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Rodrigo Contreras
Rodrigo Contreras
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Rodrigo Contreras Obituary
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46 Entries
Alex Contreras
January 22, 2006
Here is my email address:
[email protected]
Anyone who wants a copy of the eulogy can write me here.
Thank you
Anurag Dhir
January 18, 2006
I met Rodrigo at a party for Santropol Roulant back in December 2004. We were introduced quickly by a mutual friend, who eventually left us to stand in awkward silence for about three seconds. What followed was an incredibly heartfelt, enthusiastic conversation that I remember well to this day. Rodrigo was a powerful man who was not afraid to give and be where you were at that very moment. We eventually got to talking about our stories, and I'm sure those closest to him will agree that his story is quite amazing. He made an impact. I was inspired by his principles, the courage he showed in following his heart, and his generosity. He even gave me legal advice for a project I was thinking about starting. He told me to contact him if I ever had any more questions. I still have his card. I saw him around after that here and there, and although I never followed up for more legal advice, I am grateful for the short time I knew him and I am sure his spirit is soaring to a new life somewhere. Spirits like his do not stay away for too long. My prayers go out to his family and everyone who has had the pleasure to know and love him.
Mark Robertson
January 17, 2006
I have very fond memories of Rodrigo from many years ago. Hearing of his passing was unexpected and deeply saddening. I wish to offer my condolences to all his family members and heartfelt sympathy in coping with such a terrible loss.
Ben O'Hara-Byrne
January 17, 2006
It took me a long time to find even a few adequate words to write here, there was too much to remember and so much to miss.
From early on in our friendship I admired how eagerly and easily he would share his knowledge and experience with those willing to step into his world, even for just a quick arguement. He opened up his world wide for me and for that I am a much richer person. I'll miss his rambling stories, his pointed opinions and the countless hours we spent shooting the breeze. I only wish we'd had thirty or forty more years to enjoy this journey together -- there was so much of his world still left to see. Ben.
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Alex Contreras
January 15, 2006
Thank you to everyone who has posted their thoughts here. It means so much to me that you thought so highly of my brother. I aspire to affect people as deeply as he did. If anyone would like a copy of my eulogy for Rod which I read at his funeral, you can email me and I will send it to you. He lives on in us.
Patricia Gamliel
January 13, 2006
It is difficult to express the sadness we all feel when such a special soul leaves our world: Rodrigo's smile and intelligence touched so many of us.
Que Dieu est son âme!
Dan Elie
January 13, 2006
As I read through the many entries in this guest book, it reminds me of how much joy and cheer that Rod provided to those around him. He was a tremendous friend and a fantastic lawyer. Above all, he was a great person. He changed minds, he changed hearts, he changed lives – always for the better. As much as one may have tried, it was impossible to have a boring conversation with Rod. A sponge that soaked up knowledge like water, he could engage in a deep discussion on any topic. Somewhere in heaven there is a room full of angels laughing and arguing, and I am sure that Rodrigo is at the center of the room.
Rod, I cannot explain how much I miss you. My deepest sympathies to your family for this untimely loss.
Diane Lussier
January 13, 2006
I consider myself very fortunate and privileged to have known Rodrigo since 2004. I was the in-house attorney and Rodrigo quickly became one of my favourite “outhouse” attorneys- a brilliant, meticulous, and consummate professional who could always be trusted to come through in a pinch. Rodrigo’s word was gold and he would never let you down. How I miss our nearly daily spirited conversations and e-mail exchanges at sometimes unholy hours of the day! Rodrigo’s name is synonymous with integrity, a man of conviction who not only believed in, but actually lived his life doing the right things for the right reasons. He had a marvelous zest for living, and demonstrated a genuine sense of caring for mankind. Rodrigo is a rare gem who truly made the world a better place. Rodrigo, you are much loved and will never be forgotten. My heartfelt sympathy to Rodrigo’ family. May you take comfort in knowing that Rodrigo’s spirit will live on and that his light will continue to shine.
Canadian Environmental Network
January 13, 2006
De la part de tous les membres du Réseau canadien de l'environnement, son personnel, ses militants: Sincères condoléances à la famille de Rodrigo pour cette perte immense. Sachez que vous êtes dans nos pensées.
On behalf of all Canadian Environmental Network members, its staff and activists: Our deepest sympathies to Rodrigo's family for this tremendous loss. Know that you are in our thoughts.
