Rod moved on to the next great adventure surrounded with the love and compassion of family and friends. His long suffering from a rare and brutal cancer ended peacefully in Victoria Hospice. Left to carry on the memory of this incredibly strong and determined man are his wife, Jane Chadwick, and three amazingly strong and devoted children Kaisen, Rowan and Eleri; his parents Bob and Elaine Olafson; his sister Kirsten Sheffield, brother-in-law Scott and nephews Jordan and Liam. Rod was a valued member of the Victoria tech industry. His knowledge, patience, development, and managerial skills will be greatly missed in this sector.
A special thank you to Dr. David Attwell (and family) who has been a compassionate physician and loyal friend while guiding Rod and his family. A special thank you also to Rod’s Auntie Betty (Kendall) for her love and support.
Rod and his family have been surrounded and held by the love of an amazing local and cyber community. Rod would want them to know how much he valued this and how glad he was that his children witnessed how a community of friends, family and neighbours gathered together and cared for them.
A private cremation will be held.
A Really Big Party To Celebrate Rod (his request) will be announced and held in the new year, and Jane is open to assistance in planning this event.
Contributions suggested to the family for the children’s RESP’s.
“How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.”
– Pink Floyd
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Irene Pozzolo
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Wayne & Betty Kendall Dear Jane, Rowan, Kai, & Eleri, Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. Rod was a great nephew. He always made us feel welcome with a big smile and a bearhug. He will be sorely missed. It was a privilege to be with him and help him in his final journey. He will not be forgotten. Love Uncle Wayne and Auntie Betty
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Ken Bauer It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to a great friend. I remember Rod from our university days studying computing science together at UVic where I also had the opportunity to meet Jane (hey guys, gotta go, Jane’s here). I remember deep conversations over coffee or beer at the SUB. Rod was a brilliant and interested student, I wish to have students like him for the rest of my days teaching computing science.
We stayed in touch over the years mostly at a distance but I also had the pleasure to work together with Rod at OTI in Victoria. Brilliant software engineer and great leadership skills is what I remember in my short time there.
Jane, Kaisen, Rowan and Eleri remember that you have “family” down here in Guadalajara and a home to come to here. The invitation has always been open and remains open to come visit or stay for awhile with the Bauer Alonso family.
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Barb & Gavin Cameron Our best memories of Rod reflect warmth, smiles and a wonderful sense of humour. Rod will be with you always as you and the family move forward to the next stages of your lives. Jane, continue to reach out as you have a great network surrounding you. Our best wishes to you in this challenging period and beyond.
Barb & Gavin Cameron
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Marina Roggeveen My most heartfelt and deepest condolences Jane, to you and your children and the rest of your family!!! I only met Rod one time, at the artsREACH show up at UVic – I LOVED his smile – it filled the room:):) His loving energy was very apparent and I wish I could have gotten to know him better……. What a gift he was and will continue to be for you and the kids. Thinking of you and sending Love and the BIGGEST Hugs possible. xoxo
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Rosana Brien Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to Rod’s family. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you cherish.
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Karen Gulliver My heart and thoughts go to you Jane, Kai, Rowan and Eleri. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
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Brigid & Family I only met Rod a couple of times, but his love for his family was obviously huge and heartfelt. He came across as a thoroughly good human being. So sorry he has been taken from you so soon. Over time, the emotional wounds will heal and you’ll be left with all the good memories of your time with Rod. Wishing you all the best for the future. Love and hugs.
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Donnie Hendrix Rod, what an honor to work with you. Your brilliant mind was only overshadowed by your indomitable spirit! The love of your friends and your family is the wind beneath your wings! Fly high, my friend, fly high!!!
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Pucky Rod you were instrumental in my career path, your support and guidance in the beginning by mentoring me with Java (oh how you would talk about Java). We met many time after ACD ( how2share, while I was at BC Ferries and then with League) you always wanted to know what was up and would talk as long as possible. Then while we are thousands of miles apart we would share the love of Racing (F1 and would text while I was at the track). Already miss texting with you buddy.
