Maryland Daughter Shares Heartfelt Tribute To Father Roger Barham: 'He Was My Rock'

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A Maryland daughter is honoring her father, Roger Barham, remembering him as a gentle, steady hero whose life was defined by service, love, and strength.

"It is with a truly broken heart that I share the passing of my father, Roger Barham," Krista Barham wrote in a touching tribute. "Writing these words feels unreal — but I want to honor my dad's life the way he deserved, and I cannot do it alone." 

She described her father as "a gentle soul with a heart big enough to hold everyone around him." 

Roger Barham

GoFundMe

She said he had endured deep loss — "losing my brother, my mother, and later my stepmother" — but carried each grief "with grace and quiet strength." Even when hurting, she said, "he found ways to lift others up."

Roger spent his life serving and protecting others as both a firefighter and police officer, his daughter said.

Roger Barham

GoFundMe

She added that he showed courage, compassion, and love for his family in everything he did. To the world he wore a uniform, but to her, "he was simply my rock — the steady, loving presence I could always count on."

Krista said she is facing overwhelming grief while trying to give him the farewell she feels he deserved. 

She wrote in a GoFundMe that she wants to honor him with "the peaceful and dignified farewell he deserves," adding that "honoring him properly means more to me than words can express."

She thanked everyone who has shown support.

"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kindness, your support, and your prayers during this painful time." She said the compassion people are showing is helping them give "a beautiful goodbye to a man who spent his life giving to others."

Roger Barham

GoFundMe

The fundraiser can be found here.

"If you are able to donate, please know that every gift — no matter the amount — will go directly toward laying my father to rest with the respect and love he earned throughout his life," she wrote. 

"If you cannot give, simply sharing this page or keeping my family in your thoughts means more than you know."