Karen Hillsdon
January 13, 2006
I had the privilege of meeting Rodrigo in July 2005, when I and a few volunteer colleagues were desperately in need of legal advice in order to save a local not-for-profit from a corrupt board and imminent bankruptcy. Rodrigo very kindly offered pro-bono advice, saying that he always had time for “good people doing good things with little or no money”. That comment alone spoke volumes to me about his character and values, and every interaction I had with him subsequently reinforced that impression. He was the picture of youth, intelligence and energy. I fondly remember many phone conversations as he was on his way home from work on his bike. Although we were small clients, it was obvious that Rodrigo cared. He was an exceptional guy, and I can’t make any sense of what has happened. He had so much to offer the world, and, at 35, was only getting started. It was a privilege to have known him, and I am deeply saddened that we have lost him. My deep and sincere sympathy to his family. He will be sorely missed.
Franklin Gertler & Associates
January 12, 2006
Rodrigo was working with us at the time of his passing. We are deeply saddened by his untimely death and miss him dearly.
Rodrigo was a great lawyer who chose to dedicate his career to files of social significance. That, in itself, is rare. He also cared deeply about people and ideas.
Never was Rodrigo more enthusiastic that when he spoke of his family. He giddily showed off picture after picture of younger relatives on his computer screen and proudly told stories of travel with family.
We wish Rodrigo’s family peace in these difficult times. Our thoughts are constantly with you.
Franklin Gertler & Geeta Narang
Sharon Landry
January 12, 2006
When I think of Roddy, I think of that silly card game. He played it with such enthusiam and passion, and as I sit here I realize that was his approach to life - always with passion. Whether it was an argument for arguement's sake (and there were a few of them) or discussion on law, politics, or the benifits of living in Montreal - his passionate nature and gorgeous smile alwyas shone through. How Rodddy loved his family, those in Canada and the large extended family of Equador that embraced him so warmly - I sometimes think it was in Equador he felt most at ease with himself.
Roddy used to tease me about living so far away from civilization, and so I was somewhat surprised when he replied that he would be coming to Penny's wedding. Now I am so grateful that he did come - I had one last chance to hug him and hold him close.
Happy Birthday sweet boy, I hold you in my heart Sharon
Ed Two-Axe Early
January 12, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. I was just getting to known Rodrigo and found him to be a wonderful person. He is with his ancestors in the Spirit World and will be an inspiration to all of us.
george hendy
January 12, 2006
I worked with Rodrigo at my old firm, Goodman, Phillips & Vineberg, and cherish the all too brief time I spent working with this remarkable young man...so bright, full of life and passion, with an unbridled love of the law. Rodrigo, my friend, you will be sorely missed, and never forgotten. My most sincere sympathies to your family for this untimely and tragic loss.
Linda Samson
January 12, 2006
In 2001-2002, I was assigned to work for Rodrigo as a legal assistant at Davies and although it was a very short period of time, I will always remember the kindness he showed to our group - not to mention his great sense of humour. I also admired Rodrigo for his very strong family values.
Working with Rodrigo enabled me to learn some Spanish and I will be forever grateful to him for the confidence he had in me.
My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Jona Rapoport
January 12, 2006
My heartfelt condolensces to Rodrigo's family, friends and loved ones on the untimely passing of Rodrigo. It is hard to digest and accept. Rod was such a young, vivacious, curious, intelligent and compassionate young man, with so much to look forward to.
I only met Rod a couple of years ago, in my building, where he often visited with his friend Vladimir. We all spent a few lovely evenings chatting about life's simple joys: camping, art, antiques, friendships and plans for the future. He was lovely, always, and I shall miss him.
God bless you all, and may dear Rodrigo rest in peace.
Jona
Brenda G. Miller
January 12, 2006
We would like to express our prayers of spiritual comfort to the Contreras family in this very heartfelt passage of time on mother earth. The Creator loaned a great man to us to do his divine work, he has been called back to the sky world for yet another trusted role only the Creator can explain. Rodrigo has worked diligently with the Migmaq nation for many years supporting our vision toward rebuilding a strong vibrant society who understood our goals very well and with a sense of real personal passion. His continued interest over the years has demonstrated to us his commitment and dedication to be part of a team building a fair and just aboriginal society of today and for the generations.
He is missed and will be remembered!!
