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Rodney Peter Spenst passed away suddenly on Wednesday May 8, 2013 at Chilliwack General Hospital at the age of 54. He was born November 3, 1958 to Jacob and Hilda Spenst in Chilliwack.

Rod is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Alicia Spenst, his mother Hilda Spenst, his children: Andrea and Bob, Lisa and Tina, Daniel and Candase. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Danina, Chance, Silas, Jadeyn, Xander, Kayleen and Allison. He is survived by his only sister Pat (Rudy) Loewen; and nephews: Matthew (Thereasa) Loewen and Andrew Loewen who he was very close with. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law: Bill (Yvette) Hawryluk, Gean (Roger) Reihl, Carl (Carol) Hawryluk, Dina (Bill) Turlock, Andy (Joan) Hawryluk, Gloria Hawryluk, Rick (Thea) Hawryluk and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father Jacob Spenst and his grandson Theodore Spenst.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednsday May 15, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Eden Mennonite Church followed by a tea where all are welcome to share stories.

Rod already knew the career path he was destined for, carpentry, by the age of 18. The pride he took in his work was apparent to all and his reputation exceeded him. He shared his knowledge with family members he brought to the sites, apprenticed many and worked with his daughter Lisa for 10 years. He rode motorcycles, cooked exotic meals, was an avid reader, enjoyed coffee nights with buddies and travelled but nothing brought him more joy than his family.

He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life in 1978 and they welcomed two daughters and a son. These children brought spouses and many friends that Rod embraced as his own. In 2001, Rod officially added “Papa” to his resume, and the job rapidly became busier over the years. Rarely did a weekend go by without grandchildren filling his house with laughter and vying for the best spot on his knee.

We know that God has a plan for us and Rod was called home earlier than we expected.

Pages and pages could be written about Rod without doing him justice. He was a private man with many layers. He will be loved and deeply missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Children’s Hospital in Rod’s name would be greatly appreciated.



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