A “Memorial Service” was held in Cleveland, Ohio on August 9, to celebrate a lad of Irish descent, as opposed to a decent Irish lad. Many came to shed a tear, sing a song and share a few pints. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were made to a cash bar. The first 49 years of Roger Stanton Weist’s life were laid to rest.
The list to be a Pallbearer was long and distinguished. In the end, chosen were Roger’s friends Carol Gilligan, Sheila Harrison, RB Baird, Bob Weist, Danny Berry, Rasa Chambers, Brendan Gorman, Fred & Kay Mertes, Tom Sammon and Kathy Whitford.
This was an unusual venue – the Avon Oaks Country Club in Westlake, Ohio. But Roger was an unusual man. Fiercely proud of his Irishness, active in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, serving as both Boland-Berry Division President and later as Ohio State Board President.
Roger’s family was present and they all argued about which was the favorite of the 17 in the Kerrigan-Weist clan. “I’m Mom’s favorite ‘cause she wore my picture on her key ring,” shouted one. “Yeah, but, you’re the one who put it there,” cried another. Roger’s dear mother Angela was saddened to lose her son. She announced she had applications for anyone who wanted to apply for the job.
When it came time to share memories of Roger’s first 49 years, I couldn’t help remembering the softball game at the West Side Irish American Club. The AOH put together a team, which included Roger. When it came time for Roger to step up to the plate, he swung and smacked the softball farther than this writer had ever seen a softball go. He immediately took off for first base as the center fielder watched it sail over his head into a parking lot and land somewhere under some cars. When he was finally able to retrieve the ball, it was thrown to a teammate in center field who then threw it another teammate at second base. The second basemen threw it to first base. Alas, Roger, not being a tiny figure of man, was thrown out at first base!
Roger (seen in a photo below) is a man with many, many friends, as was evident with the large and spirited crowd that was present.
Friends and family sit silently as Roger is eugollized. 
Friends of Roger, happy about something; we know not what.
Roger's sisters auction him off.
Sullivan is an internationally published writer residing in northeast Ohio. Up to the time he wrote this story he had been a good friend of Roger Weist. 8-)
Sullivan is an internationally published writer residing in northeast Ohio. Up to the time he wrote this story he had been a good friend of Roger Weist. 8-)
