Loved ones mourn man, 20, killed in workplace fall: ‘Leaves a huge void’

A Southwestern Ontario man killed at work is being remembered as an outdoorsman who loved his family and animals.

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Ontario’s labor ministry is investigating after a Norwich resident died in a fall at a workplace on 15th Line in Zorra Township, northeast of London, around 10 am on Dec. 7, Oxford OPP said.

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Police didn’t release the name of the deceased, but he’s identified through his obituary and social media posts as 20-year-old Roger Siple.

Growing up in the Oxford County community of Newark, Siple developed a lasting love for the outdoors that extended to everything from motorsports and canoes to horse-riding and raising calves, his obituary states.

“He enjoyed the simplest pleasures and spent hours walking the fields with his dogs at his side or spending time with his many friends,” the obituary said.

“His love for animals was obvious to all who knew him. He rode horses, raised calves, goats, laying hens and turkeys. Roger had a special affinity for cats and dogs, and there was often one at his side or in his lap.”

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Siple was close to his family, especially his sister, Zoe, who was his best friend, the obituary said.

“His family was the center of his life, and he was a source of immense pride for them. His roots were deep, and while his life was short, he leaves a huge void that will be filled as much as possible by honoring his legacy and wisdom,” the obituary said.

A deep thinker on a quest to expand his knowledge and perspective, Siple loved listening to podcasts. He was also a trend-setter during his time in school, where he was known for his long hair and sporting Pit Viper Sunglasses and NELK Boys gear, his obituary said.

Siple’s family is asking for donations to be made in his name to the Oxford County Animal Rescue or Operation Sharing

Visitation is set for Tuesday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Brock and Visser Funeral Home at 845 Devonshire Ave. in Woodstock. The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at 1 pm followed by a burial at Norwich Cemetery.

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