It is with disbelief and sadness that Roderick “Rod” Michael Lum passed away from complications due to surgery on December 15, 2016. He was born March 20, 1944 in Toronto and grew up in Sudbury, Ontario in the Borgia area. He was quite the athlete playing quarterback at Sheridan Tech and was a defenseman for the Laurentian Voyageurs and the Sudbury Wolves hockey teams. Rod taught PE at CVDCS for his entire 30-year teaching career. He was dedicated to his students and coached many of them during his time there. In his early years, he coached hockey and track and field. His sport of passion later on was volleyball, even though he himself had never played it. He had many successful teams and inspired many players under his guidance. After he retired, he stayed in Sudbury until 2007. He decided to head west to Vernon, BC that year, wanting to be closer to his grandsons Bryn and Ronan. He was very proud of them even though he could be his “Grumpa” self at times. “GP” will be greatly missed.
Rod is survived by his dear wife of 48 years, Susan (Gray), his children Gregory, Karen (Richard Bedard), and Daniel. He also leaves behind his brother Gary, his sister Lillian (Robert) as well as nieces and nephews Rose, Carole, Lorraine, Daniel, Paul, Ryan and David. He also had special friendships with Bob Sabourin and Fred Lafleur. He was predeceased by his father Ping in 1971, and his mother Annie (Lazar) in March 2016. The family would like to thank the wonderful ICU staff at Kelowna General Hospital and much gratitude to Dr. Stephan Mostowy for giving the utmost care that anyone could ask for.
In lieu of flowers, Rod would have enjoyed that people donate to Kidsport: http://www.kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/greater-vernon/donation/
There will not be a service per his wishes. A gathering will be held in Chelmsford in the summer of 2017. See you on the 18th hole.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s on-line obituary @ www.MyAlternatives.ca. Arrangements entrusted to
ALTERNATIVES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES ®
Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237