RODNEY JOHN BIDDELL

October 19, 1941 - February 22, 2019

After a valiant battle for more than 11 years against the ravages of a massive stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and more recently a compromised heart, Rod Biddell died peacefully at The Simkin Centre in Winnipeg on February 22.

 

The beloved husband, father, and grandfather is survived by his wife Madge; children Ian (Heather), Michelle, David and Erin; grandchildren Lauren, Cole, Grace, Kate, Sydney, and Oakley; sisters Pat Welsh (Jim) in Scotland, and Lesley Bischoff (Cliff) in Winnipeg; brother-in-law Clark Anderson (Delores); many nieces and nephews, along with extended family in England.

Rod was born in Birmingham, England on Oct. 19, 1941 to Jack and Joyce Biddell. The family immigrated to Winnipeg in 1955. As a teen, he joined his dad in a dance band as the drummer and continued that as a part-time job for several years. Trained as a draftsman, Rod’s career was with transportation - Motorcoach Ind., Flyer Ind., CAE (flight simulation), marketing in bus components, and finally as the Canadian Sales Rep. for New Flyer Industries. 

Rod’s love of sailing knew no bounds, and he was an active member of Falcon Yacht Club for nearly 50 years. He served as Commodore twice in the mid-80’s and helped in the building of the ‘Upper Club House’. His last labor of love there was to paint the trim, including the eaves, by himself! He looked forward to every summer weekend at our trailer at Caddy Lake, with the days spent on the water at Falcon Lake.

Whatever he did, he did well - from fixing cars to home renovation to business acumen. He became friends with many of his customers across Canada - they trusted his honesty and knew he was serving their best interests.

His fondest love and fiercest loyalty was always family. He was at his best being a husband, Dad, and Grandpa/Papa. Besides deep feelings of loss, we and those who knew him are blessed with his legacy of love, commitment, integrity, and many happy memories.

The family is so very thankful to the staff on Weinberg I at The Simkin Centre, and the many others who took part in Rod’s well-being thoughout the past 3 years, as well as supporting the family: the Therapeutic Recreation gals, Spiritual Care Providers, Physiotherapy, volunteers. Dr. Vorster, thank you for your gentle and thorough care.

Cremation has taken place, and Rod will spend eternity at Falcon Lake, as he wished.

The family invites you to join them in a celebration of Rod’s life at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2019 in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Simkin Centre, 1 Falcon Ridge Drive, Winnipeg, with refreshments following.

Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in stories and condolences for the family by commenting in the section on the right hand side.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St, Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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