DWIGHT ROKALA

On May 29, 2025, Dwight Rokala passed away peacefully at the Grace hospital surrounded by family. 

Dwight was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Claire; his sister Winnie; mother-in-law Lucille; daughter-in-law Leslie; and brother-in-law Terry. He is survived by his beloved wife Sharon; daughter Kimberly (Michael); son Eric (Sonja) and their mother Kay; brother Curtis (Karen) and their family; sisters- and brothers-in-law Barbara and Garry and Beverley and Mike and their families, as well as extended family and many dear friends.

Dwight was born in Biwabik, Minnesota and grew up in Virginia, Minnesota. Dwight had a happy childhood and was involved in many school and extracurricular activities including athletics (football, basketball, tennis), drama, music and choir. Dwight fondly recalled summers spent at the family summer home at Sand Lake.

Tragically, Dwight’s father died when he, the eldest child, was in high school. His mother moved with his siblings to Boulder, Colorado and Dwight, having received a football scholarship, began college in Minnesota after completing high school. An injury cut his college football career short, and he joined his family in Colorado, enrolling at the University of Colorado Boulder. Colorado proved formative for Dwight. Although he spent the shortest amount of time there of all the places he lived, it was the place he felt most at home. He loved the mountains and new activities included rock climbing and cycling. Dwight completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UC Boulder and moved back to Minnesota where he completed his PhD at the University of Minnesota under the supervision of Dr. Herbert Polesky. Together they completed population genetics research with publications in important scientific journals. As a result of his work in Minnesota, Dwight was recruited by the University of Manitoba and was employed in the department of anthropology for over 30 years, making significant contributions in teaching, graduate student training, research and administrative service.

Dwight and Kay raised their family in St. Vital and had an active family life. Summers were spent driving to Michigan and Colorado to visit family. Trips were also organized around professional and amateur bike races. Dwight was instrumental in starting the cycling team at Glenlawn Collegiate, with 7 am practices at St. Vital park. He coached road and track cycling with road races and time trials at Bird’s Hill park and track events at the velodrome. He was saddened by the loss of the velodrome in Winnipeg and the impact on cycling programs. He loved the Cobblestone Classic in Winnipeg and the Coor’s Classic in Colorado. In addition to cycling, he coached hockey and soccer. Dwight loved the arts and supported Kim in her artistic endeavours including piano, voice, and jazz and concert bands. Dwight loved the Canadian Shield and the family frequently camped and fished in the Whiteshell. Caddy Lake held a special place in his heart.

Dwight and Sharon were married in 1994 and had many adventures including travel throughout North America and the south Pacific. While a graduate student in Colorado Dwight undertook archaeological surveys in the American southwest an area he grew to love. He and Sharon returned many times. They shared a love of outdoor activities including cycling, tennis and hiking, and they loved their dogs. They were academics who were committed to learning, student success and research. Dwight had many hobbies including canoeing, fishing and gardening. He collected antique duck decoys and was a skilled wood carver creating many beautiful decoys. He loved to read and cook.

Dwight’s family would like to thank the staff at the Grace hospital for their excellent care, and the WRHA Priority Home Care Program for their significant support of Dwight as he fought to regain independence in the community. Dwight spent a short time at the Shaftesbury Retirement Residence where he was treated with dignity and respect, which was appreciated by him and his family. Dwight was grateful to Barb, Garry, Bev and Mike for their loving care during this past difficult winter and spring. Their support was a great comfort to him and Sharon. Dwight loved his family, immediate and extended. All enriched his life and brought him joy.

A celebration of Dwight’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the Pavillion Atrium, Assiniboine Park. If desired, donations in Dwight’s name may be made to Fort Whyte Alive, the Grace Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him keep step to music he hears, however measured or far away.”

- Henry David Thoreau

Rest in peace, Dwight. 

You are loved.

Dwight’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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