URQUHART, Roderick Charles "Rod"

June 8, 1954 to October 12, 2024

We lost another great one as we sadly announce the passing of a kind and loving husband to Aase (Hansen) for over 37 years. Predeceased by his parents Russell and Lucille of Richmond Hill Roderick will be missed by his sisters Adrienne and Tracy as well as his extended family of nephews and nieces.

He was lucky enough to be hired by esteemed Editor-in-Chief Terry Carter (predeceased) one day after graduation from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute with a degree in Journalism as the Newmarket Era’s Newest Sports Editor.

Rod met the love of his life early in his career at the Era and together they enjoyed a whirlwind of working in cutting-edge journalism prior to newspaper as a medium being phased out

After retirement hit, he kept busy writing short-story humour books, plays and appearing on Roger’s Georgina Life.

When cancer came into his life he remained positive and strong never letting those close to him know the full extent of his pain and the suffering he endured. He reached out others with cancer to help guide them with their own journey from his experiences. Rod fought cancer hard with the determination to reach his 70th birthday; He was an inspiration to everyone around him and touched many people with his kindness. Be a giver not a taker was the motto he lived by and he would say don’t be sad my friends, I lived a wonderful life.

Words can not express the gratitude we have for all professionals that cared for Rod at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, the wonderful nurses, PSWs that visited our home and lastly to the Margaret Bahen Hospice staff for their compassion and support during the most difficult time.

Everyone who knew Rod will have a special memory of him, and his books will help keep that memory alive.

We say ‘SO LONG’ to Rod on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Roadhouse and Rose Funeral Home, 157 Main St. S., Newmarket, to celebrate and have a lot of laughs, as that is what Rod would have wished for. The celebration of life will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with formalities and speeches commencing at 1:15 p.m.

Don’t stop laughing -no tears please

A memorial donation to either the Newmarket Food Pantry or to Margaret Bahen Hospice in Rod’s name would be a wonderful way to say goodbye this special man.

Click Here to Make a Donation to the Margaret Bahen Hospice

Click Here to Make a Donation to the Newmarket Food Pantry