Rod FLORENCE Obituary
August 14, 1943 – May 12, 2014
While vacationing with his wife and friends on a European River Cruise, Rod died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism.
Left with many wonderful memories are his wife Edyth, whom Rod adored; his son Peter (Michelle) and their children Isak and Greta; his daughter Susan (Greg Robinson) and their children Björn and Beck; sister Brenda Campbell; brother David Florence (Colleen); sisters-in-law Elaine Byford, Norma White, and Doreen Scoffield; brother-in-law Allan Olson (Fran) and many nieces and nephews who all loved Uncle Rod. His family is devastated. He was a devoted husband, loving father, amazing Grandad, and a friend to many.
Cremation has taken place in Germany. At the family's request and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Volunteer Association at the Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2. Arrangements are being made for a gathering of family and friends to honour Rod. Details to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
36 Entries
Doug and Connie Florence
August 28, 2014
Doug and Connie Florence
Ingham Qld. Australia
We are very sorry to hear of your loss and offer our deepest condolences.
Lynne Urner
July 25, 2014
Edythe we are shocked and saddened to hear this tragic news. We were just chatting about our usual September visit in Victoria and we received this news. Our sincere sympathy to you and family. Lynne and Ben , Victoria, BC
Lorne and Ruth Newton
June 12, 2014
Edyth, Greg, Susan, Bjorn and Beck: There is no greater sorrow than the lose of a loved one. Our thoughts are with you.
Linda Sager (Harris)
June 6, 2014
I will always remember my time working for Rod with great fondness, and a lot of laughter. He was a great boss who always made the time for those who counted in his life - his family. My deepest sympathies to you.
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June 5, 2014
Edyth, I have this incredible memory...that happened so many time...Rod coming out of his car to hang out with the boys; on Sue's driveway with this contagious smile on his face and a wave to us......We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...Sylvia, Bob and Sydney
Diana Mathew
June 5, 2014
I know what a fabulous and wonderful father and husband Rod was from the happy stories told by Susan
He will be greatly missed by family and friends
Sandi Leonard
June 4, 2014
Prayers to you and your family Edyth. Xo
Ken Komm
June 4, 2014
Edythe and family, So sorry to hear of Rod's sudden passing on your holiday. What an unexpected end to a magnificent life. Rod was a dental colleague who was so well liked, a skilled and talented Orthodontist and someone I always sought out at our dental meetings. He was always good for a humorous story and an interesting visit. Rod will be missed by all who knew him and you can be so proud of the life he lived. May your fond memories give you some comfort at this time..Ken Komm
Greg Badger
June 4, 2014
Suz….I know how incredible of a father your dad was and the great relationship he had with you and your sons. My thoughts have been with you ever since I found out. My love and prayers are also with your mom, Peter and the rest of the family. Love, Badge
June 4, 2014
Sometimes one cannot find the proper words to express the sadness felt after a loss of such great magnitude such as this. Sometimes the words of others are better than ones we could ever think of on our own. I found this quote quite some time ago; “I am always saddened by the death of a good person. It is from this sadness that a feeling of gratitude emerges. I feel honored to have known them and blessed that their passing serves as a reminder to me that my time on this beautiful earth is limited and that I should seize the opportunity I have to forgive, share, explore, and love. I can think of no greater way to honor the deceased than to live this way.” Steve Maraboli. You will be deeply missed Uncle Rod. Our deepest most heartfelt condolences and sympathy. Much love, Kerry, Cheryl & Kennedy Byford
Maxine Herbert
June 3, 2014
Dear Edyth, Susan, and Peter, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Rod's sudden passing. I remember a man who always had a smile on his face. I can only hope that, with time, all of your memories of him will bring smiles to your faces.
Maxine Herbert, Curtis, Morgan, and Logan
Pam Couves
June 1, 2014
Dear Edyth: I am so very sorry to hear about Rod. He was a wonderful man with many gifts. I loved our days in Sherwood Park there was not one day that he didn't "crack us up" with his amazing clever humour. He was the nicest man I ever worked with. Kind, caring, thoughtful and too funny for words, he will be missed. He gave me his polishing machine from dentistry so I could polish all the silver I made. Everytime I use it I think of him with fondness and admiration.
Such a lovely soul. My heart breaks for you, Peter and Susan.
Mike and Trish Emigh
June 1, 2014
Dear Edyth, Although we only met you and Rod on the ship shortly before his passing, we felt a genuine connection to you both. Please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family
Terry Horne
May 29, 2014
Dear Edyth and family, Gail and I were so sad to learn of Rod's passing. Every memory I have of Rod invariably brings a smile. We ALWAYS so enjoyed his company especially for me every week for decades at the Granite.
A dental function was always more enjoyable when we saw Rod. We knew where we could always get a laugh with a friend. We'll always have fond memories.
