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Rodney Booth Obituary
Born in Arvida, PQ. earned his B.A. from Sir George Williams University & his M.Div. from McGill University; an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from United Theological College. Rod was ordained in 1957, & moved to British Columbia, where he served for 27 years first as a congregational minister and then as Director of Communications. During that time he pioneered the church's venture into television. Rod then moved to Toronto as Media Director/Executive Producer of UCTV with the National Division of Communication, till retirement in 1999. During that time, he was always on the cutting edge of building relationships internationally & working on unique way for the church to evangelize while building on line community within the church.
- He won accolades from people he worked with, gratitude from those he mentored, & numerous internationals awards for his writing & documentaries. He highly valued the people & was grateful that his life touched so many of the world's community leaders and he was able to give many a chance to be heard when no one else would.
- Rod was Chairperson of the World Council of Churches' Communicators' Network, open-line radio, produced & hosted television programs like Spirit Connection on Vision TV. Was a National Editorialist for Canadian Broadcast News. He has worked for the WCC, he has provided resources and media/TV coverage from three Assemblies, and participated on in co-productions of documentaries with the BBC, NBC, and CBC earning him many awards over the years in the international film venues.
-Rod loved music. He could play: guitar, piano, French horn, trumpet, accordion, and was a gifted tenor. He moved back to Vancouver in 2002, Rod joined both the Vancouver Bach Choir and the Jubilate!, and later the EnChor choral group. His family loved to hear him sing.
- Rod was an adventurer and travelled the world, much of it with wife Maria. In his childhood spent many summers with his family on Lake Memphramagog, Quebec. Active till the end, only recently he worked with his son James on renewing the fence. Rod's last outing was to daughter Kari's cabin enjoying the lake. He leaves a huge void.
-A memorial service will be held at Crescent United Church, 2756 127 St, Surrey, BC on August 9th at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate a gift in memory of "Reverend Rodney Maynard Booth" to the BC Cancer Foundation
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
27 Entries
March 28, 2015
I met Rod in Kosovo in 1999 when we worked for ACT, he was in media and I was in Construction. We dined together occasionally. Rod was an easy man to get along with, relaxed, good fun. My wife Wenche and I have good memories of him, we went together on a memorable trip to the Mountains of Macedonia. We feel lucky to have met him. Condolences to Maria and the Family.
Gordon Logan and Wenche Onstad, Norway.
Pat (Campbell) Newton
March 14, 2015
My dearest minister and youth group leader ever as a youth in Trail. Added a lot to our lives. Just found this information and wanted to add my respects.
Marsha Terry Raynard
August 18, 2014
A kind and hospitable man that I was privileged to meet and share lovely meals with his family and lovely wife Maria. Fond memories always.
Carol & Tom Jones
July 31, 2014
Rod was a wonderful neighbour and friend, he touched the lives of all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Our hearts are saddened by the loss and our thoughts and prayers are with Maria.
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Rev. and Mrs. David M. Cutting
July 30, 2014
Our thanks and appreciation for Rod.
Joan Ishibashi
July 29, 2014
My deepest condolences to Rod's family. I had the privilege of working with Rod on the board of North American Friends of Asian Rural Institute. We found commonalities in our denominational work and interest in ARI. He was a source of inspiration and a great support to all the work of our board.
July 28, 2014
ShirleyMessengerFraser:My husband, Howard, was a member of that Class of 57. Rodney was a very special friend. Were Howard still here on this earth he would want to be present at that Memorial Service. He would likely have taken his harmonica and played a tune at some point.
How very much they loved to sing and as part of that quartet "Three Saints and a Sinner" while at McGill would sometimes even shock their wonderful English professor, Dr George Caird, with their choice of song!
Rodney will be remembered and honored for his gifted leadership in the Media Outreach of our United Church, in Canada and beyond.
May the Good Lord bless and keep you, Maria, and your dear family and give you Peace which passes all our understanding.
With love and prayers,
Shirley
Glenys & John Clift
July 27, 2014
Both John and I consider ourselves privileged to have known Rod and been recipients of both his friendship and hospitality. He had an amazing capacity to bring out the best in people and our memories of when we stayed with you both in Vancouver are full of laughter and happiness. When we all went to dinner one evening and the pianist didn't play my favourite song what did you both do? You both waited until the following day and as we walked into your home after a day at the Butchart gardens I was greeted by the strains of my favourite song as Rod handed me a drink!!! A memory to savour. The legacy that Rod Booth leaves behind through his work is quite extraordinary. That will never die. And the memory of Rod will live on through you Maria, your children and grandchildren infinitum. You have all been truly blessed to have shared a life and love with such a remarkable man. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
John and Glenys Clift
Toowoomba. Queensland. Australia.
Deborah Nanton
July 21, 2014
I had the blessing of being married by Rod ... Maria has been a longtime friend. I will miss Rod even more than I expected. He was a source of calm wisdom to be in the presence of Rod and Maria was to be in the presence of true love! Blessings to you Maria
Pat Gibson ( Blakely)
July 20, 2014
As a teenager in Trail BC, in the early 60s I was very very influenced by the the Strong Christian beliefs that he shared with thevYouth Group. I babysat the lovely children. My prayers and love go out to you..the family of this very Godly man. Blessings Pat Gibson..
Gerald Pash
July 19, 2014
Maria: I was surprised and saddened to learn just now that Rod is gone. My deepest condolences to you and all those close. Rod was a very special Canadian. He inspired his congregation, his audience, and his friends. He mentored so many with compassion and humour. I did so enjoy our dinner together last summer. Ever the best to you.
