Norman Rhodes
“Farmers never die…They just farm in the sky.”
It is with heavy hearts we regretfully announce the passing of Norman Rhodes on April 4, 2012. He passed away peacefully at the Davidson Health Centre with family at his side.
Norman was born on May 29, 1913 in the farmhouse located in the Leeville District near Assiniboia. He is the third youngest of seven children.
Norman is survived by his loving wife Madeleine and daughter Joanne (Vern) Schneider; two sons, Robert (Carol) Rhodes and Gary (Patricia) Rhodes; grandchildren, Lori (Rod) Watts, Vicki (Dwayne) Edel, Lisa (Andrew) Nelson, Kent (Vicki) Rhodes, Corrina (Brad) Riecken, Paulette (Kelly) Killoh, and Aaron (Bonnie) Rhodes; great-grandchildren, Payton and Erica Watts, Jorja and Faith Edel, Owen and Coleman Nelson, Ryan and Jenna Rhodes, Kelsey, Cody and Colton Riecken, Aimee and Dylyne Killoh, Alex Rhodes and Tristen Harder; one sister Marjorie Ague, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Norman was predeceased by his parents Charles and Pearl Rhodes; stepmother Mabel Rhodes; stepbrothers Richard, Wayne and Vernon Rhodes; sisters Florence Brinkworth, Gladys Bateman, Evelyn Rhodes, Vera Castle; his brother Cecil (Irma) Rhodes and great-grandson Nicholas Edel.
In 1935, Norman, his brother Cecil and Ed Cornish purchased farmland and farmed together for 25 years in the Sprattsville District near Davidson. In July 1942 Norman married Madeleine Ashby of Bladworth and later that fall joined the R.C. Air Force. His training started at W.E.T.P. in Moose Jaw, then to Lachine, Que., St. Thomas, Ont., and in 1943 was posted to Dafoe, Sask. as an aero-engine mechanic. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to the farm.
In 1960 Norman purchased more land and went farming on his own. He was a dedicated farmer and loved every moment of it, never complaining about all the hard work or when hard times hit. He remained actively involved until the last few years.
Norman and Madeleine enjoyed many winter holidays in Mesa with their friends. He loved his family dearly and those grandchildren stole his heart.
Norman was an active member of the Canadian Legion until the time of his passing and never missed a Remembrance Day Service. He also was a lifetime member of the Oddfellows Lodge.
Norman will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
A funeral service was held in the Davidson United Church on Monday, April 9, 2012 at 2 p.m. with Reverend Diane Eurig officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home.