Simms, Rhodrick Harold
March 16, 1942 - October 1, 2006
Rod passed away peacefully in his sleep with his loving wife Valerie Porteus and adoring daughter Shelley Simms by his side. He was predeceased by his father Roderick in 1985.
He is survived by his mother Frances Simms, brothers Gary (Sandra), Greg (Carol) and sister Judy Hopkins (Paul) of Hubbards, NS and brother Wayne (Dale) of Campbell River, BC, as well as former wife Marleen (Dave) Williams of Royston, BC. Rod leaves behind many nieces and nephews: Suzanne, Peter, Amy, Melissa, Carrie, Jeffrey, Jeremy, Chris and Steve, who will miss his unrelenting teasing.
Born in Halifax, NS he spent his youth in Hubbards, NS where he developed his lifelong love of the outdoors - hunting, fishing and trapping. At 17 he joined the air force and served his country with distinction for 29 years. His basic training was in St. Jean, Quebec; his first posting was to CFB Summerside, PEI followed shortly by CFB Comox, BC. When he arrived in the Valley Rod knew he’d truly found Lotus Land.
While stationed at Comox, Rod met and married Marleen Miller in May 1964 and in January 1973 their daughter Shelley was born. The family enjoyed postings throughout Canada: CFB North Bay, ON from 1968-1974; Shearwater, NS 1974-1983. During his posting to Shearwater Rod’s fondest military memory was serving as the onboard Meteorologist on the supply ship HMCS Protecteur for 3 years. His last posting in 1983 was CFB Namao Lancaster Park, AB and from there in August 1988, Master Warrant Officer Simms retired to the Comox Valley. Rod began to enjoy retirement - with his lifelong hunting and fishing partner, Bob Limin, combing every inch of the Valley.
Rod devoted many hours to another favorite hobby, woodworking, at which he excelled. He built the family cottage at Mill Lake, NS. Milling his own lumber he built sheds, furniture, and later created beautiful handcrafted items. Many a home in the areas he has lived boast one of his pieces.
Gregarious and outspoken, a wealth of information on any topic, Rod was a man who thoroughly enjoyed people. He always had the coffee on and many a fish tale was spun with the boys on the back deck.
The self-proclaimed ”King of Pitch” is already sadly missed by his family and many friends and neighbors. All titles are Secure!
Two services will be held: West Coast: Remembrance and Farewell gathering at Kitty Coleman Provincial Park, October 5th, 2006 - 1:00 pm. East Coast: Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, October 11th, 2006 - 11:00am - St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Hubbards, NS. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph’s General Hospital Chemotherapy Unit, Comox, BC would be greatly appreciated.