddened by Roger’s death having seen him just a few day’s earlier.

I always asked for Roger when booking an appointment, not only for his skill but also because the appointments were unhurried giving us time for a chat and a laugh.

What a sad loss for many of us, confirmed by the large number of friends who attended his memorial service.
Patricia Robinson Reply

August 25, 2017 at 5:24 pm

I have just heard about the very sad news of Roger. He was my optician for a number of years whilst I worked in Guildford. He also looked after my husband. We would like to say what a lovely, lovely man he was, so helpful, caring and understanding.

Our condolences go out to his family, friends and of course his colleagues at Nicklins. Such a sad loss. So sorry also that we were not able to attend the memorial service which we would loved to have done to pay our respects. RIP Roger.
Dr Elizabeth Lodge Reply

October 24, 2017 at 11:14 am

I remember a consultation with Mr Nicklin in which he talked of flying over the Grand Teton National Park, near Yellowstone, from Jackson, Wyoming.

He was exceptional and, having moved from Guildford almost six years ago and thinking that I might return for a consultation, I am shocked and saddened to read of this.
Elaine Buxton Reply

September 24, 2018 at 11:10 pm

In Looking for Nicklins phone number to come and see Roger for an Eye check I have discovered such sad news.

I first met Roger in his shop in the Arcade in Aldershot some 40 years ago and followed him to the Station Road Shop before he went back to Guildford to his Dad’s shop, where I have continued to come, not that often as Roger was so good at his trade and Guildford further away.

It was his kindness and encouragement at that first appointment in Aldershot and his assistant that I found myself getting contact lenses and have never looked back. I am eternally grateful to him for that.

There are no words to describe the sadness but my sincere condolences go out to all the members of his family, so sorry I did not see this sooner to pay my respects in person.