Terry and Gail Horne
Bob Ruzicka
May 28, 2014
Dear Edyth......I was saddened to hear about Rod this morning.....brought back many fond memories from long ago.....
May 27, 2014
Edyth, We are so sorry to hear of Rods sudden passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family…Our lives have not crossed each others paths recently but I too remember a gentle soul..and am not surprised to read about him being a wonderful grandparent and friend…
Take Care, Derry & Peter
May 27, 2014
We were so saddened to hear of Rod's passing. We are truly sorry for you and your families loss.
Jim & barb Mckenzie
May 27, 2014
Dear Edyth and family: It was with total shock and profound sadness, hearing of Rod's sudden passing. It brought back many wonderful memories, both as a fellow dentist as well as our curling and sailing days together. Rod was a wonderful friend and will be sorely missed, but certainly never forgotten. May you rest in peace my dearly beloved friend.
Dr. Millard & Marj Blackburn
Marjorie Miller
May 27, 2014
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Rod was a well-liked and admired member of the dental community and he added to any gathering. His friendship and mentoring when I was a young practitioner will always be remembered.
May 26, 2014
Dear Brenda, so sorry to hear about Rod. I know you have lots of fond memories of him. He is with your Mom & Mary. My thoughts are with you.
Love Sue & Reid Martin
Pat Treit
May 25, 2014
My thoughts are with you at this time of loss. So sorry to hear.
Stasia and Bill
May 24, 2014
Edyth and family, Words cannot express your and our loss. Rod was such a kind, thoughful, fun, and generous person who constantly thought of others. He was a pleasure and joy to be with. We feel privileged that he and you were our best friends. We will cherish memories of our travels and times spent together.
May 24, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Rod's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time in your lives. Maria (Cook) Newbigging
May 23, 2014
Edyth and family, we are shocked and so very sorry to learn of Rod's passing, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Bev and Jack MacGregor
May 23, 2014
Edith and family, we are so saddened to hear about Rod's passing. We were also in Germany at that time. He was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. All our love, Judy Harcourt and Ron Brown
Gary & Nickie Hackman
May 23, 2014
Edyth and family.
We are saddened to hear of Rod,s passing.
We remember him as a nice man with a good sense of humour.
May 22, 2014
We were very saddened to hear of Rod's unexpected passing. When a man of his stature passes so unexpectedly, it is a shock to everyone. The Florence family and extended family are in our thoughts. Rod will certainly be in our memories as we recall his humour and the many good times at Pigeon Lake. Rod's great presence will always be with us and with you too.
Don, Lynn, Tess and Matthew McGarvey
May 22, 2014
Dear Edyth and family:
We always enjoyed Rod when you visited our gallery. He had lots of comments and stories. We are sincerely sorry for your loss and will remember him always.
Dan and Lana and Matthew Hudon
May 22, 2014
Edyth and family - Patty and I add our condolences to you and your family on Rod's untimely passing. I always enjoyed his company and sense of humour and regret the loss.
Ken and Patty Cleall
May 22, 2014
Peter & Family - We did not have the pleasure of meeting your father, but please know not only as your colleagues, but as your extended family, we feel this sadness with you and all your family.
Sincerely,
Your RAH Colleagues
Rick Harcourt
May 22, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of this - Rod was a great guy with a remarkable sense of humour. To this day I can't go by the cabin on Sandholm without thinking the the story of his "Cat Hobie" (and his bird "Hobie's lunch")
Linda Swityk
May 22, 2014
Very sad to learn of this. He was a larger than life figure in the world of Dentistry. RIP Rod. Sincere condolences to his family.
Linda Swityk RDA
May 22, 2014
Dear Edyth and family, Hugh and I were so sorry to hear of Rod's sudden death. He was a great guy and he will be missed. We hope your many happy trips will remain top in your mind and give you comfort. Sincerely, Gail and Hugh
May 22, 2014
Dave, Colleen, Holly and Krysta, We are so sorry for your loss. May the arms that now hold your brother/uncle, bring you comfort at this time.
With love, The Curleys
Bill and Pat Whetstone
May 22, 2014
We are very sorry to learn of Rod's sudden and unexpected passsing. He was a wonderful,cheerful and helpful(lake)neighbour and we all will miss him. We hope that Edyth and family are able to recover from his early loss.
Sincerely Pat and Bill Whetstone.
Chris Harringa (Mickleborough)
May 22, 2014
What a terrible shock! I have so many wonderful memories of great times spent with Rod. His sense of humour and spirit of fun and kindness will never be forgotten. He will be missed by so many!
Edyth, Peter and Susan, my heart goes out to you . I hope that you will find some small bit of comfort in the wonderful memories and in knowing how much Rod was loved by so many.
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