RIP Roger Becker

[Bibs]

 

Quote

A message from the family of Roger Becker:

It is with great sadness that we announce that Roger passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday 24th February after a long but courageously fought battle with cancer. His strength and determination in facing all that he went through with his health challenges was an inspiration to us all, he was true Roger Becker to the end. We wanted to share this here as we know there are many of you around the world whose lives have been touched in some way by him. It would be a comfort to us as a family at this difficult time to receive any happy memories, pictures or words you'd like to share about Roger. Please email them to his daughter at kristie_b@icloud.com where they will be gratefully received and cherished.

1

 

Very sad news. RIP Roger. The man who defined what Lotus DNA really was in every respect. 

[DanR]

So true Bibs. Sad to hear. RIP Roger.

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/02/lotus-vehicle-engineering-director-roger-becker-retires-after-44/

[silverfrost]

Very sad to hear, my thoughts are with his family at this time,  very sad RIP  Roger 

 

[ChrisJ]

Very sad to read that. RIP Roger

[Arun_D]

RIP Roger, thanks for playing a huge part in giving us our incredible motor cars.

[Loose Cannon]

Oh no. Was just going to message him on Facebook about something too, had no idea as he was active until days ago????

The Lotus family has lost a true legend.

[Suddabym]

Bugger 

[ramjet]

I have heard his name on here. Always to do with good things. I am not sure what else I can say other than my thoughts are with his family.

RIP Roger.

[The Pits]

[Bazza 907]

Met him the once, lovely chap, RIP

[Kimbers]

My father was on the phone early this morning in floods of tears. He was very honoured to have seen Roger just before his passing and over the last few weeks they had reminisced about old times and new.

I first knew Roger from the factory visits I made with Dad as a child and later, not only as one of dads closest friends and his trusted voice in Engineering and Management but as his friend and confidante. Eventually they worked together on the Evora and with Matt his son, MJK and RB showed they still had it!

Last time I spoke to Roger was a month or so ago on FB discussing some point or other as always he was a font of knowledge and always had time for me and every other enthusiast.

My condolences to all of the family and friends of a great Engineer, family friend and my fathers partner in crime. RIP Roger.

 

[The Pits]

Total Lotus legend.

Hugely influential figure for ride and handling across the whole industry. His genius can still be felt in the cars today. Ferrari benchmarked the work he did on the Evora when developing the 458. 

I doubt Lotus would still have their reputation for steering, ride and handling excellence without his brilliance. Most sports cars ride pretty well now. Would that have ever happened without Roger Becker? Quite possibly not. He proved that a supple set-up was not only more comfortable but faster too.

[hedgerley]

So sad. I was fortunate to spend some quality time one on on one with Roger at MMC during the Evora road show prior to it going on sale. His passion for Lotus was absolute and his enthusiasm for the first 'new' Lotus since the Elise knew no bounds. He also spoke about the progress on MES, perhaps disclosing a little to much about 'New Esprit' to a complete stranger! But that day left me feeling very optimistic about the future and Roger left a lasting impression.

Of course the family DNA runs deep and Matt continues the family tradition. The reviews of the DB11 very much reminded me of the early Evora reviews, an 'other worldly' response to road conditions. Along with the Esprit we have a lot to thank Roger for.

What an awesome back catalogue. RIP Roger.

[punky]

Very sad.

RIP Roger 

[Jukka]

I had the honour to meet Roger. What a nice person and what a career.

Rip Roger

[theelanman]

so very sad......

RIP Roger....

[rudolphwolven]

Very, very sad to read this.........

Thank you Roger for what you meant for the Lotus marque and my Esprit......

Rest in peace, Roger

 

[Snoopy1969]

My thoughts are with his Family, very sad to hear, a true legend, esp the vid Jonny / The Pits posted represents his true enthusiasm for his Profession and Lotus esp!

The following bit relating to the production of "The Spy Who Loved Me" says it all:

"Even with the above additions the Lotus still appeared a little tame when viewed from behind the lens, prompting some quick thinking from the stunt department. The grippy Esprit was simply too planted to appear at all dramatic when driven in anger, and this posed something of a problem for the film crew. The solution came in the from of Roger Becker, the Lotus engineer selected to keep tabs on the cars. He wasted no time in jumping behind the wheel and hurling the mid-engined Esprit into a series of sideways drifts, and his smokey heroics ultimately saw him promoted to lead stunt driver for the rest of the shoot."

RIP Roger

 

 

 

[The Pits]

How about organising a minute's engine noise at the Brands festival as a mark of our respect?

[100th_Idiot]

RIP Roger. My condolences to his family.

[auRouge]

Nothing steers better than a Lotus. Genius. Thank you Mr Becker. 

RIP and condolences to his family.

[cbclotus]

Very sad news .A true legend .Thoughts go to his family .Mike

[NW76]

Thanks Roger for brining us something truely full of joy! Your passion left an unforgettable herritage that will live on forever in each one of our beloved cars ... RIP

[Mark Blanchard]

Very sorry to hear this.  RIP Roger.  Amongst many other things, thanks for the best Bond car chase ever:

 

[hedgerley]

Roger with one of his co-stars in Sardinia. I guess it shows why the bad guy didn't get to drive the Esprit ?