Roy Fernandez Cajero

Roy F. Cajero, 63, born in Tucson, Arizona on September 3, 1950, died on April 9, 2014 in Memphis, Tenn. He was the third son of the late Nick M. and Josephine Cajero. He is survived by his three brothers, Paul Cajero of Los Angeles, Michael Cajero and Nick Cajero of Tucson, Arizona; cousins Olivia Cajero Bedford of Tucson, Monica Tardino of Ridgefield, Conn, Travis Bedford of Tucson and Tara Chipman of Washington, D.C and nieces Channa Cajero of Los Angeles, and Shayla Cajero of Tucson. Of course there is also his very large Memphis family.

Roy graduated from Tucson High in 1968, received a BA in English from the University of Arizona in 1972 and received a Master of Library Science fromIndiana University at Bloomington in 1974. He traveled to Europe, most notably Northern Spain where his Mother’s family had relatives before moving to Memphis and becoming a librarian for the City of Memphis Public Library. He was active in Senior citizen’s and young people’s projects outreach projects, became manager of the Bookmobile service, and manager of several library branches. He loved his work and knew it had a positive effect on people’s lives. He worked at the library from 1975 until his retirement in 2004. Librarianship was his profession— photography was his passion. His photographs appeared in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, SPIN, The Columbia Journalism Review, Tucson Art Center, the Memphis Flyer and the book, ”Dear Dr. King: Letters from Today’s Children to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” He donated several hundred photos to the City of Memphis Public Library reflecting his Mid-South world. The website to view his photos is “https://memphisroom.wordpress.com/tag/roy-cajero” He was a generous and helpful friend always available to offer a helping hand. In the recent harsh winter, Roy and a friend befriended a homeless man who had surgery one day and was released from the Hospital the next day. Together they paid for an apartment for the man to live in through the spring. He was also active in animal rescue, promoting adoption, spaying and neutering . His love of all music was huge, especially the Blues. He took numerous musicians’ photos. He will be remembered by his many friends and relatives in Tucson and Memphis for his immense empathy; his care for the less fortunate, his love of music, books and continuous learning. To quote a poet, “His like will not be seen again.” In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Manna House in Memphis, 1268 Jefferson and Realgooddogsrescue.com

A remembrance of his life will be held Sunday May 11 at the Benjamin L Hooks Central Library, Room C, 3030 Poplar Ave. from 1p-3p, followed by a reception at 404 N. Willett, Memphis.

Arrangements under the direction of Family Funeral Care, Memphis, TN.