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John RODGER Obituary
February 25, 1952 – November 16, 2014
John passed away suddenly with loved ones at his side. We are deeply saddened at the loss of the helping hand in our lives. John was a devoted partner, ever gregarious, ever vigilant, ever the gentleman, ever there when we needed him. Fondly remembered by his many dear friends, John was a stand-up, caring person who touched many with his pleasant nature and wonderful sense of humour.
John is survived by his loving partner, Laurel Elaine Jenkins; his sister Sheila Lois Van Der Kley of Niagara Falls; sisters-in-law May Rodger of Halifax, and Gail Rycroft (Jim) of Ottawa; Laurel's mother, Elaine Jenkins, and Laurel's sisters, Heather Jenkins (Edward Montgomery) and Judy Gibson; and nieces and nephews: Langley, Robert John, James, Pamela, Lori, Beth, David, Steve, Shawn, Kim, Janet, Douglas, Liam and Eleni.
John is predeceased by his wife, Diane Elaine Smith; his parents, Isabella Janet Fairbairn and David Langley Rodger; his siblings, James Ray Rodger (May) and Margaret (Peggy) Isabel Harper (Normand); and his father-in-law and long- time friend, Carl Olof Person Smith and his wife Leila.
Valued for his workplace talents in furniture repair, he possessed a range of related skills, first as a long-time Woodward's employee and later on his own. He enjoyed the outdoors – in front of the campfire visiting with friends, on the hiking trail, in the kayak, observing wildlife, and with his dog pals Lucy and Piper. He enjoyed his yard and garden, and made an annual pilgrimage to help with Carl's bountiful garden harvest.
Holding the loving memory of John's kind and gentle soul in our hearts forever. Deep peace to you. May happiness be your guard.
"In their daily lives, all are braver than they know." ~~ Henry David Thoreau
Thanks and sincere gratitude to the team of first responders and Royal Alexandra Hospital Cardiac Care Unit professionals. Thank you to Rena and Dale for your kindness and compassion.
A Celebration of John's Life will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2014, at the Old Timers' Cabin, 9430 – 99 Street NW (Scona Road), Edmonton. Memorial program at 1:30 p.m. with reception to follow.
Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta; cardiac research in Alberta; Canadian Cancer Society or Alberta Cancer Foundation; wildlife rescue and conservation organizations; and the Edmonton SPCA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
14 Entries
Glenn Ruzycki
January 2, 2015
I was very shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing. John and I had known each other since grade 3. We shared many ski trips and many campfires, including a very memorable trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands before there was a ferry to get there. John will be greatly missed.
Glenn Ruzycki
Marlene Lagore
November 30, 2014
Dearest Laurel - we are SO shocked and saddened to read of John's sudden passing!! We are wintering in California and manage to view the obits on our computer. I had to reread the notice twice to ensure I had the correct person. We lived across from John and Diane for many years prior to and following her untimely passing. Both Glen and I were so happy when you came into John's life and we are so profoundly sad that your wonderful relationship has been brought to a sudden close. Life if just SO unfair!! With everyone busy, busy we never got to enjoy any downtime while being John's neighbor then we moved a distance away and only seemed to bump into John eithr "heading to the bank or for groceries" when we were back in the Southgate neighborhood. So happy you were both able to attend Glen's 75th birthday celebration and I have a couple of awesome pictures of you both which I will share with you when we return early April. We are very sad we are not in Edmonton to share in John's service and offer you our support. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and hopefully John went quickly and did not suffer. We would not like to see him in a nursing home so perhaps the outcome is a blessing. God bless you Laurel, as well as your family and good friends. Please save me a handout from the service if you have extras. In Love and Friendship, Marlene & Glen Lagore
darrell bidlock,
November 28, 2014
Sorry to hear about John.he was a very nice guy.he played on the same floor hockey (fzb) as me.I met John thru 1 of his coworkers who also played on our team(dave marquis)
Christie Harasemchuk
November 28, 2014
I was so sad to hear of Johns passing. My Mother Cheryl, Johns first cousin phoned me to let me know. I knew John as Uncle Johnny growing up... well, I still do. I remember his visits to Kamloops when he was passing thru. I remember visiting Auntie Nettie's and he would be there sometimes. As my sister and I were kids he did a great job of putting up with us usually for an afternoon over the Christmas holidays. After my parents moved away from Edmonton we didn't really get the chance to get to know Uncle Johnny. He kept in touch with my Mom somewhat regularly and came to visit but not often. It is with a sad and heavy heart that I say goodbye to the young man I remember. Laurel and family, I'm sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy.
