Roger Putnum Prine - Online Memorial Website
Memorial Website - Roger Putnum Prine
Roger Prine
Born in Pennsylvania
50 years
153225
Obituary:
Roger Putnam Prine of Charlottesville, Virginia, died Saturday, April 19, 2008.
Born on May 26, 1957, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he is survived by his parents, Charles W. and Elizabeth Waite Prine; his five loving sisters, Linda, Janet, Karen, Barbara and Alison and their spouses, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; his dear friends, Alexandra and Nicholas Littlehales; his former wife, Judy Prine and her children, Brendan, Amber, Eben, Tara and Tara's daughter, Ajali, and by his many friends. Roger was preceded in death by his mother, Irma Cathcart Prine; and his stepmother, Elizabeth Erskine Prine.
The time spent with his family and his years on Seville Farm in Madison, were times that Roger treasured. To the children in his life, he was both the funny guy who would play with them and the adult who would go out of his way to have a good talk. He taught in several area schools throughout the years, including Louisa, Madison and Grymes Memorial School in Orange.
Roger had a passion for theater and was grateful that he was able to be involved with theater for all of his adult life. He called it magical and it enabled him to be part of a creative collaboration that he felt enhanced the greater community. Roger was an actor, director, lighting designer and set builder at theaters including Four County Players in Barboursville, Live Arts in Charlottesville, Barter Theater in Abingdon, and Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.
Roger cherished his friendships. Towards the end of his life however, he found maintaining relationships more and more difficult.
Roger had a strong connection to music, history and art and spent many hours sharing this love with people in his life. He had an impressive knowledge of sports and could really bring a game to life. Roger's competitive nature helped him enjoy many years of playing tennis.
Roger will be remembered and missed in countless ways: He was there for his loved ones in times of need, and was quick to lend a hand to a stranger; he had an insatiable curiosity and love for knowledge; he had a keen interest and concern for social and economic justice issues; he was a person of integrity and his convictions were deeply felt.
Contributions in Roger's name can be given to Four County Players Theater, P.O. Box 1, Barboursville, VA 22923, or the Charlottesville Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA), P.O. Box 6880, Charlottesville, VA 22906.
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Latest Memories
| Leana Canevari |
Autumn said it best when she said "Roger could turn an ordinary activity into an extraordinary experience"... so this small memory fits this. Roger, Linda, and I were working hard on the last Shakespeare at the Ruins. We were all riding over with a load of stuff in Linda's 1970 pickup and we were hot and sticky and fussing about the lack of help as we are turning in Roger demands she stop the truck... You would have thought something was wrong...it was serious whatever he wanted us to stop for. He gets back into the truck with a big smile on his face with his "witches finger's" on his hand that he had snagged off of a vine. He played the witch for a second til our childlike nature kicked in and we were putting em on and being witches too. We were all 8 or so again and not slaving for Four County Players.
| Resa Ritzert |
I am stunned by the loss of Roger. He was a dear friend with whom I spent much time during our years at Mary Washington College. I was always in awe of his brilliant directing, acting, and set designs. I, too, recall a poem his collge girlfriend wrote, entitled, "Putnam's Hands". It spoke of the strength of his hands and the beauty they created. Roger and I used to laugh about how we naturally understood each other because he was the only boy in a family of girls and I the only girl in a family of many boys. After 20 years of being out of touch we renewed our friendship when I moved to central Virignia in 2005. I saw him at FCP at the production he directed. As I sat in the audience I was once again in awe of Roger's talent. His direction was the work of genius. The last time I saw him he came to my house to help me move a piece of furniture. Something in his eyes spoke of struggle yet, he kept his word to help me. I am deeply saddened that his life ended too soon. He will be missed always as there is only one Roger.
| Page and Frank Faust |
Page and I knew Roger for years during the Barboursville years. From the time he first showed up at the doors of the theatre until we moved away in 97 with a brief return visit a few years back. Like others we got to know Roger -- a friend who helped us move, trimmed our trees after negotiating for the wood, drove our old truck with his dog patiently waiting in the back while Roger reset lights just one more time. Out of many memories, three specifics. * Roger's calls out of the blue to Page asking her to write references as he applied for teaching jobs -- long after she was in the school systems. They shared a love of literature. * Early mornings at the Allard hotel - otherwise know as Mumps Ha afer a late night cast party or set work. I would come in the door to discover Roger with coffee in hand reading the morning paper and avidly wanting to talk about anything. * and lastly, Camelot where a patient but persistent professional worked his subtle not so influence to insure the actors in final act of the last showed we worked together could be seen. As the Director I looked for a dim moody obscure mist. Roger aiming the lights and controlling the light board insured the actors could be seen -- In a way that epitomizes my memoires -- a person always helping others to see, to feel included and to feel important. We will with all of you miss his ways.
| Alan Saul |
Memories of Butch have flooded back, wishing we'd spent time together more recently. He was there almost every day of our childhood, it seems, playing basketball, stickball, kickball, sledding, swinging on monkey vines, playing board games, arguing, and sitting and talking. Navigating through the sewer system along Cedar Blvd, riding bikes down Glaids, and the fierce tennis. Roger was as intense as he was calm, somehow. He competed so much but knew how to make everything fun.
I'm glad for the brief visit some years ago now, and look forward to seeing Chuck at Covenant. Love to all.
I'm glad for the brief visit some years ago now, and look forward to seeing Chuck at Covenant. Love to all.
| David W. Erskine |
Roger was my nephew, but really a brother. We shared a passion for theatre, laughter and a cold beer. When Papa John, as Roger called my dad celebrated his 95th birthday, Roger was there was a smile on his face, laughter filling the room and stories to share. I miss you my brother and feel your presence in my heart, which brings a smile to my face.
Love,
Uncle David
Latest Condolences
| Sharon Duke | - | June 12, 2008 |
I just drove through Barboursville and saw the sign at 4 CP. I rushed in to see what I could find. What a tragedy! My thoughts and prayers go to all who knew him. He was a shining star in so many lives. I met Roger as one of the "drama rats" at MWC in 1977. Over the 30+ years since I have run into him every few years and it has always been as if time stood still. Our talks would be heartfelt and his smile brightened my day. I will miss him.
| Roger Lee Kenvin and Family | - | May 25, 2008 |
I remember a bold, challenging student, a hard worker, a sunny, jaunty personality, an observant student and potential teacher in Roger Prine. Lucky me, to have been his professor and advisor at Mary Washington College. He became a good friend to me and my family and will remain so in our hearts. We send our love to his sisters and family. We loved him too.
| Shawn and Steve | - | May 25, 2008 |
We just heard about Roger, and wish sincere condolences to all of Roger's family and loved ones. We remember him fondly from our years spent in the late 1970's/early '80's at Mary Washington College. We remember a gangly, bearded guy with an easy laugh and gentle soul. Roger was always quick to lend a hand or share a great story. Although we're saddened to know his life was too short, we feel lucky to have known him.
| Antoinette Arsic | - | May 25, 2008 |
I first met Roger in 1991 when I was stage managing The Night Hank Williams Died starring Roger, Jeff, and Duke. I published a magazine at the time, Virginia Country Life, and covered the play as it was the magazine"s first full color issue. I remember Roger as a fun-loving, joke-cracking guy with always a smile on his face and in many other plays to come that I acted in. He was wonderful and will be missed.
| Susan McDaniel | - | May 25, 2008 |
It has been a long time since I last saw Roger at Plow & Hearth. He always made my day easier and was so much fun to talk with. So to all of you who really knew and loved him, my sincere condolences. I just wanted you to know that he touched so many peoples lives and will be missed.
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