Rodney Walter McAuley
January 30, 1927 - September 7, 2015
As published in the September 14, 2015 World-Spectator
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Dad passed away peacefully in his own home-as he said he would-from an aneurysm on Labour Day.
He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his family. His memory will live on through his son Angus (Carolyn), granddaughter Michelle (Darrin) Postma and great-grandson Alex; daughter Shelagh McAuley, granddaughters Danielle Alfaro, Macey Woolgar and great-grandchildren Wyatt, Weston, and Wynter Woolgar; daughter Marcia McAuley, grandchildren Ryley Devine, Rachelle (Dan) Schott and great-grandson Jack, Dana Devine (Lloyd) and great-grandchildren Nathan and Avah; daughter Colleen (Rick) Loewen and grandchildren Jonathan, Margaret, Timothy, and Sarah. Rodney will also be missed by many treasured relatives and friends, too numerous to mention.
Rodney was predeceased by his wife Dorothy (nee McDonald), children Margaret and Ewart, as well as great-granddaughter Breanne. He was also predeceased by his parents Ewart and Lillie McAuley (nee Lambert), sister Lois Goodwin, and brother Gordon (Mac) McAuley.
Dad was born in McAuley, Man. The village was named after his dad’s grandfather, Big George McAuley, when the CPR went through his land. Here he attended Rutherglen School from 1933-1942.
In 1937, in the middle of the great depression, the family moved to Regina, where Rodney’s dad tried to earn a living selling vacuum cleaners. The family then moved back to McAuley, where Ewart drove a cream truck, delivering farmers’ cream to the Elkhorn Creamery.
In 1942, dad moved with his parents to the mining community of Sherridon, Man. He moved to Whitewood, Sask. in 1943, where he worked at the CPR station as an assistant office agent. He delivered telegrams to parents whose sons were killed in action overseas. In 1944, dad moved to Winnipeg and worked for City Hydro customer accounts for 10 years.
In 1946, he married Dorothy of Shoal Lake, Man. They were married for 61-and-a-half years, until her death on May 6, 2008. In 1957, they moved to Atikokan, Ont. where he worked in underground mining at Steep Rock Iron Mines for six years. Come 1962, they moved back to Winnipeg and here he worked for the Greater Winnipeg Gas Company customer accounts as a meter reader for 29 years. In 1964 dad and mom purchased the family home in North Kildonan, where he resided, until his unexpected, peaceful passing.
Dad retired at age 65. As he never believed in missing work, he accumulated enough sick days to retire six months early. He and Dorothy enjoyed dancing through the years at the Legion No. 141 and in later years at home in the kitchen. Saturday was "old time" music night enjoyed with the grandkids.
Dad was a long time NDP party member, going back to the CCF days. As a young man he rode his bicycle around to collect donations for the party. Up until his death dad could still be seen putting up election signs.
Rodney was a devoted family man, always placing others before himself. He welcomed every season of the year. In winter he could be seen outside shoveling and sweeping neighbors’ driveways and through the crosswalk. Dad was very passionate about his flowers, birds and his many trees in the "back 40."
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba.
A celebration of Rodney’s life will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2015 at McIvor Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, 200 McIvor Avenue, with viewing one hour prior. Pastor John Unger and Chaplain Kathleen Rempel-Boschman officiating.
Burial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at Argyle Cemetery in the RM of Shoal Lake, Man.
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm on your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium, 843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474 in care of arrangements. Email condolences to www.bardal.ca.
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