Christie Harasemchuk
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Sylvia Lepki
November 27, 2014
My deepest condolences, Laurel. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dave and Helen Smith
November 25, 2014
We have many fond memories of our visits
with John, at Carl's and once in Edmonton
where he and Diane showed us their finest
hospitality. We feel so sad that he was
taken far too soon. Our deepest sympathy
is extended to Laurel and John's family.
May he rest in peace. Love, Dave and Helen Smith.
November 23, 2014
saddened by the loss John was a great room mate during our university years and always fun to be with always willing to help you. Denis Redmond
Frank Kelly
November 23, 2014
Laurel, friends and family of John;
I arrived in Alberta as a young university graduate in 1981 and was fortunate to meet John and Diane soon after. After 7 years of enjoying their friendship and so many wonderful BBQs, dinners and conversations with them in Edmonton, my career took me to the corners of the earth for the past quarter century - wow - but the connection remained strong. For all those that knew them, this is easy to understand. They really were the closest that I had to family during my time there.
Although e-mail became the common communication, I will remember their house address and phone number long after I forget my own. Whenever I returned to Edmonton, visiting them was a highlight. Diane's passing was a tremendous sadness but I was lucky enough to meet Laurel and not only hear about, but actually witness, the joy and comfort that she brought to my friend John. When Carl passed, another gentlemen and a hero was lost. I was fortunate to visit Carl's place in BC on three occasions and, during those times, I felt like John's brother and we were both like eager kids to gain Carl's praise.
But life is brief and I am a better person for having known John, Diane and Carl. As I plan my retirement, I am truly sad that John won't be there for to me to soundly convince that my solutions to the world's problems are better than his and, although I would concede that he was a much better cook ( I can't cook at all), I knew much more about wine(he knew a lot) but between the two of us we had it all figured out. John was a true friend that I trusted completely.
Rest in Peace my Gentle Friend
Shawn Rycroft
November 23, 2014
As John's nephew out in Ottawa, I didn't have much opportunity to get to know him, but, from the little time I did get to spend with him I knew he was a cool guy. During my cross Canada trip, I got to spend a few days in Edmonton, and they were among my fondest memories (never rode a motorcycle or fired a crossbow until then). So, thank you John, for being a good guy who was there for my Grandpa, and who took some time out for me during that time.
My sympathies to Laurel and all who were close to John. He will be missed.
November 22, 2014
Sorry to learn about John. I recall many fun times and laughs during our University years.
Best, Rod Evans
Arnie & Barb Gaudin
November 22, 2014
Our condolences to Laurel and all of John's close friends and family. Barb & I will keep the great memories of times spent with John close to our hearts.
Cheryl
November 22, 2014
John was a truly amazing person & one of my best friends. There was never a time when I needed anything that he did not come through. As sad as I am over his passing, I am grateful I was given the opportunity to have John in my life than to have never known him. Deepest sympathy to Laurel & family members.
Bonnie Stephen
November 22, 2014
Dear Laurel and family,
We are so saddened by the loss of John. He was such a kind, gentle man and a good friend. I wish your and John's story could have been longer Laurel.
He will truly be missed.
Love,
Bonnie, Dale and family
Jim Rycroft
November 22, 2014
John was the brother-in-law I almost never met. We knew a lot about each other over the past many years because our father-in-law Carl would tell us stories about the other when we would visit him but somehow it never worked out for John and I to be there at the same time- until my wife Gail and I met John and Laurel in January at the house just before the commemoration tea held there after Carl's passing.
That as this, was a sad occasion but little did I know then that I would only see John once more - in Edmonton, when he and Laurel invited me over for dinner when I was there in June. I had sincerely hoped this was the beginning of a closer bond between brothers-in-law and that we would be able to continue to make up for lost time. While that was not to be it was clear from those two brief occasions that John was the wonderful person Carl had talked about in such glowing terms.
I know that during his visits to Carl's house over the years John worked with him tirelessly to tackle the many tasks needed to maintain a large property, especially as Carl became less able to manage alone. John's carpentry skills and willingness to help out were of tremendous benefit to Carl over the years. Then in January this year when John and Laurel provided support and comfort to Gail and I when we finally got together in person and while we all grieved Carl's loss, we saw for ourselves just what a standup caring person John was.
Now, the recent phone calls and email exchanges that John and I have had since we finally met in person last January mean all the more. While I am saddened greatly that those occasions are the last of what I thought was a beginning, I hope it is a comfort to us all that John and I finally connected and I am deeply grateful for that.
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