Sad times again. The departure of some people who take with them fond memories for myself and many others in the business, is a constant subject for profound regret.
The kiddie ride industry owes a debt to Roger Newborough, who founded what is today Jolly Roger, the manufacturer of rides. Roger died on November 13 after a short illness. The news came as many of us were assembling in Orlando for the IAAPA trade show, an event which is strongly associated with Roger. His genial face was a regular and pleasant factor for all of us passing his stand at the show.
He pioneered many aspects of kiddie rides development, including licensing rides, supplementary features like video monitors and several other unique factors which helped to make the operation of rides a far more acceptable investment.
Above all, Roger was a thoroughly nice man; a true gentleman and scrupulously honest trader in an often difficult sector. Our sympathy goes to his wife, Susan, who often accompanied Roger on trade show trips and to their two sons.
Orlando also saw the departure of another well known face and another friend in Neal Rosenberg, thankfully very much alive and cheerful, but going now into retirement. Neal spent most of his latter years in the industry with Elaut and the Belgian company’s cranes development within Neal’s native US. Rosenberg is an expert on ticket redemption – no-one I know has more knowledge on the subject.
But it is unlikely that they would, for Neal was born into the business and collected and counted nickels from early Wurlitzers operated by his father in New York. From there he carved out a career in the industry which forged for himself huge respect from everyone who knows him.
We wish Neal a long and happy retirement – coupled with a hope that he doesn’t lose contact with his many friends in the industry.
