Mr. Roger Craig Delaney, 53, of Frederick, passed away Friday, February 15, 2013, at Frederick Memorial Hospital. He was the loving husband of Ashley Elizabeth (Manning) Delaney. Born on October 1, 1959, in Norfolk, VA, he was the son of the late Donald and Dorothy (Deedrick) Delaney. With his father as a career Navy man, Roger moved to the west coast as a young child, spending most of his elementary and teen years in Lemoore, California. He relocated to the Los Angeles area as a young adult to pursue a career in music and ultimately in the media industry. He moved back across the country in 2002 to join Ashley when they became engaged. Roger was a passionate musician, accomplished tennis player, enthusiastic Minnesota Twins baseball fan and Beatles fanatic, and, above all, a man with a true heart of service for God. He was a talented songwriter, and used his musical gifts to write worship songs and play in his church's praise band. He was an eternal optimist with a sharp sense of humor, who loved lively debate and reveled in making friends who held views completely different than his own. He was an incredibly dedicated father and husband who took great joy in his family. Without even trying, Roger was an inspiration to many, many people around him. Roger was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in September of 2011, and challenged himself every single day to take the discouraging news, exhausting treatments, and physical discomforts and turn them into opportunities for lifting others up and bringing glory to God. Early on in his cancer journey, he adopted the phrase "Why Not?" as his mantra for making it through the toughest times. He knew that there was a hard road ahead and that the odds were not good, but "why not" believe that he could overcome them? This state of mind kept him remarkably strong and positive throughout his treatments, and leaves his surviving family and friends secure in the knowledge that he triumphed over a terrible disease, even as it claimed his physical life. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Cameron Delaney (7), daughter, Claire Delaney (3), brother, Paul Delaney and wife Susan and sister, Patricia Eastis, along with many cherished nieces and nephews. A memorial service will held at 11:00am, on Saturday, February 23rd at Brook Hill United Methodist Church, 8946 Indian Springs Road, Frederick, MD 21702. Pastor Gary Hicks will officiate. A lunchtime reception and time for visitation will follow immediately after the service. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassion International, an organization Roger supported for many years (www.compassion.com) or to support the music ministry at Brook Hill United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com
