Roger Kojan Obituary Obituary 2024

## Roger Kojan: A Dedicated Volunteer and Advocate

### Early Life and Education

Roger Kojan, a compassionate volunteer and advocate for social change, was born in Essex to parents from diverse backgrounds. He spent his formative years at Ratcliffe College, Leicester, where he developed a strong sense of independence. After a brief attempt at studying French at Durham, he earned a sociology degree from Leeds University in 1978.

### Career and Community Involvement

Roger worked as an economic development officer for Wakefield Council, where he dedicated himself to creating sustainable employment opportunities in former coalfields. Beyond his professional life, he was an avid volunteer, contributing to various causes, including claimants’ unions and feminist events. He also participated in communal living experiences during his student years.

### Personal Life and Values

Roger shared his life with Annette Stansfield and Janis Goodman, with whom he had two sons. He was a dedicated member of the local Woodcraft Folk and maintained strong ties with the Leeds community. His unwavering commitment to social justice and sustainability extended into his personal life.

### Love of Learning and Culture

Roger possessed a deep thirst for knowledge, as evidenced by his completion of a part-time degree in modern Greek. He was a lover of culture, enjoying everything from punk gigs to classical concerts. He was also a formidable Scrabble player known for his wit and pedantry.

### Final Days

Despite facing a challenging illness, Roger maintained his sense of humor and stoic affability. He continued to share jokes and smiles with those around him, leaving a lasting impression on staff and visitors.

### Legacy

Roger Kojan’s unwavering dedication to volunteering, social change, and community will be deeply missed. He is survived by his partner Janis, his children Ross and Tom, his brother Mike, and his sister Melissa. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the values he instilled in those who knew him.