Obituaries
Funeral Homes Submit ObituaryMESSER, Malery Rodney "Rod"
July 6, 1948 - November 13, 2024
Livestream has been added to the service for those who can not attend in person. There will be a celebration of his life on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Springfield Funeral Home (2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC), followed by a short reception where people can share their favourite memories of him. (to view the livestream, click the link below)
Rod peacefully passed away at home on November 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was raised in Huntoon, Saskatchewan, the essence of his roots remained a part of his thoughts and memories. After moving to the Okanagan as a young adult and meeting Glenna, he was welcomed by the Todd family in Peachland, BC.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Glenna, with whom he shared 55 wonderful years of bliss, as well as by his children Brendan, Brian, and Elisa, and their spouses. Rod was a proud grandfather to his four beloved grandchildren: Abbott, Bennett, Emelia, and Edith.
A true helper at heart, Rod possessed a remarkable ability to tackle any challenge—he seemed to know how to fix everything—often with just a little time and a few carefully chosen words. He built many houses in the Okanagan and loved to point out the homes he made. He also volunteered as a firefighter in Westbank, helping his community.
Rod enjoyed simple things like going for coffee, hunting, fishing, visiting garage sales, and tinkering in his garage. He loved being with his family, spending time with his pets, and making memories together.
Everyone will remember Rod for his warm heart, sense of humour, and strong spirit. His kindness and love for his family will be missed.
Instead of flowers, the family asks for donations to the BC Cancer Foundation, www.bccancer.bc.ca.
To view the Livestream/recording or send the family condolences, please visit his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/messer-rod (click matching link below).
- Nov 28, 2024
Dear Glenna & family
Rod was just the nicest man and he will be missed by so many.....friends always Bill & Christie - Christie Ewen - Nov 24, 2024
Glenna, we are sorry to hear of Rod's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family. - The Rolke Family - Nov 24, 2024
Glenna and family. So sorry to hear about Rod. Always enjoyed netting up with the two of you for a catch up conversation. Rod was such a caring friendly wonderful man. He did do some work for us many years ago -awesome job! Hold onto your memories. Take good care of yourself Glenna. Sending you our thoughts and prayers. - Don and Sheila kennedy - Nov 23, 2024
Dear Glenna & family, so sorry to see of Rod's passing. You and your family are honestly amongst the nicest of people I've ever had the pleasure to meet.
God bless and rest in peace,
Mike Geddes. - Mike Geddes - Nov 23, 2024
Dear Brendan,
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. I am sure that he is proud of his legacy - a wonderful family of Messers! And Brendan, you are definitely carrying on with his legacy with your strength of character, love for your family and God, your dedication to teaching, and, how much you look like your dad!
Wishing all of you love and peace.
Terri Perrin - Terri Perrin - Nov 23, 2024
Glenna. I am so sorry you lost the love of your life.
He had such a wonderful sense of humor. Whenever I seen him, he always made me giggle.
So glad we got to have a luncheon in July with Rod. He’s still had that twinkle in his eye.. ready to tell a funny joke..You just never knew what was gonna come out of his mouth. Luncheons were never boring with Rod.
Thinking of you. I’m just a phone call away sending all my love. Dianna Piquard - Nov 22, 2024
Dear Glenna & Family
Our sincere condolences, thinking of you during this hard times.
Sending our love. I will always Remember Rod's smile.
Cherish the memories.
Cindy & Gavin Moss - Cindy Moss - Nov 22, 2024
Dear Glenna, Elisa and family!
From the bottom of our hearts
Our deepest sympathy for your loss,
Ralf, Kevin and Annegret Koehler - Annegret Koehler - Nov 22, 2024
Glenna. I was so saddened to hear that Rod had passed. He's at rest now and no
more pain and suffering. He's going to be missed by so many friends. I can see
him and Richard in our shop cutting up moose and elk. They were quite a pair. My
prayers are with you and your family on his lose. Love Genie, Christie and Annette - Genie Voth - Nov 22, 2024
Glenna & Family, Sorry to hear about Rod. Larry & Isabel Clements - Isabel & Larry - Nov 22, 2024
This world has lost truly a good soul.
Rod was a big part of our fire department family.
I was always impressed with his calmness and skills.
Rod could be counted on for fire calls, fundraising, family and sporting events.
It was a pleasure to be in his presence.
Rest in peace Rod.
Condolences to the Messer family - Gary Wingerak - Nov 22, 2024
Dearest Glenna, I am so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family! - Verena Buttenaar Blum - Nov 21, 2024
Glenna & family….You will be celebrating a life well lived & mourning that there was not more of it for all of you to spend with Rod. His warmth, his mischievous smile, his love of life shows through in the photo you chose. Like many others, we live surrounded by his carpentry skills! I hope all your memories will help fill the huge gap in your lives. Sending love & hugs, Jennifer & Gary - Jennifer Reece - Nov 21, 2024
So sad to hear of Rod’s passing. He will be missed by so many. Always a delight to meet Rod when out somewhere.
We are thinking of all the family at this very sad time. With hugs - Stan, Anne, Julie and Mark Coster - Nov 21, 2024
Dear Glenna & family
What a great legacy Rod leaves behind. He was a good friend & we’ll always think of him with a smile. We are fortunate to have daily reminders of his carpentry skills all over our home.
