Rodney William Sopiwnyk, known fondly to friends and family as Rod, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in St. Albert, Alberta, on October 27, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 3, 1964, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Rod's life was marked by his loving nature, generosity, and selflessness, touching the lives of all who knew him.
Rod's early years were spent in the Kildonan community of Winnipeg, where he was born to Larry and the late Connie Sopiwnyk. He grew up alongside his brothers, Dwayne (Carmen & Spencer) and Guy (Tatjana, Jordan & Alexandra), creating a close-knit family full of love and support. After a family move in 1974 to St. Albert, it didn’t take long for Rod to build many great lifelong friendships, mutual bonds that are still strong to this day.
Rod's journey led him to become a highly skilled Journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanic, a vocation that not only showcased his technical abilities but also his dedication to hard work and excellence. With a passion for hydraulics, Rod went on to establish his own successful hydraulic repair company, R & C Hydraulics. Transforming from one man working in his garage to having a full production repair shop. His work ethic and commitment to customer satisfaction built the foundation of his business and fostered long-lasting relationships with his clients.
Rod's heart, however, was always with his family. He shared a beautiful life with his wife, Cheryl, and together they raised their three children, Matthew (Sydney), Trina (Mike), and Troy (Melissa). Rod's joy was always fueled by being surrounded with his grandchildren, Grady, Cayde, Palmer, Kayla, Brayden, Chanel, Ashlyn, and Tray, who all held a special place in his heart. Each of them had their own special name for their beloved Grandpa Rod. Family gatherings were filled with laughter and love, and Rod's presence was a source of comfort and joy to those around him.
Rod's legacy is also carried on by his extended family, including his mother-in-law Arlene, his late father-in-law Leroy, his sister-in-law Coleen (Danny, Stuart & Blaine), and his brother-in-law Butch (Jason, Jessica & Joel). Each family member added to the richness of Rod's life, and he cherished the unique bond he shared with each one of them.
A man of many interests, Rod's love for sports, music, cars, and his Harley were well known. In his younger years he relished the moments spent playing baseball and hockey, this switched in the later years to watching and cheering on his favorite team on the Big Screen.
He loved spending as much time as possible with Cheryl at their summer vacation spot in Scotch Creek BC, hanging out with family and friends boating, swimming or just chilling on the golf cart with drink in hand.
To simply say Rod was loving, generous, and selfless would be an understatement. His actions spoke volumes, from the way he put his family first to the way he treated friends and strangers alike. Rod's kindness was a beacon of light that inspired others to give more, love more, and be more. This was a trait that he definitely inherited from his Mom Connie.
As we bid farewell to Rod, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and joy. We honor a man who was not only an anchor to his family but also his friends. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he created will forever be a source of comfort to all those who knew and loved him.
A special thank you to both Dr. Charles Butts & Foyer Lacombe (Covenant Care St. Albert). We are so grateful for all the care that was given to Rod.
In lieu of floral tributes, donations in memory of Rod may be made to Foyer Lacombe (Covenant Care St. Albert). This facility was truly amazing.
An open house memorial will be held for Rod between the hours of 2:00 pm-4:00 pm on Saturday, November 16, 2024 in St. Albert Funeral Home, 9 Muir Drive, for your opportunity to stop in to share a memory of Rod with his Family and Friends.
A Celebration of Life will follow later in the spring of 2025.
Arrangements entrusted to Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
