KENNETH WILLIAM RODE, after a brief illness, passed away peacefully at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK, on Sunday, September 7, 2014, at the age of 79. He was surrounded by his loving family. Ken was born on November 11, 1934, at Rush Lake, SK, to Annie and Theodore Rode. He grew up on the family farm in Rush Lake. At age 17, he struck out on his own and became one of the youngest drivers in Saskatchewan to earn his Class 1A truck driver’s license. Ken pursued a number of occupations from volunteer firefighter to truck driving. He always believed that if you gave an honest day of hard work you would be treated well and never be without. In 1954, he married Bernice Dyck. They resided in Swift Current, Shaunavon and Saskatoon. By then, Lyle (1955), Blake (1963) and Orchid (1966) joined the Rode family. In Saskatoon, Ken drove for several trucking companies and eventually owned a small fleet of gravel trucks. In 1967, Ken moved his family to a dairy farm near Rush Lake, so that he could spend more time with his family. His faith was evident in everything he did. Anyone who worked with him learned the importance of stewardship for the land and the animals, because they were his gifts received from God. In 1979, health issues forced Ken to sell the farm and he moved the family to Swift Current where he and Bernice owned a fabric store. Ken continued his trucking career, driving for several companies over the years until he sold his last truck at the age of 77, spanning a 60 year career as a truck driver. As well as living in Swift Current, Ken and Bernice maintained an 80 acre “acreage” at Main Centre, SK, where he enjoyed spending time in the countryside puttering at farming and gardening in a place where he could play with his grandchildren. Ken was a kind, gentle, hard-working and humble man who deeply valued faith and family. He was a man who believed in fairness and honesty, where his word was his promise that was an ironclad personal contract. He would go to great lengths and personal sacrifice to avoid breaking a promise. He had an intense, dry sense of humor with a sharp wry wit that was never unkind. Ken was fond of his vehicles and often enjoyed washing and shining them so that they would look just right. He loved to fish and camp, but most of all he loved to do anything that involved his children and grandchildren, who were incredibly spoiled. Ken and Bernice celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a family celebration in Stettler, AB, one week before his death. Left to cherish Ken’s memory are his loving wife, Bernice; sons, Lyle (Lesley) of Lethbridge, AB, and Blake (Michele) of Coaldale, AB; daughter, Orchid (Mike) of Asquith, SK; grandchildren, Courtney (Chris), Brantly, Sydney, Rockelle (Austin), Keilan and Mic; sister, Darlene (Erny) Loewen; step-sister, Lorraine (Arnie) Wentland; half-sister, Janice (Murray) Stevens; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Annie Rode in 1951; his father, Theodore Rode in 2002; step-mother, Tena in 2011; mother-in-law, Mary Dyck in 1984; and father-in-law, George Dyck in 1977.
The Celebration of Life Service was held on Sunday, September 14, 2014, at 2:00 pm from the Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Marv Dyck officiating. The organist for the service was Darlene Nelson. Musical selections were brought by Jonathan Dyck & Tara Soanes singing, “Who Am I’, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, “It Is Well with My Soul” and “Because He Lives” accompanied by Iris Siemens on the piano. Tributes were shared by the children, grandchildren and by Marv Dyck. The ushers in the church were Garnet Schroeder and Glenn Siemens. The Private Family Interment Service was held on Monday, September 15, 2014, at the Ebenezer Cemetery, Rush Lake, SK with Ken’s Grandchildren serving as pallbearers. In memory of Ken Rode, donations made to the Ebenezer Cemetery Fund, Gideons International or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to leave a personal message of condolence on the family‘s obituary page, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com