From the Mi'gmaq Nation
Bogdan Catanu
January 12, 2006
Rodrigo was articling and I was a student at the same firm when we met. Over time I came to know him as a colleague, and a friend as well. He was a person of palpable authenticity, warmth and kindness. I will miss our chess games, and our inevitable discussions about the world, truth and the good life, where he would always get the last word. It was a privilege to know him. All of my sympathies to his family and friends.
Shelley Kath
January 12, 2006
I went to McGill law school with Rodrigo and sat in many a class with him. He was quite the rare gem in that context since he managed -- quite easily, I might add -- to hold on to his wonderfully upbeat and generous personality throughout the whole experience. It never wavered. And brilliant? His comments in class were frequently so insightful that other students would just put their hands back down!
I happened to run into Rodrigo a little over a year ago, and found he was still the warm and generous soul he had always been. And when I asked for his advice on certain matters of career, his words were wise well beyond his age (I should know, I am much older...).
It seems so unspeakably unjust that he has been denied the experiences that were still before him, and the world will be denied more contact with him. Especially now, when the world so needs people like Rodrigo. He had such a deep humility and great sense of humanity.
My heart goes out to the parents of this remarkable young man who will be sorely missed by many. I'm so very, very sorry for your loss.
Shelley Kath
Vladimir & Luis Ramirez
January 12, 2006
Dear friend, we will always remember your relentless passion for life, family and friends. You will be greatly missed, but your memory stays with us in the countless moments we shared. Our thoughts are with your family.
Philippe Johnson
January 12, 2006
It is with a great deal of sadness that I learned of Rodrigo's passing. I had the opportunity of working with him for a number of years at Davies and, more memorably, of spending the better part of April 2002 with him in Dusseldorf, Germany, on a transaction. My memories of Rod are of a passionate, genuine and generous person with a great joie de vivre. Quelle perte. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Deborah R. Greenberg
January 12, 2006
I will always remember our trip to Chicago. I really got to know Rodrigo and came to appreciate his passion for life and his ethical and practical concerns for the environment and the world in general. He loved to argue - something I enjoyed doing with him often! He certainly knew how to live life to the fullest. He will truly be missed.
vanessa reid
January 12, 2006
rod and i met in grade 9 & he made a big and lasting impression. he was mischievous, fun, smart ~ and courageous.
he called me out of the blue to tell me he wanted to change his life and spend more time with the people he loved. so he took time away from Work and gave to hundreds of others through volunteering with Santropol Roulant. we were all transformed in the process.
his love was big, his smile will be missed....my love to his family.
Guy Du Pont
January 12, 2006
J'ai connu Rodrigo alors qu'il travaillait à notre cabinet. J'ai toujours grandement apprécié sa grande joie de vivre. Il me peine de voir la vie d'un avocat de tant de talents ainsi fauchée et si jeune.
Alex Cloutier
January 11, 2006
From the time I first met Rodrigo when he moved in our building 6 years ago I was struck by his genuine personality and the sincerity that he projected. Rodrigo always had something interesting to talk about and always had a kind word for my kids.
From my family to Rodrigo's We offer our sincere condolences.May he rest in peace .
Lara Evoy
January 11, 2006
Eugene, Monica, Nick, Ben and to the rest of Rod's family and close friends, I would like to send my deepest sympathies to you all. I am very sad and stunned to hear of Rod's passing. I am thinking of you during this time and send my love. Lara.
Lloyd Engelking
January 11, 2006
Roddy was a perfect gentlemam We will never forget how he gave up his apartment in Montreal to Eileen&I while we were visiting there. That is just the kind of generous person he always was and we will miss him dearly. Our hearts and thoughts are with you the families
Lloyd & Eileen Engelking
Catherine McKenzie
January 11, 2006
Through 4 years at law school (where we met) and at all the occassions where we met since graduating I could always count on Rod for a laugh and for a serious comment that made me think.
My last meeting with Rod was typical of him - in early December we ran into each other in the hospital. I had not known he was sick but he clearly was. And yet his first concern was to ask how I was, why was I in the hospital? That was Rod to the core - he was all heart.
To Rod's family, my deepest sympathies for your loss. It was a pleasure and an honour to know your son, brother, newphew, cousin for the last 10 years. Keep smiling Rod.
John Murray
January 11, 2006
Rodrigo had a dynamism that made even our most ordinary conversations something of a thrill.
