how to create role report for former member

When I try to create a role report for a former member (who is still in the former members list), the report is blank.  When I looked at older agendas all roles held by former members just show "former member".  Does this mean all history is lost as soon as we move a member to the former member list?  

You might be able to move the former member back to active member temporarily. Then run the report, and when it's finished, move them to former member again.

I may have tried this at some stage, but it would have been a long time ago and I don't exactly remember the details.

The suggested process worked. Thanks.