JOHN DONALD RODGER

John Donald Rodger was born on January 6, 1948, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He was raised in a large and loving family alongside his eight siblings. With his children by his side, John passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026, after many years of battling Parkinson's disease. John was predeceased by his cherished wife, Mary Louise MacGregor (2019); his parents, David Rodger (2004) and Nell (née Barbet) Rodger (2018); his brother, Thom Rodger (2004); and his sisters, Janet Rodger-Anderson (2002) and Nelda Rodger (2023). He is survived by his children, Duncan Rodger and Caitlin Rodger; his granddaughter Remi Louise de Beus-Rodger; his siblings: Sheila Rodger Faucher, Ed Rodger, Patti Rodger Kirkpatrick, Carolyn Rodger, and Andrea Rodger; and his large extended family. John moved from Sault Ste. Marie to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering degree at the University of Toronto. Following his degree, John co-founded Iris Computer Planning, providing vital support to companies' fledgling computer departments long before the internet was even a household word. John met his wife Mary on a rainy afternoon at the Sutton Place bar in Toronto. Mary loved his "crinkly blue eyes" and Mary stole John's heart. They married in 1975, and shortly thereafter they embarked on a life defining adventure: buying a beat-up VW van (Victor Van) in the UK, and traveling across Europe, even venturing past the Iron Curtain! And thus began a life together rooted in adventure, exploration, and curiosity. While he made his home in Toronto, he was an outdoorsman at heart. John would look forward to his annual fishing trips with old friends from the Soo, especially with his brother-in-law, Art. He loved cross-country skiing in the winter, and canoeing in the summer. He made sure to pass on his love of the outdoors to his children, fostering a love they cherish to this day. John struggled with Parkinson's for many years, but when Mary became ill, he rallied to become a caregiver. Though his own health was fading, he provided her with unconditional love, and support. Staying by her side throughout her journey and doing everything he could for her during her rapidly deteriorating condition. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Isabel and Arthur Meighen Manor. His family is grateful that he was not only well cared for but also surrounded daily by joy, and laughter in his final years. John will be remembered for his devotion to family, his quiet strength, and his sense of humour. John's wishes were that there should not be a funeral service but rather a gathering with family and friends. A celebration of John's life will be held in Toronto at a later date. For further details, please email johnrodgercelebrationoflife@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to Parkinson Canada in John's memory.