Oakville boxing coach was a leader, friend to all and helped those ‘who needed it’

For boxer Muhammad-Talha Khan, Oakville Boxing & Functional Training (OBFT) coach Roger Cargill was a rare human being.

“He was truly empathetic and would do anything to help those who needed it, especially his team,” wrote Khan on the gofundme page for the beloved boxing coach who recently died suddenly.

Khan described the many times they would hang out after a workout and just talk about life.

“He always spoke to me with great positivity and always provided sound advice based on his life experiences and that of others,” he said . “Boxing is a way of life.

“It wasn’t just about slipping, weaving, ducking your opponents punches, it’s also about giving you the confidence to defend against life’s punches.

Cargill, said friend Scott Kielpinski, dedicated his life to boxing.

He was a life long student, professional and coach whose life ended too soon.

“He was a leader, a friend to all, and a coach that had no bounds with a larger than life personality and love for all no matter their race, religion or any social or economic background,” said Kielpinski, who organized the fundraiser which has already raised $16,310 of its $20,000 target.

“He was a man of the people, an individual that would go to any length in helping others.”

Kielpinski said he is reaching out to the boxing community and others to donate what they can to the fundraiser to help Cargill’s family with the “unaffordable” funeral expenses at this difficult time.

“They are grieving and overwhelmed, and we want to assist them in any way we can,” he said.

And give Cargill the memorial he deserves.

“To honor his memory and to say our last goodbyes, we are raising funds to help his family,” added Kielpinski.

Boxing Ontario, the official governing body for Olympic-style boxing in the province, also paid their respects for the Oakville coach on Twitter.

“We are saddened to inform the Boxing Ontario community of the passing of coach Roger Cargill from OBFT – Oakville Boxing & Functional Training,” said the tweet. “We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Roger’s family, friends & the team at OBFT.”

The Oakville coach will be dearly missed.

“Thank you for everything, coach,” wrote Khan. “I will miss our car rides, your stories, your advice, and your laughter. The Lions Den will continue to grow and make you proud. Stay golden.”

To make a donation to the gofundme, visit here.