With heavy hearts, the Vilene family announces the passing of their father and grandfather Rodney Alfred Vilene on August 18, 2014. Born in Shoreham-by Sea, England on July 13, 1944, Rod came to Canada as an infant where his family settled in the Okanagan. As a young man, he moved to Trail where he found employment with Cominco. Soon after, Rod met his wife of 41 years, Colene. Rod was survived by his son, Rodney Jr., daughter Ronda (Finlay) and grandson, Justin. Rod was predeceased by his wife Colene Vilene in 2011.
Rod enjoyed many sports having competed competitively for many years in curling, long range target shooting and coaching hockey and softball. He also had a very creative mind and enjoyed writing music and song lyrics, painting, drawing wildlife and current event cartoons. One of his last creations was an archway used at his daughter’s wedding. His sense of humour and jokes will always be remembered!
He will be missed by many including his brother and sister in-laws, many nieces and nephews in Trail and Vancouver and his dear cousins in the Okanagan. Rod was fortunate to have wonderful friends who were such a support throughout his life and especially after the loss of Colene.
At the request of their father, the family will not be holding a memorial service but would encourage those wishing to honour their father to make a donation in his memory to either the Lung Association of Canada, 1750 Courtwood Crescent, Suite 300, Ottawa, ON, K2C 2B5 or the BC Cancer Foundation, Southern Interior, 399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 5L3. Jordan Wren of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca