Following a courageous 20 year battle with cancer Rod passed away peacefully at Nanaimo General Hospital February 22, 2016 surrounded by his loving wife Elly and family. Rod is survived by his wife, Elly of 45 years, daughter Tammy (Mark) Bodle, son Troy (Debbie). grandchildren Mandy (Kurt), Ryan (Graysen), Jesse, Jodie , Wyatt and Hailey. Great grandchildren, Sawyer and Aubrey. Brothers Doug (Sandy) Soderstrom, Norman Soderstrom, sister Laurie (John ) Morrison and numerous nieces and nephews. Rod was pre- deceased by his parents Marvin and Melba Soderstrom, sister Pam and her husband Don Darling.
Born in Camrose Alberta, Rod, as a young man, moved west where he met and married Elly the love of his life in 1970. In 1969 Rod founded High Tree Services which later became a part of the employee owned Davey Tree Expert Company known in Western Canada as Davey Tree Services and where Rod remained as the President and General Manager until his retirement in 2014. Rod was well known and respected by employees and peers throughout the tree service industry where his efforts contributed to the establishment of some of the current industry standards.
Rod’s passions included spending quality time with friends and family, fishing, hunting and traveling. Rod was a loving, caring, amazing husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother and friend. Rod’s faith and commitment to God was priority. Rod will be dearly missed by all. Funeral Service Friday, March 4th at 11am at Cedar Community Hall, Cedar BC. Officiating: Walter Burkinshaw / Judy Scheller
Family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to NRGH Emergency Staff, 4th floor staff, Palliative Care staff, Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Baird, VIHA staff, First Responders, BC Ambulance Services, Bayshore Home Health Staff, Erick, Tiffany, Aaron, Sarah and Sophia as well as neighbors and friends for all the care, support and kindness extended to Rod and family during the last several months.
Condolences maybe offered at www.sandsnanaimo.ca.
Donations may be made in Rod’s memory to Cancer Research Society at www.canceresearchsociety.ca-memorial