Obituary for Rod Fawcett
Fawcett, Rodney
It is with heavy but full hearts that we share that my husband, our dad, and grandpa has returned to the Captain seat for his final ascent. Born on July 13, 1940 in Cornwall Ontario, Rodney Allan Fawcett passed away on November 28, 2022 with his children holding his hands and surrounding him with love.
Loving and dedicated husband to Heather since 1986. Father to Brooke (Rodrigo), and Owen (Ariadne), and grandpa to Aiden, Quinn, and Aurora. Stepfather to Veronica (Matt), and Jeff (Lisa) and gramps to Victoria (Pedro), Michael, Scott, Erica, and Nolan. GG as coined by Jackson and Benjamin and pawrent to Roxie. Rod is predeceased by his parents, Richard and Dorothy Fawcett and survived by his sister JoAnne (Peter) Moss of Thunder Bay and nieces Kim (Bruno) and Sheri (Sandy).
Rod’s life began as a boy in rural Ontario but experiences broadened that scope and resulted in him being well traveled, meeting diverse populations, and living abroad. As a boy, he lived in Ethiopia from 1947 – 49 where his mother taught English, and his father was the private pilot for Haile Selassie I, the Emperor of Ethiopia. Rod remembered that time fondly and proudly, and often spoke of his pet monkey that he had. When they returned to Ontario, Rod lived on the farm with his family where they also owned a cheese factory. His father’s plane is seen in many family photos as flying was a constant in Rod’s life.
Rod attended highschool in Arthur where he lived his teenage years to the fullest playing the saxophone and piano in his band, The Spades. He had a great love and appreciation for big band music throughout his life. We will always remember his zeal and delight at his Big Band themed 75th birthday party.
Rod and Heather met at the age of 17 while attending high school. While Rod’s striking blue eyes and enveloping smile made Heather’s heart flutter, Heather was dating Rod’s best friend Ron and so their love story had to patiently wait for it to be ‘the right time’. Life unfolded for each of them, Heather marrying Ron and Rod marrying Patricia, and each having children. When their paths converged again many years later and opportunity presented itself, we have heard that Rod, being an inherently decent gentleman, ensured Ron would support Rod asking Heather out. Once Rod had the greenlight, he and Heather moved forward dating and it resulted in 36-years of a fulfilling marriage.
Rod inherited his father’s love of flying from an early age and he committed to making his own way in the industry. He had a successful career in aviation for over 30 years. His time with the airlines included flying for Trans Air out of Churchill and Winnipeg, followed by time with Pacific Western Airlines. In 1987, he began flying for Canadian Airlines based in Leduc, Alberta followed by a move to Brampton, Ontario. Rod and Heather spent 4 years living in Freeport, Bahamas nearer the end of Rod’s career. After a stellar career with the airlines, Rod retired from the airlines in 2000. Rod often shared stories of his trips such as flying into a flock of geese, having to subdue an erratic man on a flight, and of course, seeing Santa flying through the night sky. When younger, before rules and regulations of air travel tightened, Rod would take us on dead head flights or quick turnarounds to various destinations. We would sit in the jump seat on flights and even serve peanuts with the flight attendants. As children, we were always in awe of our dad, the captain.
Rod shared his love of golf with all of us and he prided himself in passing on wisdom that might improve our golf swing. When our families blended, golf was one way he would bring people together and it was how he fostered relationships with many people. He never wavered in his passion for golf and later added curling to the roster.
A gentle soul, Rod was often the quiet observer in the room. While he sat back quietly taking in the buzzing of our family around him, he was present and listening, and we like to believe, enjoying the moments in his way.
He had an incredible capacity for humour and quick wit. In his calm reserved manner, knew just when to make a comment or crack a joke that would make you laugh. He devised some favorite phrases such as answering the phone by saying “Rodney’s Pool Room” or “Stand-by One” when telling you to hold on and responding with “I’m still kicking” when asked how he was doing. In his final months, he often assured us “I’m ok, we are doing ok here….” even though he was uncomfortable, often in pain, and struggled more and more with mobility.
The last two years were fraught with health challenges for Rod. He stoically received what was being hurled at him. As we celebrate his life and time with us, the memories we were each able to build with him will comfort us as we move forward. Rod, you were the wind beneath our wings and we love you and will see you again when you pick us up for each of our return flights.
The support and care provided by Princess Margaret Cancer Care team, Bayshore Nurses, family and friends was and is greatly appreciated and gave him strength in those darker moments.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate and support the heart and soul work provided at Bethell Hospice, Inglewood ON or the on-going efforts of Cancer Research and support of those diagnosed through Canadian Cancer Society.