May the Lord comfort you and give you peace. Hugs & much love.
Al & Elva & family.
- Elva Webber - Nov 21, 2024
Glenna and family
The signature smile is in the hearts and minds that knew this great man. Always felt uplifted after speaking with Rod. What a legacy hes left with a trunk full of good memories. Hugs to you
- Dale and Diane Wittich - Nov 21, 2024
Condolences Brian and your family...You have to do good bike trip to honour your dad. All the best going forward...keep does memories alive.
- [email protected] - Nov 20, 2024
So sorry Glenna he will be missed and that forever smile hugs Deb Manderson -
Panich - Deb Manderson Panich - Nov 20, 2024
Dear Glenna and family, my condolences in Rod's passing. Rod was such a special neighbour and so cheerful and smiling. I am sorry for your loss. Elizabeth Chalmers
- Elizabeth Chalmers - Nov 20, 2024
Dear Glenna and family, I am so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. He was definitely one of the nicest guys that you could ever meet. His eyes always had a twinkle in them, making you believe that he was up to something! I know that you will be surrounded by the prayers and the community - Ann falkenberg - Nov 20, 2024
Glenna and family, so very sorry to hear of Rod's passing, always quick with a story or a joke, he put a smile on the face of everyone he met, sending prayers and our sympathies to you all. - Jen and Brian Warkentin - Nov 20, 2024
So sorry to hear of Rods passing, I knew him through the Building Supply Industry and he was a fantastic human being, the world was a better place with him in it!! Rest in Peace my friend. - Russ Hickson - Nov 20, 2024
Dear Brendan and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I have fond memories of your mom and dad giving their support as you went through school. I remember him mostly with the framing hammer and the tape measure hanging from his carpenter's belt. I appreciated his advice and counsel. Ricci passed only three weeks ago and I understand your mom's loss as well as the grief you must be feeling losing such a great dad. I pray for your strength during this time of loss and pray that God will
comfort you and your entire family as you celebrate a life well lived.
- Ed Tonn - Nov 20, 2024
Glenna and family,So sorry to hear of Rod’s passing.He was such a nice guy with a great smile.Sending our condolences at this difficult time.Sherry and Jan Mortensen - Sherry Mortensen - Nov 20, 2024
Brendan and family, So sorry to read of your dad's passing.
- Daryl Utigard - Nov 20, 2024
Glenna,Brendan,Brian and Elisa and all your family,
My thoughts are with you .Think of the wonderfull memories you made together, Rod was a large part of them all Hugs
Doris and family - doris schut - Nov 20, 2024
Just fondly remembering the house he built us on Gates Rd and all the many years in the Westbank fire dept.. - Barry and Deb Magee - Nov 20, 2024
Glenna and family, I am so sorry to hear of Rod's passing. He was a good man and will be missed beyond measure by all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Joanne Greenhough - Joanne Greenhough - Nov 20, 2024
Glenna and family
So sorry to hear the loss of Rod. He was wonderful person and always took time to talk and his forever smile
Yes he was always able to fix anything and help you when needed
We go back very long time ,first as neighbours at Green Bay
Love Linda and Marcel - Linda - Nov 20, 2024
Our sincere condolences Glenna and Family on Rods passing. Rod was such a nice guy he will be missed by all of us who knew him. You both raised a wonderful family that gave Rod much happiness and pride.
Sending love and hugs to you all.
Sincerely Shirley Hall, Dennis Hall and Family and Steve Hall and Family. - Shirley Hall - Nov 20, 2024
Glenna and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing, he put up a hard fight. I will miss his smile, the twinkle in his eye. He always had a story to share and kind words whenever we got to chat. My father, Dick Buzza (d) R.A. Buzza Heating & AC thought very highly of Rid and his work ethics. Sending big hugs your way and heartfelt condolences. Leanne - Leanne Buzza-Garcia - Nov 19, 2024
Glenna and family....Rod was such an amazing man...loved his smile and always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye.... Praying for you all that God would comfort you in His arms and give you peace and a smile in your heart as you hold on to all the memories you have made. .Hugs and love..... - Irene & Bob Balehowsky - Nov 19, 2024
Glenna and family, please accept our sincere condolences. May your special memories give you some peace during this difficult time.
Sending hugs,
- Dale and Marilyn Gratton - Nov 19, 2024
Sending love and prayers to the family. - Gayle Hinter - Nov 19, 2024
Our condolences to you Glenna. Rod was an awesome, a great sense of humor, mischievous, just an all round nice guy. Going to miss him grabbing the back of my neck and scaring me in Timmies. Really going to miss him. He gave a good fight though. - Sandi and Herb Giddings - Nov 19, 2024
Glenna,
You know how much Rod’s smile, hugs & love will be missed. The joy that he exuded was contagious! I personally looked for his hugs & smile all the time!! Our condolences, love & prayers to you, Brendan, Bryan, Elisa & their family’s. - Sheldon & Marlene - Nov 19, 2024
Please accept my condolences - so sorry for your loss. Much love and prayers to you all. Xo - Maria Ruiter - Nov 19, 2024
Dear Glenna and family, such a tough time for you all, it will leave a huge empty space in your lives. Keep close with your family and memories
Lorraine Bergman and family - Lorraine Bergman - Nov 19, 2024
So sorry for your loss, Glenna & family.
Linda - Linda Fenton