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Rodney Bruce Lewis passed away peacefully at the Hamiota District Health Centre on May 8, 2015.
Rodney was born on the family farm in the Chumah district on November 9, 1927, the fourth child of six born to Sid & Cora Lewis. He attended school in Crandall and Hamiota. As a boy, he was interested in Boys' Club, which later became 4H. He was chosen with Lloyd Hazlewood from the Hamiota Swine Club to attend the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in 1945, where he won top honours for the Dominion of Canada in the Swine Judging competition. After high school, he studied a home course in Diesel and Automotive engineering, then went to Edmonton for six weeks to complete the course with practical experience at Vocation School Shops. However, his heart remained in farming, so he returned and worked for Mr & Mrs. A.E. Andrew for three years until he rented some of their land and started farming on his own. On June 5, 1954, he married Bernice Kirk, also from the Chumah District. They farmed first in Petlochry, then moved to a farm near Crandall, and finally, to the farm previously owned by Bernice's grandparents. It was here that they raised their four children.
Rodney loved farming, particularly as it involved his herd of registered polled Herefords and John Deere implements. He continued helping his son, Doug, as a "hired" hand for several years after their move to Hamiota in 2002.
Rodney was active as a Director of the Hamiota Co-op for many years. He enjoyed playing cards and board games, as well as floor shuffle.
Rod was predeceased by his parents, his sister Edith and her husband Bernard Grafton, his brother Charlie and his wife Janie, his brother Irvine and his wife Esther, his brother Jim, and his nephew Reg Lewis.
Left with many happy memories are his wife of 60 years, Bernice, his daughter Anita Allan (Gordie) and their family Dale (Tanya), Dylan and Kimi, Darren (Sarah) and Max; his daughter Anne McLaughlin (Bud), their daughters Stacey, Jodi and Brittany and grandson Liam; his son Don (Joanne) and Samantha; his son Doug (Tracy) and their family Mandy and her children Kylynn and Wyatt, and Michael; his brother Jack (Ruth), sister-in-law Joan Lewis, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A private family graveside service will be held at Hamiota cemetery on May 23.
The family wishes to thank everyone involved for the excellent care our dad received at the Hamiota District Health Centre and Birch Lodge. The staff are beyond incredible! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hudson Suite or Birch Lodge, c/o Hamiota District Health Centre.
Gone but never forgotten. A life well lived.