Jim Morrison
July 18, 2014
I think tonight of the day Rod and Maria met – on a Sunday morning on a controversial talk show at CKWX radio in about 1967. Their future was clearly destined that day, and a larger than life future it was. First we worked to revitalize the image and role of the United Church in the lives of British Columbians with a cheeky radio newsmagazine show called “Dateline”. A few years later we formed a record company (!!!) and produced recordings of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” and “The Ecstasy of Rita Joe” (with Ann Mortifee, Chief Dan George, Paul Horn and many other talented performers). Alas, Rod then went to Toronto to work with national media outlets, but achieved enormous success (no surprise there).
Years passed.
More recently, we curled together at the ministers' league at the Vancouver Curling Club. Rod's top priority was always family, and I offer condolences to all for their enormous loss. But what wonderful memories!
R.I.P., Rod. You had a wonderful run and we're all proud to have been a part of it.
July 17, 2014
Fond memories from a former charter student of Selkirk College. My condolences. Penny Baker Stuyt
Bob Bertuzzi
July 17, 2014
Rod was a man full of spirit. He passed that spirit on to his students at Selkirk College when he was on staff there. He inspired me to start a Spirit Award for the college. The award winners have done much to increase the spirit of Selkirk College. We will miss you, Rod.
Barbara Anderson
July 17, 2014
My condolences to you Maria and the whole family. Not only have you lost a loving and wonderful husband, father, brother etc. but the world has lost a tremendous spirit who was honest, quick witted, compassionate and prophetic. When I replaced him at B.C. Conference in Communication his boots were so large they were impossible to fill. I always hoped I was continuing his legacy and helping the church reach out to the world. He was such a gift to all of us.
Producing "Dateline", a half hour network radio show in the late sixties.
Campbell McCubbin
July 17, 2014
So sorry to hear of Rod's passing. I worked with him at CKWX back in the late 60's... and it was one of the best experiences of my career in broadcasting. I can just imagine the conversations with Art Hives... who went on before him to check out the media opportunities. Hugs to Maria and family.
July 17, 2014
To Maria and family,
Marilyn and I extend our condolences on learning only today of Rod's sudden passing. I first met Rod as a camp counsellor at Camp Arrowhead, Quebec in the summer of 1950. We met again at divinity school (McGill) in 1954 and were ordained together in Ottawa in 1957. Our paths crossed many times since. I always admired his quick intelligence and his many gifts particularly in the field of music and the arts - gifts that I myself lacked. Marilyn and I also remember that he took the trouble to drive to New York City along with Arch and Phyllis McCurdy in September 1962 to attend our wedding at Union Theological Seminary. We thought alike on many issues and I am deeply sorry that I will not see him again on this earth.
Alan and Marilyn Davies, Toronto
Norm Wolfe
July 17, 2014
Saddened by this news this morning. Rod was the Director of Student Affairs for Selkirk College during its Charter Year (1966/67) where he an indelible mark on the lives of many students. He was able to deal with the serious issues faced by students who would not likely approach a "church man" (sort of a Subversive Pastor/Counsellor) and channel the energy of the "Pioneer Students" into creative endeavors. Rod was the keystone maintaining the intense college spirit and provided many of us with a moral compass during tumultuous times! My heart goes out to Maria and the family that Rod held so dear.
JB Hoover
July 17, 2014
I met Rod over 20 years ago when he came to the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) in Japan with his crew to make a documentary about the institute. Rod crafted a brilliant video which included interviews with graduates of ARI in Africa and Asia. Seven years ago Rod joined the board of the American Friends of ARI (AFARI). As I was the Executive Director of AFARI by then, Rod became an inspiring boss and caring mentor as well as a tremendous supporter of ARI. He and Maria returned to ARI to update his award winning video which is shown at gatherings all over the country. All of those many many graduates, staff and volunteers at ARI, along with those connected with AFARI, whom Rod touched will greatly miss him, yet continue to be inspired by him. Rod has left an invaluable legacy to ARI and AFARI which we will cherish and share for years to come.
Bruce Holvick
July 17, 2014
Rod mentored me in my early years in radio and United Church broadcasting. He also was a supportive and caring friend. Rod raised the profile of the church in the media, and was, inside the church, always motivating and provocative in the most positive way. We all should feel deep thanks and gratitude for his life and ministry.
Jim DeLaHunt
July 16, 2014
I will remember Rod as the person who brought me into the Vancouver Bach Choir. At the time, he coordinated auditions. That was typical of Rod. He was always looking for ways to go above and beyond, and what he took on, he accomplished, with firmness when required, but always with kind good humour. It was a pleasure singing with him.
Kelvin Ketchum
July 16, 2014
I enjoyed getting to know Rod in the Vancouver Bach Choir. He was friendly and encouraging ... and a leader. We will miss him very much !
Ilona Kosa-Welker
July 16, 2014
Rod was a great man in every way. He was my brother-in-law and I am proud to have known him. A great inspiration to all. Kind, caring, smart, intelligent and so much more. I have always had the utmost respect for him and we will miss him very much. Our condolences to his wife (my sister) and the whole family. RIP Rod as your spirit will remain with all thru all the happy memories of you.
Gerry DWYER
July 15, 2014
Rod was a person of accomplishments, and personal talents, very few will ever achieve. Nonetheless he remained a humble man, dedicated to his wife, and his family. As his neighbour, he was the 'best of the best! I'm truly going to miss him. May God shower his blessings upon you, my friend! You deserve them all.
Judith Murray
July 14, 2014
Rod was a bright light to those in his life, and to the many people and causes that he helped. His great smile and lively presence gladdened all he met. My condolences to his wife Maria, his children and grandchildren.
Catherine Rodd
July 14, 2014
How can anyone sum up the terrific person Rod was? I was fortunate enough to work closely with him for many years, when he headed Berkeley Studio. He was a friend and mentor to me and I will miss him greatly. Kate
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