Kenneth Archie James Rodger

Ken (Kenny) was an expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Ken, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Ken really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

Ken was born on June 20, 1979 at Henderson Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. His parents were Robert Rodger and Christine Konow. Ken was raised in Hamilton, Ontario. Even as a child, Ken had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. Always a good playmate, Ken was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Kenneth managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Ken was raised with two siblings. He had one older sister Fiona and one younger sister Seonad.

All of Ken's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Ken experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in baseball, football and road hockey. In his spare time he liked Exploring the Red Hill Valley and Hiking, movies and video games.

Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Ken was a class “cut-up.” He didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Ken simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Ken, grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. Since experience was Ken's best teacher. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Ken graduated from Glendale Secondary High School in 1999. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Phys Ed. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Walters. During his High School years he was fortunate enough to Win the High School Football City Championship.

Ken never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Ken to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Ken delighted in his role among all his acquaintances. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Ken was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. Ken utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. His dearest friends were, Shawn Madley, Rick Nabert, Jamie Madley and Jon Thompson. Ken loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Ken very easy to approach. On February 4, 2012 Ken exchanged wedding vows with Michelle Catherine Madley at At his Team Kenny Benefit in Hamilton, Ontario. He tried hard not to impose on his spouse. He was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

Ken was blessed with one daughter, Chelsea Madley. Ken had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with Chelsea, that’s where all of his attention was directed. Ken's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience..

At work, as in life, Ken was a real “people person.” He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Ken liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Ken was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Ken's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Ken as an excellent problem solver. Ken worked as a caretaker for 11 years with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board.

To pass the time, Ken enjoyed working in the yard, cleaning the house and cooking. Even though he couldn't enjoy some of the things he loved due to his illness, he enjoyed the things he could do, like playing hide and seek with the cat, collecting movies, watching sports, especially football, as well as his favourite TV shows, Criminal Minds, Jerry Springer and Maury. He always got a great laugh over the last two and the crazy stuff that went on. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends, who helped him compete in football pools, brought him movies, and just chatted with him and kept him company. He really enjoyed his time with the people who loved him.

Ken felt excited and challenged by sports. He loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Ken relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. In high school, Ken played football, and his recreational sports included Golf. Ken was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was football.

Ken was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, Kimo his Chiweenie Dog and Otis his cat. He enjoyed their company very much.

Ken passed away on April 6, 2012 at at his home in the comforting arms of his wife Michelle. His courageous battle with brain cancer ended after 10 years. He is lovingly remembered by his wife and soul mate Michelle, his daughter, Chelsea. Loved and Cherished by his Dad Rob and Peggy Sue Rodger and his Mom Christine and her husband Bill Konow. He will be sadly missed by his mother-in-law and phone buddy Angela and Mike McNamara. He is Loved dearly by his Sisters Fiona and Seonad and brother-in-law Jim Weaver. Cherished by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lisa and Steve Davidson, and shared so much laughter with his niece and nephew, Eddie and Vanessa Weaver, and nieces, Adrianna and Mya Davidson. A Memorial Service honouring his life will be held at the Marlatt Memorial Chapel.

Ken brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Ken Rodger lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.

RODGER, Kenneth Archie James (Ken) - It is with deep love and heart break that we announce Ken’s passing. Peacefully at home in his wife’s arms, on Friday April 6, 2012, Ken was called home to be at peace, after almost 10 years of battling brain cancer. Ken fought with honour, courage and never complained. He always had a smile and a joke for everyone.

Ken leaves behind his soul mate and wife Michelle, and a stepdaughter that he loved just like his own, Chelsea. He was loved and cherished by his Dad Rob and Peggy, and his mom Christine and Bill Konow. He will be sadly missed by his phone buddy and mother-in-law, Angela and Mike McNamara. He was loved dearly by his sisters Fiona and Seonad and brother-in-law Jim Weaver. He was cherished by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lisa and Steve Davidson. Ken shared so much laughter with his three beautiful nieces, Vanessa, Adrianna and Mya and his cool nephew Eddy. He was loved dearly by many Aunts, Uncles and cousins, near and far and adored by so many countless friends. Ken is predeceased by his Granny and grandpa Rodger and Kirsop and his father-in-law Gerald Whalen.

Ken has touched everyone’s life that he knew. He is a man of Strength, Dignity, Love and Respect for everyone. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Ken’s wife would like to thank his nurses Lana, Janelle and his PSW Paula for all the love and respect they had shown Ken in his final days. I can never thank you enough for always being there for us. Thanks also to Ken’s Doctors, Dr. Hirte, Dr. Craigie, Dr. Whitton and Dr. Murty for always showing Ken you cared, and to nurse Jane for always being a phone call away.

Please join with the family at the MARLATT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 615 Main St. East, (one block east of Sanford), to honour Ken’s memory at a memorial visitation on Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 11am – 1pm. A celebration of Ken’s life will follow in the Chapel at 1pm. In memory of Ken, donations may be made to the Juravinski Cancer Centre Foundation. On line condolences may be made by visiting www.marlattfhhamilton.com.

“I Love You to the moon and back and one more round trip!”