Recollections of unraveling the molecular mechanism of force generation, and life, with Roger Cooke in the 1980s.

The recent passing of Roger Cooke has led to many of his colleagues and friends reflecting on the substantial impact he made on both his chosen field of study, motility proteins, and the many colleagues he worked with. This brief memorial contribution remembers some of his early work, where, among many things, he was a world leader in developing and championing the use of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in the investigation of protein structure and dynamics, especially in complex protein arrays, such as muscle. We also include some more personal anecdotes that serve to illustrate the generosity and care that Roger extended to all those who worked with him, a true renaissance man of the twentieth century and beyond.