Obituary of Rod Underhill

Rod Underhill passed away peacefully with family at his side at Brandon Regional Health Centre on March 31, 2024 at the age of 94.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ila, of 71 years, one daughter, Rodale (Mike) Ketcheson and her family Jarett (Shawna) - Joel, Hailey, Kayden; Bryce (Jamie) ­ Audrey, Eric and Kiersten (Jeremy) Lancaster – Hattie; son, Norman (Sandi) and his family, Jerri (Dallas) Judd - Danni, Clayton, Lincoln; Kandi (Ben) Howard - Colby, Katie, Blair and Dustin Underhill; and son, Neil Underhill; sister-in-law, Verna Gallant; brother-in-law, Doug Fowler and their families.

Rod is predeceased by his daughter Karen, his parents, George and Mary Underhill, brothers, Holton and Calvin and sister, Donalda.

He grew up on the family farm near Moline, Manitoba with his parents and siblings. He took his schooling in Moline and Rapid City.

Rod and Ila met in the CO-OP store at Moline and were married September 20, 1952 at Knox United Church, Brandon, Manitoba.

He and Ila farmed the heritage farm near Moline with family until 2010 when he and Ila retired from the farm and moved to Monterey Estates in Brandon.

Through the years, Rod was a member of the United Church of Canada, Foresters Lodge, Agriculture Society, 4H leader, member of the Shorthorn and Maine Anjou Associations. Throughout the years Rod was an active member of the Rapid City Agriculture Society and the Moline community.

Rod was destined to be a cattleman. He showed his first calf at the age of ten at the Manitoba Winter Fair. Rod was a dedicated farmer and stockman. He grew mixed grains, and raised purebred and commercial cattle. He took pride in his work and often said "If you take care of the land, the land will take care of you."

Rod was a sports enthusiast. He played hockey, baseball and was an avid curler. He enjoyed following sports on television. Rod also enjoyed reading in his spare time and would often be at the kitchen table reading a good book.

Rod will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A private family service was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on April 6, 2024.

Rod was laid to rest at the family plot beside his daughter, Karen.

Donations in Rod's memory may be made to Stars Air Ambulance 155-A W Hangar Rd, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3J 3Z1 or to the Manitoba Lung Association, 825 Sherbrook St. Room 204, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1M5.

Broken Chain

We little knew the day that

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

 

It broke our hearts to lose you

But you didn’t go alone.

For part of us went with you

The day God called you home.

 

You left us peaceful memories.

Your love is still our guide,

And though we cannot see you

You are always at our side.

 

Our family chain is broken

And nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one

The chain will link again.

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