Houma native remembered for living with a smile

Folks rarely had to ask Houma native Ronald “Digger” Songe about his day, because they could always see the answer just by looking at his face.

Digger lived with a smile – a wide grin that family members claim could both light up a room and also make anyone forget about the bad things in life and focus on laughter and all life’s blessings.

An oilfield worker (where he picked up his nickname), father, husband and lover of the outdoors, Digger died on June 24 after a lengthy bout with cancer. He was 52.

Those closest to Digger remember him for his ability to find the goodness within every, single day – even the hard ones in the end when he battled cancer.

He is survived by his wife Alison Waguespack Songe, parents Henry and Doris Rogers Songe, son Ross DeRoche (Kristi Daigle), daughters Tayla Mae Songe and Katelynn Theresa Songe, sister Roslyn Savoie (Wyatt Savoie), Godchild Jude Savoie and a slew of nieces, nephews.

“My dad was a people pleaser,” daughter Tayla said. “He did anything and everything to help anybody. He affected lives by being himself. He was outgoing and funny and would always make sure everyone left him with a smile.”

The smile always seemed to be just a little brighter when family was around, for it was those folks who were the driving force in Digger’s life.

Digger loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman and frogger.

It’s a passion he shared with Tayla. The two took many trips and spent countless hours in the wilderness in search of that prized harvest.

“That was his favorite hunting partner,” daughter Katelynn said. “That was a passion they shared together.”

But for Digger, it was always the more, the merrier. He loved any opportunity where the whole family could be together – united as one.

A worker in the oil and gas industry for his entire adult life, Digger loved to travel – especially in the family’s motorhome. He’d take his family camping at Yogi Bear as often as time allowed.

While there, family members said Digger would wine and dine his loved ones with all of the love he had in his heart.

He’d cook the family delicious meals to ensure everyone could relax. He’d also tell jokes and make sure everyone had a good time making memories they’ll never forget.

His closest kin say it remains some of the happiest times they’ve ever experienced.

“He loved that,” wife Alison said. “He was always happiest when we were able to be together. You could see it in his eyes and in his face. Doing that just made him so, so very happy.”

“It was never just a small trip,” niece Danielle Arceneaux added with a smile. “It was always something where he’d want everyone to come. You couldn’t say no. He always made sure that it worked out and everyone was there.”

At home, the same passion for living remained present.

Alison said she knew Digger in high school, but didn’t begin dating him until much later. The two got acquainted at a country club. Ronald used to go there because he was an avid fan of country music and dancing.

The two danced one night and then stayed acquainted.

They were married for more than 20 years.

“They were great years – the best years,” Alison said.

As a father, Digger was lenient most of the time, but stern when he needed to be.

“He didn’t raise his voice often,” Alison said. “When he did, you knew he meant it.”

Together, he and Alison had two daughters, but Digger also took Alison’s son from another marriage, Ross DeRoche, as his own.

“Ross shared a wonderful bond with him,” daughter-in-law Kristi DeRoche said. “They were really close and they have a lot of things in common. They aren’t related by blood, but I see so much of him in my husband.”

In the final days, Digger’s life wasn’t easy. He battled cancer, which initially went into remission, then spread to different places in his body.

As things got worse, Digger didn’t always feel well and he lost a lot of physical strength in his body.

But even in the darkest days, family members said the passion for living never abandoned Digger.

In the final months, he had many visitors, and he welcomed them all, enjoying their presence.

Family members said Digger would talk, joke and smile with them – as if nothing were wrong.

Because to Digger, life’s circumstances didn’t often matter. To him, the journey was about impacting others as best as can be.

“I’m going to remember his heart,” Alison said. “He showed us that material things are just things. They don’t matter in the big picture – as long as we had each other. He was a terrific man and he made us all so happy.”

Ronald SongeCOURTESY

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