Rod Allen

John Rodney (Rod) Allen

July 24, 1949 – April 16, 2018

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father,Rod after a battle with cancer at the age of 68.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Nancy; daughter Caley Houtop, her husband Justin and grandson Parker; and daughter Cassie, her husband Andrew Brown and granddaughters Grace and Sadie. He is also survived by his sister Gerry Munro of Calgary as well as many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law.

Rod was born and raised in Winnipeg. He had fond memories of growing up and riding horses at his family home, Goldstream Stables. He attended the University of Manitoba, achieving a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education. He taught for 33 years in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, teaching at Arthur Oliver, Sansome and Silver Heights Collegiate. Prior to retiring in 2003, Rod served a term as the President of the St. James-Assiniboia Teacher’s Association.   Throughout his teaching career, Rod became one of the first computer teachers in St. James and helped to lead teaching and learning in this area. Rod was an enthusiastic and memorable teacher known for his humanistic approach to teaching as well as his famous sense of humour.

Following his retirement, Rod and Nancy relocated to Gimli where they spent ten years on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. In his retirement, Rod honed his golf and bridge skills, as well as putting many hours into keeping his yard looking beautiful.   He enjoyed spending the winter months with Nancy in Scottsdale, Arizona as well as traveling to many other destinations.

Rod was an avid sports fan and he loved the hometown teams—particularly watching the Jets (especially this season!) or listening to their games on the radio whether he be in Arizona or in his car driving between Winnipeg and Gimli.

He loved his family immensely and received great joy from watching his grandchildren learn to walk and talk and play together. He was so pleased to meet and hold his youngest granddaughter and namesake, Sadie Rodney.

Sincere thanks for the care and compassion of the staff at Gimli Community Health Centre.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Johnson Hall, Waterfront Center in Gimli, Manitoba at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 23.

Memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of choice.

Condolences, pictures and videos may be left on Rod’s tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rod Allen, please visit our floral store.