VFP UK is sad to announce the passing of Chris Roper, following a long battle with cancer that spanned the last years of his life. Despite his illness and pain, he continued to remain commited to peace and social justice activism, and regularly attended events until he was no longer able. He faced his illness with an extraordinary amount of courage.
Chris was an active member of VFP South East and was also a committed member of East London Against the Arms Fair (ELAAF). Chris’ knowledge and participation gave us incredible insight into the Arms Fair and enabled VFP UK to organise more effective actions. His passion in preventing the Arms Fair was second to none and we will carry his passion with us when we organise future events.
Chris Roper joined VFP UK at our 2013 Annual Gathering and quickly became a steadfast and dependable member. He had an eye for detail and played a key role in the drafting of our original by-laws and our VFP UK Handbook, which replaced our by-laws and remain the guiding governance of our organisation.
Ever present at VFP actions in London, Chris was one the few members who marched to The Cenotaph with us on Remembrance Sunday 2013. Chris had a deep well of courage and was able to place himself in situations that others would walk away from.
He will be greatly missed.
Veterans For Peace UK 
Sad news indeed, such a very nice guy; principled, entirely without pretension and always there. A genuine pleasure to have known you Chris.
I only ever spoke to Chris in passing and didn’t know him terribly well. My condolences to friends and family on their loss.
Chris was one of the first VFP UK members I got to know. A very amiable man, he shared many memories & ideas with me. His practical & direct activism inspired & bouyed me. He will be greatly missed.
RIP comrade.
12/08/2020, 13:25
Attended the funeral this morning which was well attended and led by his brother Geoffrey.
Anyone who took part in a protest or action with Chris would know of his courage and steadfastness.
Turns out that when Chris was young he built his own canoe to get across the Thames to school in the morning. He then paddled the canoe across the channel to France and the first anyone knew of it was when he phoned his mum to let her know he was in Calais.
RIP.
I never had the privilege of meeting the fine man. However, I’m sure he was a man of dignity and pride . What a shame and a great loss!!!
Where someone’s work has finished, a new sole will indeed take that great burden upon him/her self and I’m sure the tradition of Chis will carry on and his efforts where not in vain!!!
God bless and RIP 👍
Chris Roper was a kind, highly principled gentleman.
He had great compassion for humankind, disregarding where they came from or what religion they were.
Chris dedicated his life to peace and lived a very humble, selfless life.
Thank you for your inspiration and leadership.
You are greatly missed.
Rest in Peace dear friend.
So sorry to hear about Chris’ passing during the VFP online convention. We can all be proud of the legacy of peace he left in our name.
So long comrade. You did well
I had the privilege to share some time with Chris at the ‘No Pride in War‘ demo in 2016.
A good fellow who will be missed.
Paul.
Attended the funeral this morning which was well attended and led by his brother Geoffrey.
Anyone who took part in a protest or action with Chris would know of his courage and steadfastness.
Turns out that when Chris was young he built his own canoe to get across the Thames to school in the morning. He then paddled the canoe across the channel to France and the first anyone knew of it was when he phoned his mum to let her know he was in Calais.
A great soul. RIP
An inspiring tribute to a wonderfully principled man. Yes, he will indeed be missed.
A stalwart who would, no doubt, have supported a commitment by VfP to promoting discussion of neutrality- defend the nation,o.k., but don’t send armed forces overseas to kill. The trend today towards mindless militarism needs to be opposed. We can all salute a warrior for peace.
Chris would also have wanted to be remembered as the designer and builder of an early human-powered aircraft. See http://steamboatwilly.org/human_powered_hovercraft/history.html
We’re all getting older, VfP needs to make a stronger focus on attracting young vets to join up.
RIP Chris, your work is finished here.