John Jeffrey "Jeff" RODDICK

Jeff Roddick was one of those rare individuals who quietly stepped in and helped when help was needed, without being showy or asking for praise. It was only later, sometimes much later, when the problem had been solved or the crisis averted, that you realized Jeff had worked his unobtrusive magic. He had a straightforward approach to life: do what had to be done; say what had to be said; and, whenever or wherever possible, have fun. That could be when he was hiking in Algonquin Park with his beloved wife, Terry, working on old cars with his brother, Gord, or playing poker in Toronto with friends he had known since his first job at IBM. His broad smile and easy going personality lit up every family gathering. Jeff was born in Montreal and moved with his late parents, Marie (Roach) and Reay Roddick to Toronto, where his younger brother Gord was born. He went to Michael Power High School and the University of Toronto, where he studied computer science. He specialized in software finance and sales at IBM and then StorageTek, becoming president of their Canadian division and then head of European operations based in London, England. Early retirement allowed him to travel North America in his motorhome with Terry and their Golden, Bailey, spending winters at Myakka River, Florida. There is a long list of people who want to celebrate his life but also deeply mourn his passing, starting with Terry and Gord, and Gord's wife, Sue, and Roddick relatives in Ontario and Saskatchewan. His mother-in-law, Joan Drohan (Jack), will miss his support and advice; as will his sisters-in-law, Mary-Lou (Greg), Madelaine (David), Sharon (David), Catherine (Mike); and brother-in-law, Paul (Joyce). He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Frank; and sister-in-law, Joyce (Roland). He touched the lives of his numerous nephews and nieces and their children: Wyatt (Victoria, Beckham); Bronwynn (Peter, Miles); Taylor (Steve); Madison (Connor, Nolan); Corbin (Allyson, Annie, Frankie); Lauren (Jesse); Madi (C.J., Jack). His many friends include his poker buddies, Frank, Dick, Ken, Bob, Andrew, the two Brians, Dan, Gary and Rob. Family and friends plan to celebrate Jeff's life on July 16th at the shop where he and Gord worked on cars and where the poker buddies held their games. If you would like to make a donation in Jeff's memory, please consider the Salvation Army, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Foundation, or Campfire Circle (a camp for children with serious illnesses).