Rod Charlebois
May 3, 1944 – May 12, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce that John Roderick (Rod) McNider Charlebois of Salmon Arm, BC passed away on May 12, 2023 following complications resulting from a bicycle accident.
Rod was born and grew up in Montreal, the son of John McNider and Muriel Charlebois (née Smith). He had an extensive career in Ontario and Quebec in both radio and TV.
In 1997 he retired to Salmon Arm, a community he loved where he made many friends and enjoyed his favourite pastimes of storytelling, laughing and cooking. He was always ready to talk, listen and share a laugh or a good debate.
He stayed active, walking, bicycling and skiing. He was especially passionate about cross country skiing at Larch Hills.
Rod is survived by his loving wife Wendy who he cherished every day. He was a proud father of three children, Greg (Betsy), Jenn (Frank) and Catherine (Matt) whom he loved unconditionally. His four beautiful grandchildren Carly, Noah, Emily and Lucy will miss his stories, great food and sarcasm. He is missed too by his brothers Geoffrey (Lucia), Hugh (Margaret-Jane), and his sister Clare Steven (Tony).
Rod and Wendy brought people together throughout their 52 years of marriage, celebrating with new and old friends and neighbours in homes they renovated themselves – hosting often including homemade wine or lattes and Rod’s ever popular pizza.
It is difficult to see a man with such a lust for life have it taken so suddenly. We console ourselves knowing that Rod went out on top, doing the things he loved, surrounded by the people who loved him. He achieved excellence in his broadcasting career, and his involvement with charity and community projects.
He will be greatly missed but his generosity, compassion and tenacity live on.
Rod’s family would like to thank the very special staff in the ICU at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops for their service, support and guidance. An open house reception will be held on July 28th at 2pm at the family home in Salmon Arm so that we can gather to celebrate Rod’s life and exchange memories.
For more information, please email jenniferscigliano@gmail.com