July 26, 1932 – December 2, 2022
Rod passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Tudor Manor,
Okotoks. We were so happy to have celebrated his 90th birthday this
July with many family and friends. Rod is survived by one sister Marjorie,
brother in law Herb, his three children Bob (Heather), Lorna (Cathy), Ann
(Ron), stepdaughter Heather (Keith), stepson Rob (Barb), 13 grandchildren,
21 great grandchildren, and one great great grandson, plus a very large
extended family. He was predeceased by grandson Randy.
Rodney had cattle, especially purebred cattle, in his blood from an
early age. Improving Canada’s beef herds was paramount through his
life. He was one of the first to bring Charolais from the States in 1958,
(at the age of 26), was instrumental in bringing Charolais, Simmental and
other breeds from Europe, started several beef breed magazines, set up
a beef operation in Nova Scotia, and started Purebred Sales Management
companies to market these new breeds. Charcan and later Transcon
Livestock Corp. sales management companies and selling Simmental
and Charolais, were the passion for most of his life. He was supported by
his first wife Pearl through these endeavours.
Then in 1985, in a major departure from the beef industry, Rod and
second wife Mernie purchased the Ginger Tea Room on main street
Okotoks. When there wasn’t a square inch in that building not filled with
merchandise, and tea room area was too small, they decided they had
to expand and built the new Ginger Room on Riverside Drive, moving in
May of 1990. That business they ran until 2001.
The Ginger Room and land base became important in different ways. The
back acre was sold and it and an adjoining parcel became the Heartland
Retirement Complex where he resided after selling his house. The Ginger
Room building was purchased by the Okotoks United Church and they
built a beautiful sanctuary on the back where his service will be held.
Services will be held at the Okotoks United Church, 1:00 pm, Thursday,
January 5. If you choose, donations may be made at Parkinson.ca.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Rod,
please visit www.choicememorial.com.
