Eulogies by Mom & Dad

Eulogy by Roderick's mom

Can I have a Hot chocolate? It was almost like Roderick thought that was the way to greet me when he saw me. Roderick was such a gift from God and we were so excited when he was born.  I remember the excitement when we could finally take our firstborn home, we had been dreaming about this day for a while.  He started walking at 10 months of age, or should I say started running.  He never slowed down.  Roderick had a high level of energy, which served him well in so many ways, but it also caused him to act before he thought at times. I’ll never forget at the age of 2 when Roderick had to sit for a time out, he looked into my eyes and said, “I don’t want to be bad, it just happens”. There was always a special bond between Roderick and I, and he knew that we would always be there for him. Even though he was a strong, tough young man, he relied on us to help guide him, pray for him, and support him through any difficulties life threw at him. When he fell, he never stayed down, but got up with his usual energy and that wonderful smile.

Roderick loved his brother and sister.  He thought it was his job to make them tough and he seemed to truly believe they would thank him for it someday.  He loved Tyler and Angeline, and always wanted the best for each of them. 

Roderick started playing hockey at age 5 and he loved the game.  It was such a good way for him to use up his energy.  We had never been into sports, so that first year we watched him but half the time didn’t know what was going on or why the whistle blew.  Hockey has become so much a part of our lives.  We love watching Roderick play. He was passionate about the game, and always gave 100%. He never complained about his coaches, but respected and appreciated them, and did whatever they asked. He loved his team, and always had their back. Friendships were important to Roderick, and he was fiercely loyal.

Roderick was so excited when he got his learners, wherever we needed to go he wanted to take the wheel.  We have a car that we aren’t using but wanted to insure as soon as Roderick got his drivers license. Last Saturday he boosted that car, brought it into the car garage, cleaned it and filled it up with gas. We asked him why he did that, as it would be months until he would get his driver’s license. He said, I have nothing to do and I just want it to be ready.  On Sunday he had a job interview and he was so excited, he told all the friends he had contact with that day about the interview. 

He was so excited about the trip to a poultry convention we were going to take him on this week.  He was telling his friends he was going to a poultry convention and then his dad was letting him take over half of the farm. He told me it was so funny because his friends actually believed him. 

Sunday night I went down to say good night to Roderick and he asked for a hot chocolate, I was about to refuse but then said sure I’ll bring you a hot chocolate.  I made him one, said good night and went to bed, not knowing that would be my last moment with him. 

Roderick’s tragic passing has left a hole in our lives, as he was such an important part of it. It will only be our faith in God that will help us carry on, but we know without a shadow of doubt, that we will see our beloved son again. He is now with our Savior to whom he gave his life to at a young age, and continued to follow throughout his life.

We want to thank you all for your amazing support, and for making Roderick’s life such a happy one.  We feel so blessed and loved by our family and so many friends.  All the food and flowers and gifts, its beyond words.  Thank you and God bless you!

Eulogy by Roderick's Dad

Dear beloved son Roderick 

I don't know where to start; there are so many memories of you.

It seems only a few short years ago that you were born. I remember the proud feelings of becoming a daddy. It was indescribable. I got you smiling the very first day in the hospital, and that smile just kept getting bigger and more effective. 

Two years later you had a baby brother and you were so proud taking care of your brother. Eighteen months later you had a sister. You showed so much loving care to them.

Living on the farm gave me the opportunity to take you to work at a very young age, you wanted to do everything daddy was doing, and at one point I was a bit concerned that the chickens had to much of an influence on you when I caught you drinking water from the chickens’ water drinker:)

When you were 3 months old I started taking you to Winnipeg hauling eggs and I remember the looks I got from some moms walking into the restaurant with a 3-month-old baby in a car seat, but I was thinking “O yea! This is my boy”.

It didn't take long for us to realize that you were full of energy, in our opinion at times too much. You were eager to start walking. One day I heard something at the other end of the house. My first thought was “Roderick fell”.  I ran to check on you and you met me with a huge smile and said daddy Look! I stood there watching a 10-month-old kid climbing onto the freezer and jumping down. 

You had big dreams at a very young age; you built what you called your clubhouse when you were 5 years old.  It had everything from curtains to tool shelves. You painted it bright blue and orange. Sometimes that's where I would find my tools.

Having friends over was always a highlight for you, which will be another thing we will greatly miss, having your friends over!  I hope they don’t stop coming.

You wanted to call me old man at times, I did not allow it but when I turned forty you said I could no longer forbid you because now it was a fact.

I drove you to hockey so many times.  Many times nothing was said on the way but I look back now and cherish time spent with you.  One thing you asked every time though, “Can we stop by Tim’s?”  I will miss buying Tim’s for you.

You were a lot of work but we always saw greatness in you and could not wait to see what you would become.  We knew it would be worth all the work.  You had certain morals and you stuck by them.  You were determined to do what is right.

Sunday night I went downstairs.  “Goodnight Son, I love you”, I said.  And you replied, “Good night dad, I Love you too”.  I did not realize that would be for the last time.

Good-bye Son and see you in Heaven!