Funeral Service will be held at Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre 21 First St Orangeville on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through the footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod The high un-trespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
John Gillespie McGee Jr (1922 – 1941)
It is with heavy but full hearts that we share that my husband, our dad, and grandpa has returned to the Captain seat for his final ascent. Born on July 13, 1940 in Cornwall Ontario, Rodney Allan Fawcett passed away on November 28, 2022 with his children holding his hands and surrounding him with love.
Loving and dedicated husband to Heather since 1986. Father to Brooke (Rodrigo), and Owen (Ariadne), and grandpa to Aiden, Quinn, and Aurora. Stepfather to Veronica (Matt), and Jeff (Lisa) and gramps to Victoria (Pedro), Michael, Scott, Erica, and Nolan. GG as coined by Jackson and Benjamin and pawrent to Roxie. Rod is predeceased by his parents, Richard and Dorothy Fawcett and survived by his sister JoAnne (Peter) Moss of Thunder Bay and nieces Kim (Bruno) and Sheri (Sandy).
Rod’s life began as a boy in rural Ontario but experiences broadened that scope and resulted in him being well traveled, meeting diverse populations, and living abroad. As a boy, he lived in Ethiopia from 1947 – 49 where his mother taught English, and his father was the private pilot for Haile Selassie I, the Emperor of Ethiopia. Rod remembered that time fondly and proudly, and often spoke of his pet monkey that he had. When they returned to Ontario, Rod lived on the farm with his family where they also owned a cheese factory. His father’s plane is seen in many family photos as flying was a constant in Rod’s life.
Rod attended highschool in Arthur where he lived his teenage years to the fullest playing the saxophone and piano in his band, The Spades. He had a great love and appreciation for big band music throughout his life. We will always remember his zeal and delight at his Big Band themed 75th birthday party.
Rod and Heather met at the age of 17 while attending high school. While Rod’s striking blue eyes and enveloping smile made Heather’s heart flutter, Heather was dating Rod’s best friend Ron and so their love story had to patiently wait for it to be ‘the right time’. Life unfolded for each of them, Heather marrying Ron and Rod marrying Patricia, and each having children. When their paths converged again many years later and opportunity presented itself, we have heard that Rod, being an inherently decent gentleman, ensured Ron would support Rod asking Heather out. Once Rod had the greenlight, he and Heather moved forward dating and it resulted in 36-years of a fulfilling marriage.
Rod inherited his father’s love of flying from an early age and he committed to making his own way in the industry. He had a successful career in aviation for over 30 years. His time with the airlines included flying for Trans Air out of Churchill and Winnipeg, followed by time with Pacific Western Airlines. In 1987, he began flying for Canadian Airlines based in Leduc, Alberta followed by a move to Brampton, Ontario. Rod and Heather spent 4 years living in Freeport, Bahamas nearer the end of Rod’s career. After a stellar career with the airlines, Rod retired from the airlines in 2000. Rod often shared stories of his trips such as flying into a flock of geese, having to subdue an erratic man on a flight, and of course, seeing Santa flying through the night sky. When younger, before rules and regulations of air travel tightened, Rod would take us on dead head flights or quick turnarounds to various destinations. We would sit in the jump seat on flights and even serve peanuts with the flight attendants. As children, we were always in awe of our dad, the captain.
Rod shared his love of golf with all of us and he prided himself in passing on wisdom that might improve our golf swing. When our families blended, golf was one way he would bring people together and it was how he fostered relationships with many people. He never wavered in his passion for golf and later added curling to the roster.
A gentle soul, Rod was often the quiet observer in the room. While he sat back quietly taking in the buzzing of our family around him, he was present and listening, and we like to believe, enjoying the moments in his way.
He had an incredible capacity for humour and quick wit. In his calm reserved manner, knew just when to make a comment or crack a joke that would make you laugh. He devised some favorite phrases such as answering the phone by saying “Rodney’s Pool Room” or “Stand-by One” when telling you to hold on and responding with “I’m still kicking” when asked how he was doing. In his final months, he often assured us “I’m ok, we are doing ok here….” even though he was uncomfortable, often in pain, and struggled more and more with mobility.
The last two years were fraught with health challenges for Rod. He stoically received what was being hurled at him. As we celebrate his life and time with us, the memories we were each able to build with him will comfort us as we move forward. Rod, you were the wind beneath our wings and we love you and will see you again when you pick us up for each of our return flights.
The support and care provided by Princess Margaret Cancer Care team, Bayshore Nurses, family and friends was and is greatly appreciated and gave him strength in those darker moments.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate and support the heart and soul work provided at Bethell Hospice, Inglewood ON or the on-going efforts of Cancer Research and support of those diagnosed through Canadian Cancer Society.
Funeral Service will be held at Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre 21 First St Orangeville on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through the footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod The high un-trespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
John Gillespie McGee Jr (1922 – 1941)