Born in Vancouver, BC, February 26, 1929. Rod passed away in Victoria, January 3, 2013 in the loving presence of his daughter and grandchildren, who were greatly supported by his nephew Dan.
Rod is survived by his much loved wife Colleen, son Rod, daughter Kealey and grandchildren Emerald and Kelt. He will also be missed by his sister-in-law Mary, nephews Dan (Jill, Erin and Annie) and Eric (Sandy and Owen) and niece Lisa Kerr (Doug, Geoff and Iain). He was, and taught others to be: kind, loving, compassionate, gentle, sweet, accepting, forgiving, patient, honourable, generous, selfless, respectful, true, humble, stoic, stalwart, polite, passionate, determined, faithful, dependable, and constant.
Rod loved to spend time with his family and we loved being with him. He had many lifetime friendships. Rod had a quiet, charming, clever wit. He enjoyed gardening, sailing, playing bridge and being outdoors. Rod loved being in the woods and on the coast, especially in any boat. He built a nutshell pram (row/sail boat). Rod lived with his mother, father and brother Geoff (predeceased) in Vancouver. He attended schools in Vancouver, White Rock and New Westminster. Rod worked for the BC Forest Service and while stationed in Squirrel Cove, courted the local Lund school teacher. Rod and Colleen (nee Kealey) married in 1952 (60 years). They lived in Squirrel Cove, Alert Bay, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Britannia Beach, Burnaby, Vernon, Sidney and Victoria.
Rod was Class President of the UBC BSF Class of 1957. Rod received his Registered Professional Forester status in 1970, retired in 1988 and was awarded a lifetime membership for his contribution to the forestry profession. Rod worked for several forestry companies, as well as his own consulting firm, in various places in BC, including Vancouver, Nanaimo, Britannia Beach and Vernon.
After retirement and the family grown, Colleen and Rod left the family home on the lake in Vernon and moved to Sidney where Rod could be by the salt chuck again and close to his grandkids.
Rod was a person who believed in being involved in the community. Notably, he was a School Board Trustee in Vernon, the president of the BC Schizophrenia Society, and a councillor with the Association of BC Forest Professionals. Rod and Colleen were also members of a Unitarian Fellowship in Vernon.
Rod wrote, “I leave with gratitude for my life, loved ones and friends”.
The family sends much gratitude to the VIHA paramedics and the nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. A service will be held in the spring. Donations can be made to the Forestry Class of 57, University of British Columbia Alumni Fund. Condolences can be given at earthsoption.com.