Well-known Ballarat chiropractor Roger William Horton got a “buzz out of helping people”, according to daughter Susan Strick.

“He was very passionate about his work,” Mrs Strick said.

Dr Horton died on January 17, and his funeral was held a week later on his 85th birthday.

Dr Horton, his wife Patricia and their four children, Karen, Blair, Steven and Susan, arrived in Australia in 1956 from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Dr Horton began a chiropractic practice in Talbot Street with his American classmate Gus Mercurio, who left Ballarat shortly afterwards to pursue his acting career. However, Mrs Strick said the pair remained close friends throughout their lives.

Dr Horton continued expanding his practice, treating patients all over Victoria.

Mrs Strick said he fought hard for Australian training facilities and for chiropractors to be formally recognised here.

“He was proud to be able to help his patients have a healthy life,” she said. 

“His motto was: chiropractic does not claim to cure. It removes interference to the normal nerve function.”