It is with deep sadness that the family and close friends of Rodney Allan Gustafson surrounded him with love as he ended his battle with cancer and passed away on July 3, 2013 at the Kelowna Hospice House, at the age of 65 years.
Rodney was born in Pioneer Mines on August 8, 1947. He and his family resided in the Lower Mainland area. After high school Rodney and a very good friend, Hilton Kate, travelled overseas through Europe and India. Shortly after that Rodney returned to England where he completed his registered nursing degree. He then returned to Canada and met his wife, Terrilyne. Together they owned and operated a nursing home in White Rock called Sunnyside Guest Home. He also worked as an RN at Surrey Memorial Hospital. In 1981 he and his wife moved to Christina Lake and purchased Totem Resort and the Time & Place Pub. Rodney also was a nurse at Trail Hospital and Grand Forks Hospital. In 2004 Rodney purchased Broadacres with the dream of providing the community with a beautiful and relaxing nursing home. He renovated it for 7 years and upon completion ran into numerous obstacles. He persevered and Broadacres has been open for nearly one year today.
Rodney was a family man, foremost. The most important thing to him was his family, his wife, Terrilyne; his daughters: Terre and Kristi; sons: Matthew and Christopher; ad his five grandchildren: Elias, Livia, Nate, Hailey and Pearl.
Rodney was a hard worker and a compassionate, caring and generous man. He was well-known amongst the community. He enjoyed get-togethers with his family and friends. He always said “the more the merrier” and the door was always open to family or friends passing through. He always had a kind word and the time for everyone. He enjoyed travelling when he could with his wife Terrilyne.
He is predeceased by his father, Harold; his brother, Harley; and his mother-in-law, Wanda.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 38 years, Terrilyne; his mother, Christine; his children: Terre (Jag), Kristi (Mike), Matthew (Christine) and Christopher (Nelinda); his siblings: Jim, Lois, Sharon, Barbara and Karen; his grandchildren: Elias, Livia, Nate, Hailey and Pearl; and his many dear friends.
Thank you to all family and friends who have offered help and support during this most difficult time. A special thank you to all family and friends who visited him in his final days. He will be forever missed and forever in our hearts and memories. A celebration of life will be held at the Christina Lake Community Hall on July 21, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.