FORAN, RODERICK - 1920-2003 - Following a valiant and brief struggle with cancer, Rod Foran of Moncton passed away peacefully in the presence of loved ones on Saturday, April 26, 2003. "I've had a good life," wrote Rod in the last hours of his time with us. All those who knew him would agree. Faith, family, friendship and fun were the cornerstones of a good and happy life that touched so many of us in so many ways. Rod cherished his family and we cherished him. He is survived by his wife Ruth (Connors), children Maureen Reid (Doug) of Halifax, N.S., Margaret Currie of Fredericton, N.B., Kevin Foran of Ottawa, Ont., Marie Kimmerer (Dan) of Kingston, Ont. and Jim Foran (Nicole) of Orlando, Fla., grandchildren Jim, Jessica, Jasmine, Savannah, Christopher, Ruddier and Aidan, great granddaughter Kitara and mother-in-law Elsie Connors. Born in Grand Cascapedia, Quebec, Rod was one of eleven children of the late Edwin and Ethel Foran. His sisters Mary Johansson of New Hampshire, Julia Hansen (Paul) of Santa Monica, Ca., Loretta Petruch (Karl) of Montreal, P.Q. and brothers Romie Foran of Martintown, Ont. and Bill Foran of Oak Bay Mills, P.Q., survive their beloved brother. Rod was a favourite uncle and friend to many nieces and nephews who would drop in on him for a visit or call on a regular basis. Rod's strong faith was a constant source of comfort to him and inspiration to others. He always played an active role in the parishes of which he was a member. Over the years, he acted in plays, taught catechism, applied his skills as a handyman, served on the altar and sang in the choir. St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church and its community held a very special place in his heart in the later years of his life. Rod was a true and good friend to many. He would do anything for anyone at the drop of a hat. His genuine interest in people and his tremendous generosity created strong bonds of friendship with people of all ages. He was very proud of his Irish ancestry and loved to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with his choir friends. Rod was a wonderful storyteller and a beautiful singer. We will miss seeing the twinkle in his eyes and hearing his lovely tenor voice. Most of his working career was spent as an Assistant Foreman with the Canadian National Railway in Campbellton and Moncton. A veteran of the Second World War, Rod served in England, France and Belgium with the North Shore (N.B.) Regiment from June 1940 to December 1945. Visitation will take place at Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton on Monday, April 28, 2003 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. We will celebrate Rod's life at a funeral mass to be held at St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Sloan as celebrant. A reception will be held in the Church Hall following the Mass. Interment will take place at a later date in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Dieppe, N.B. In Rod's memory, donations to Foster Parents Plan of Canada or Friends of the Moncton Hospital would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. www.fergusonknowlesfh.com