I'm very glad to have known him.
Philip Raphals
January 11, 2006
Having left the world of corporate law to practice environmental law, Rodrigo accepted without hesitation our invitation to sit on the board of the Helios Centre, and to serve as its secretary. He gave freely of his time and energy, and he was of enormous assistance to the Centre. He was an exceptional person, who brought his full intellect and passion to every issue he addressed. His loss is a tragedy not only for those of us who knew him, but also because of the incredible things he would have accomplished in the years to come.
rodney engelking
January 11, 2006
my fondest memory of roddy will be the road trip we took to northern alberta for my neice's wedding, i was convinced he would be late where we had arranged for me to pick him up- and he never let me forget that i was LATE!
over the miles we travelled i realised how much he loved his family especially his neices and newphews and i know how much he
will be missed, i am thankful we had that time together,
with love to his family
uncle rod
Ray Morrison
January 11, 2006
Seldom do friends like you come around, I'm glad to have known and worked with you, my friend! I will miss you as you travel through your spiritual journey.
Santropol Roulant Staff & Volunteers
January 11, 2006
Rodrigo was a super star volunteer & Donor at Santropol Roulant for many years. His positve energy, infectious smile and desire to make the world a better place will be missed.
With Love - Everyone at the Roulant
Nick Rodrigo
January 11, 2006
Rod was a lifelong friend and a second brother to me, and will forever be. I will always remember him at his best, the way he would have wanted.
Tristan D. Lalla
January 11, 2006
I met Rodrigo in late 2004, and was lucky to have had the chance to hang out with him a few times since we worked together (on 'Man of La Mancha'). He was a truly genuine, talented, giving, caring, & all-around jovial man, and I know that he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and love go out to his entire family.
Jeremy Spry
January 11, 2006
I will always remember Rodrigo as the guy who biked in shorts and T-shirt to his big law firm, before disguising himself for the day into a tycoon corporate lawyer. That's how he was, true to himself regardless of what was happening around him.
It is a horrible shock. My sincere sympathies to his family and friends.
Allison Saunders
January 11, 2006
Through a twist of fate my husband and I became not only friends with Rodrigo, but neighbours as well. We were shocked to hear of his illness, and very saddened to hear of his passing. He was so warm and caring with our young son. The saddest part in this twist of fate is that our son only had a chance to know him for such a short time. We will all miss him very much but are blessed to have known him.
Marie Brault
January 11, 2006
Rodrigo and I articled at the same firm and worked as colleagues for the start of our legal careers. His witty remarks were always pleasant contributions and his general zest for life will be remembered fondly. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends - may Rodrigo's smile always warm your hearts.
Michel Pelletier
January 11, 2006
Ienjoyed working with Rodrigo at DWPV. He was a gentleman and a very warm person well appreciated by his collegues. My deepest sympathy
Herman & Betty Corry
January 11, 2006
Dearest Rodrigo,Tracy,Anna Sofia and all the Family---Roddy will be missed. It is so hard to say good-bye to such a loved one.We give thanks to the wonderful and full life Roddy had, and pray that we all remember him as the happy man he was. We are so sorry we cannot be with you in person, but know we are with you in spirit and with love---Mom & Herman
Pete Wiazowski
January 11, 2006
I am honored to you have called you a friend. We miss you.
Sterling Mawhinney
January 11, 2006
Rodrigo and I performed together in Man of La Mancha in October of 2004. I enjoyed his company and came to know him as a friend. I shall forever remember him as the guy I ran into every night on stage. I hadn't been in touch with him since and was very saddened to hear of his passing. I extend my condolences to his entire family and to his friends.
Stephanie Felkai
January 11, 2006
Rodrigo and I became friends about a year ago. He wanted to help me get charitable status for a program I was running. He offered well-thought strategies and detailed plans. He was generous and dedicated.
He talked enthousiastically about his nephews and nieces and he showered attention on my daughter. I'm sorry that we didn't spend more time together. He is such a sweet guy.
Leon Colwin
January 11, 2006
Rod was my sister's friend. Rod became a lawyer and I became a lawyer. So whenever Rod came over, the two of us argued over something.
Arguing came naturally to both of us. But no matter how heated the debate, Rod was a perfect gentleman throughout. He never lost his temper and he was one of the nicest, kindest guys you could ever know. I am really going to miss him.
Leon Colwin.
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176 Route 105, Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0
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