Obituary of Rod Fowler

Roderick (Rod) W. Fowler

1932 – 2024

On St. Patrick’s Day, our hero Rod (91) died peacefully at the Bennett Centre, Georgetown, reuniting with the mother of his children and love of his life for 47 years, Marilyn Jamesine (nee Perry -predeceased 2001).  Rod leaves behind daughter Linda, son Michael (Brenda), Grandson Ricky (Alexis), the newest addition to his clan born on Remembrance Day 2023 Great Grandson Dante, his common law spouse Brenda;  sisters-in-law Maureen (Clifton) and Pru, as well as his  many nieces and nephews and countless friends;  who all loved and respected him deeply.

Rod was born in Melbourne Ridge, Quebec, to Otis and Clarina (nee Fortier, both predeceased) and was very proud of his farm roots and that his father was known as the Maple Syrup King of Canada.   Rod was a loving brother to Lloyd, Gerald (Polly), Lewis (Joan), Donald (Josie), and his sister Aneta (Harry).  Rod’s young family would spend most weekends at Lone Oak Farm on the Ridge which was an experience he was committed to passing along to his children.

Rod met Marilyn in Knowlton, Quebec and they married in 1954. Daughter Linda and son Mike soon followed.   Rod and Marilyn had a zest for life as a couple, and made many lifelong friends throughout their adventure. 

Rod was a great Dad to his children, ensuring he taught both Linda and Mike life lessons that would guide them throughout their lives such as adaptability, kindness and generosity, how to love, and of great importance to Rod, how to play golf.  

Rod‘s career spanned close to 50 years with BMO in multiple capacities, in locations such as Deep River, various communities on the island of Montreal, Ajax, Gananoque and finally Smiths Falls where he arrived in 1986 and retired some years later.   Many friends and family members turned to Rod over the years to tap into his financial knowledge.  His experience travelling across Eastern Canada for BMO as an Auditor granted him the great pleasure of spending hours on a plane sitting beside and chatting with Stompin’ Tom Connors, an encounter he quite enjoyed recalling. 

A proud (and current) member of the Lions Club for 60 years in numerous roles, Rod was well known for his community spirit, volunteerism, and his prowess making French fries at the local fair. 

Rod was a serious athlete over the course of his life playing organized sports such as softball in Pierrefonds, hockey in Pointe Claire with his late friend Gord Sinclair, Curling in Hudson, Quebec.   His greatest passion came out on the golf course though.  A member of Smiths Falls Golf & Country club, two claims to fame were being interviewed by CTV National news when Brooke Henderson won one of her first national golf tournaments , and shooting an 89 on his 89^th birthday, winning a club championship.  A few days after his 91^st birthday, Rod was able to get a golf club in his hand once again after not playing much last summer, hitting a succession of golf balls, straight as an arrow and all to the same distance.  The huge grin on his face will be cherished forever by those present.

After Marilyn passed away only 10 days past her 66^th birthday in 2001, Rod taught his children yet another of his great life lessons – the ability to pick oneself up, dust themselves off, and start over again.  After bumping into his high school prom date on a street in the Eastern Townships, he and Brenda who had lost her husband months earlier, helped each other move through their grief, transitioning from renewed friendship to relationship status.  Many years were enjoyed travelling to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and Florida.

The family is deeply grateful to the many angels at the Bennett Centre in Georgetown, Ontario for taking such great care of Rod from the moment he arrived into their compassionate care on what was the anniversary of Marilyn’s birthday, November 29, 2023.   Special thanks are sent out in recognition to Tina, Renata, Ashley, Ruth, Amanda and to Noryio, (who Rod taught that an electric razor works much better if the plastic cap is removed while shaving).  These ladies gave Rod back his dignity, immensely enjoyed his personality even when he was grumpy, and treated him with love and respect, just as they would their own grandparent.  They are truly remarkable women, all of them - the family will never forget their unending efforts and kindness giving Rod the best quality of life possible during his time in their care.

Celebration of Rod’s life will take place at the Blair and Son Funeral Home, 112 Beckwith Street, Smiths Falls, Ontario, Saturday, April 13, 2024.  Family visitation will commence at 12:30 p.m., service will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will also be available on live-stream and recorded at the bottom of this notice for those not able to attend, followed by a reception in Rod’s honour. 

For those wishing to share photographs of Rod which the family would appreciate, they can be uploaded here.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Rod’s name to the Bennett Centre (online), alternatively by mail to 1 Princess Anne Drive, Georgetown, Ontario, L7G 2B8, or to a charity of your choice.

Rest in peace Rod, you will always be loved and truly will be missed.