 In Memoriam
John P. Rodina, PSD
May 13, 1928 – January 7, 2010
State Deputy Ontario 1980-1982
On Tuesday January 12, 2010 we bade farewell to our brother Past State Deputy John P. Rodina. As was typical of whatever John was involved with, the visitations at the funeral home were overwhelming and St. Louie’s Church was packed with John’s family and friends who had come to pay their final respects and also the sanctuary resounded with beautiful music and voices to which for years John had contributed.
In his homily Fr. Tim Uniac recalled that Brother John had personally affected his life as he was sure John had affected the groups that had come to be with the family on this celebration of John’s life. Fr. Tim suggested that John’s Faith was the common thread that bound together all groups and people that knew John. John lived his faith in all he did and for that we will remember him.
John’s funeral was attended by members of the School Board on which John had served as a trustee, The Knights of Columbus both Third and Fourth Degree and the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher. In attendance were Past State Deputies A.L. DeWitt, FSD, Philip Zakoor, FSD, Russell Cadeau, Grant Ertel, FSD, Paul Crawford and John Clancey. Supreme Director Robert Cayea, PSD was in attendance at the wake on Monday afternoon.
During the evening visitation many tributes were paid to Past State Deputy Rodina and the one reproduced here was given by his long time friend, brother knight and brother Past State Deputy Former Supreme Director Grant Ertel.
“Life is a series of passages. Some are noted and celebrated with rituals that lead us to stop and recognize these significant rites of passage. By paying attention to these special times of change, we become more aware of or place in life. This is a quote from Dr. Bernie Siegel and a cause for reflection on why we are gathered here today. This time of change is a sad time for us as we are mourning the loss of John Rodina, a very special man who has journeyed with us in our lifetime.
Today, we are here to celebrate the life of our dear friend, John Rodina. To Millie, John was a loving and loyal husband and friend; to Colleen and John, Jody and Jeanette, Justin and Stephanie – a supportive and loving father and grandfather. We offer you our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
As we celebrate the life of John Rodina today, we all have our own thoughts and memories of a special relative, colleague, brother knight, co-worker and friend. John. Them many organizations John contributed to during his lifetime are represented here today. I am sure you all have fond memories and reasons to offer thanks to John for his contributions, wisdom, along with friendship, humour and melodious voice.
To me, John was a mentor and gave me the incentive and courage for the leadership roles of the Knights of Columbus. Each of you will have your own thoughts on how John influenced you and touched your life.
Allow me, please, to take this opportunity to thank Mille and her family for the time and leadership roles John gave to the knights of Columbus, beginning and always in our Waterloo Council 5135 and in addition, during his many years on the Ontario State Board, leading to Ontario State Deputy in 1980-82.
To refer back to my opening statements; “by paying attention to these special times of change, we become more aware of our place in life.” We are sad to know that John has passed away, but we know that the life he lived was an admirable one and that we have been influenced in many positive ways by him. May our dear Lord reward John for all his good deeds here on earth. We can be at peace, knowing that we have been privileged to have met and shared many life experiences with John Rodina on our journey here on earth. WE have learned from John and have become better persons because of John.
A life so rich and loving,
So generous and kind;
Can’t help but leave a legacy
Of memories behind.
A cheerful smile, a heart of gold;
Never selfish, always kind;
Are the memories you leave behind.
While you peacefully sleep
Fond memories of you
We will always keep!
Closing words of Fr. Tim Uniac’s Homily
Well done, Good and Faithfull Servant!
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