By Dave Abdoo
I am incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Roger Twomey. My deepest condolences to Marilyn, Lisa, Chris, the Twomey family, as well as his extended family.
The City of Lawrence has lost a true gentleman and statesman.
We have lost a very good man from our midst. I would further argue that Lawrence has lost the gold standard for public servants.
Airman Twomey, Staff Sergeant Twomey, Councilor Twomey, Chairman, friend of Veterans, a huge friend to Veterans, a colleague, a friend of the People of Lawrence. A man of many important and valued roles but above all else a beloved husband, father, neighbor and friend.
A leader amongst leaders who emanated dignity, respect and thoughtfulness. Roger is the type of selfless servant that this world desperately needs, and will miss dearly.
I have had the fortune to know Roger most of my life and have known him to live the values of duty, honor & country.
I spent many days of my youth at the Twomey home, in their pool and being around “Mr. Twomey”. He was one of those dads that you knew at that age, being around his family and observing his profession at Western Electric, that this dad was a leader. Throughout high school, college and in my adult life, I had the fortune of knowing him and working with him.
As an adult, he was no longer Mr. Twomey but Roger, a neighbor, friend and colleague. Together we worked on many shared priorities, with the same people and in the same places and regardless of who was in the room – Roger was always a leader. Whether in thought or action, Roger led. He was always prepared, and committed to the civic duties at hand.
I particularly valued my two years on the City Council with Roger. Always thoughtful, always dignified, always articulate, always respectful and always a tenacious advocate for what he believed to be the right thing to do for his beloved City of Lawrence.
I’m heartened that our city recognized this man and his enduring contributions to our neighborhood, city and Nation. In 2017, Lawrence formally dedicated the corner of Jefferson Street & Leeds Terrace in honor of the Honorable Roger Twomey: United States Air Force Veteran, long time public servant, community leader and Lawrence City Councilor. In doing so, our City respectfully acknowledged Roger’s many years of selfless service to his lifelong hometown. He did it all … over decades: Committees, campaigns, veterans breakfasts, boards and the City Council. He kept giving back.
On the street corner that day, just a stones throw from the Twomey home, Roger was accompanied that day by his wife Marilyn, their son Chris and his family. Chris was the master of ceremonies, and made his dad proud. Several dozen friends, family & neighbors joined Roger that beautiful spring day.
In the coming days, we will once again memorialize Roger, honor and remember him. My suggestion to anyone who wants to honor Roger is to get involved through service, and serve your community like Roger did for several decades.
I will miss Roger Twomey at City Hall, on Memorial Day at Bellevue, and most of all on Veterans Day. Ever the Statesman. Ever the gentleman.
Rest In Peace Mr. Twomey.