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Ian Forster and Company Our family sends our deepest Condolences, Jane and family. For me, Rod was always able to see the best in things. Rod and I met in university and from working on assignments in the Sub, to our interactions professionally after university. Rod will be missed, but not soon forgotten. His energy surrounds us now.
Ian, Dee, Megan and Rachael Forster
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Michael Ulrich Rod was a remarkable man who died much too young. He was a brilliant intelligent man who was grounded in life. He fought a courageous battle that eventually took his life, but demonstrated an undefeatable spirit that lives on. The breadth of his remembrances are testament to his kindness and influence. I consider myself privileged to have known him. Rest in peace.
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Pauline & Mark Ford Dear Jane & family,
We are so sorry for your loss, our hearts and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Pauline & Mark Ford.
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Stephanie Bogaett As radiant as the sun off the waters of the Puget Sound.
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Ted Howe Dear Jane and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on Rod’s untimely passing. It was so generous of you to welcome my son into your home summer 2014. Your kindness and hospitality will always be cherished and remembered. Thank you.
Your friend,
Ted
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Alastair Waters RIP Rod I pray for the day that they find the cure for Cancer
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Hanna My dearest Jane, I remember you when you were just a young un…and you met the love of your life, he will always be with you sweet girl..love, light and prayers for you now. Love.
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David and Jill Stevens Dear Bob and Elaine: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at the loss of your son.
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Patricia Barbon I met Rod about 33years ago through friends. I remember his smile and how he made me laugh. He had such a warmth,one of the most positive people I have ever met. We reconnected through Facebook and again he was still positive and we talked our families and how quickly time passed. He so loved his family and was so proud. To all of you -his parents sister-Jane and his beautiful children…”always in your heart-he will live, and you will know he is close.walking and watching with the angels through the windows of heaven.
Patricia Barbon
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Tom and Katherine Our deepest condolences and care go out to Rod’s family. He was truly a spirit of open hope for the human race and those around him. A very, very rare man. We were so blessed to have known him.
Tom Benson and Katherine Walker
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Sue Dootson Thinking of you all daily and feeling a sadness that we are so far away. Losing one of life’s amazing people….best husband, father, son, brother, uncle, colleague and friend gives a sadness that is the price for the immense love that Rod shared with you during his too short lifetime. May you have strength to get through these very difficult times and find solace in family and friends.
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Josephine Dermody Olafson I will always remember you Rod for your warmth and the way you always were genuinely pleased to see me….. your hugs are legendary and your smile will live on for evermore in my heart….
Tonight when I look up, I won’t think of them as stars,
I will think of them as the porch lights welcoming you safely home…… God speed….
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Rose Stewart Dear Jane,
I was so sorry to hear about Rod’s passing. Please know that we are thinking of you all at this most difficult time.
Rose and Ken Stewart
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Sherri Steinbeck My heartfelt condolences. Rod was an amazing man. I am truly blessed to have known him.
With deepest sympathy, Mike and Sherri
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Jane Chadwick Jane can be reached at this email address-
Jchadwick@shaw.ca
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Denise Hawkins Although Rod has moved to his next adventure, he is being lived on through his three wonderful children. I am thankful to have known him. He always gave me a hard time when we first met through Leonard because I was the “young one”. He was always so happy and full of life, with a great love of the cyber world. He will be deeply missed. Jane, he is never far away and will be watching you and the children every moment of every day. Sending you so much love and support through this difficult time. Rest in Peace Rod, thank you for being you and loving your friends and family the way you did.
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Larry Kubek My heartfelt condolences for your family. I enjoyed working with Rod for several years at Streetlight, he was an incredible and hard working software expert, but more than that he was an excellent person, warm, engaged, always quick to smile and laugh. He often spoke of his family, and was always proud to share stories of his children. My prayers are with you all.
Larry Kubek
Although I left Ottavio over 10 years ago, Jane and Rod were the sort of clients you could never forget. Two of the nicest, most courteous folks with such a beautiful family. I am deeply saddened to hear of Rod’s passing – such a kind, friendly man who I will remember fondly for the little I knew him. My sincerest condolences to his whole family.