"Rod," as many knew him, passed away peacefully the morning of May 25, 2019 at the age of 91. He was born in Birtle, Manitoba on December 5, 1927 to Jack and Grace Hesketh, the ninth of 14 children.
As a young man, Rod moved to Salmon Arm with his family in 1946. There he met and married his life partner Frances "Nonie" Turnbull on June 27, 1952. They spent their early married life at the Kit Carson Guest Ranch located in the Lumby - Mabel Lake Valley. They moved to their present home on Shuswap River Drive, The Silver Hills Ranch in 1962 where they raised their family.
Rod was an innovative and self-reliant man with many talents. Besides being an astute cattleman, he was a businessman, electrician, welder, mechanic and logger. His strong work ethic served him well in all walks of his life and he was a great role model for his six children. Often looked to for advice and guidance whether it was helping a neighbor or a family member, Rod was well loved and respected by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Rod is survived by his children - Wayne (Andrea), Maureen (Fred) Ziemer, Brian (Christine), Gillian (Wayne) Hughes, Lee (Crystal) and Mark (Rita), and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Rod was predeceased by Nonie on August 31, 2018, his loving wife of 66 years. He is survived by his three sisters - Di, Jackie and Joyce and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Barss, Dr. Schultz and Dr. Humphreys and the caring staff and volunteers at the Vernon Hospice House. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to North Okanagan Hospice Society (Vernon). A celebration of life for Rod and Nonie will be announced at a later date.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's on-line obituary at www.MyAlternatives.ca. Arrangements entrusted to
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237.
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