Eulogy by Roderick's teacher

Roderick in his plaid jacket which he wore to school every day last winter

Eulogy by Mr. Neil Downie

   I was Roderick’s shop teacher while he attended MBCI from grade 8 to grade 10 and I am so grateful for this opportunity to be here to share with you a few of my memories, a few of my observations.  Over the last five days at school there has been such an outpouring of stories about Roderick and the obvious love for him from the students and staff there.  Today I will do my best to speak about the life of someone who means more to people here today then anyone of us could put into words.  RODERICK. 

   One of my favorite memories of Roderick will always be the way he came into a room, came into a room like, ain’t no thing “Here I am, check it out”, chest out, what? What? What?  Track pants, hoodie, plaid jacket, back pack.  Ready to go.  He was always ready to go. He was easy to talk to, he was easy to laugh with, he and I would just hang out sometimes.  He’d tell us about, tell the group, tell the guys, talk to me about hockey, bout the big hit he made and the big hit he missed, show us new scars, tell us about new adventures, he was very real, he was very real and down to earth and he didn’t care what others thought about him because he was to busy caring about those he loved.

   What I’ll always remember about him as well is his energy, that guy, like a bull in a china shop, hey?  There he is! Roderick.  It might have something to do with all the skittles, lot’ a candy in that guy. 

   His abilities in the shop were another area that stood out and it was in the shop that I saw his work ethic.  He could work, when he set his mind to it he was off and I trusted that guy, he had fun in the room, he was safe in the room, he took care of others in the room as well, he was productive and happy.  Along with his work ethic was his willingness to lend a hand, on more then one occasion he would dive into somebody else’s project and lend a hand on that, this was his character, he was a helper, he served, willingly.  It was also in Roderick’s character to make any moment better or at least livelier, many of his friends will attest to his physicality, either a punch on the shoulder, a sudden “uh! Two for flinching!”  Or the ever-popular “Hey, Dylan! Catch me!”  Wherever and with whomever he was with, he made moments exciting.

   Yesterday in class I asked my students, Roderick’s friends here to write out some memories that stood out to them or some words that could be used to define, to describe Roderick.  Let me share these with you. 

Tough on the outside but on the inside gentle, caring, brave

Wasn’t afraid to try new things

He had a contagious smile

He loved hockey

Getting pushed by him in a snow bank (that’s an unfortunate memory I guess) Getting pushed by him in a snow bank

His train in the back yard

He had a skip in his step

He was a crazy Quadder

He was happy

He was content

He was gonna run the farm one day

He was fearless

He stood up for people

It never seemed like he was tired always running around making people laugh

He was compassionate

He was the strongest kid in grade 10

He showed affection by hurting you

Happy

An extreme dare devil

And he stood up for people

A few things that we as a staff came up with:

He was a great brother, that’s what we’ve noticed, even at school, always a brother first.

He was the real deal, what you saw is what you got,

I’m grateful. I’m grateful to have been part of this young man’s life, I’m grateful to hear all the stories of all their adventures with him and it’s been helpful to talk it out. 

Roderick’s life had meaning, he lived the way God wanted him to putting others first.  He was a great example to those around him; he was sensitive, humble, full of life and faith.  We can have comfort knowing that Roderick is in heaven.  We’ll miss the laughs, we’ll miss the smiles, we’ll miss the punches on the shoulder, miss it all but Roderick is with God and even though this hurts we are all richer for having known this boy. 

   Thank-you for this opportunity

Today I shared the Eulogy by one of Roderick’s teachers.  I typed the words he spoke at Roderick’s service.  It’s not the same in typing but still very meaningful.  Roderick attended MBCI.  The school has been a tremendous support to us through this whole experience.  The principal was always there to give a hug when I came into the school.  Our younger two children who also attend MBCI felt so loved and supported.  That first week after the accident they didn’t attend school but both of them just wanted to go back to school to see their friends and receive the love and support felt from everyone at school.  The Pac arranged for us to receive meals for weeks. 

Thanks MBCI

Grade 10s all wearing plaid day after accident in memory of Roderick