Roderick F Lewis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roderick Francis Lewis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend and neighbor; who passed away with his wife and children by his side on November 12th, 2024.

He is remembered by the love of his life, Elena Lewis (Fuoco), his wife of over 65 years; his children Laura (Joe), Maria (James), Alex (Gina); his grandchildren Renée (Arnauld), Ryan (Alexandra), Eric (Kat), Benjamin, Zachary (Emily), Alessia and Giulia (Alix); his great-grandchildren Ella, Lévi and Hugo; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors who got to share in his light, cheeky humor and kindness.

Rod was born on April 25th, 1937 in Montreal to the late Francis Lewis and Loretta Traynor. He grew up in Outremont riding horses around Mount Royal and working at Thrift Stores where he met, charmed and married Elena (or as he called her, Helen) on June 27, 1959. From then on, the pair spent the years building a life and a family together, travelling the world, making each other laugh and playing games every night after dinner (where there may have been a bit of swearing in Italian going on). Rod and Elena lit up the dance floor at every party, including the one at their grandson’s wedding in Whistler just this past April.

Rod lived his life with unwavering integrity which also carried through in his work life; whether it be at the neighborhood bakery as a young lad, in the mailroom or in office management. Even in retirement, he started his own landscaping business he lovingly named ELRod.

When we think of Rod (aka Dad, Pops, Gramps, Pappy, and Great-Grampa), we will picture him in his garden tending to his beautiful flowers and plants; eating biscotti, cherry chewies and apple pie; telling an (always inappropriate) story from the head of the table; doing his exercise regimen (Rod was proudly doing 30 push ups every morning until two weeks before his passing) or going for his daily walks around the neighborhood of Elm Park. We will always remember the way he lit up a room and put everyone at ease - no matter if he had known them his whole life or had only met them moments earlier.

Rod was especially proud of the family and community he and Elena built together; with three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, he was the north star of our family and will be missed beyond words. Each of us who have had the benefit of Rod's presence in our life will carry a piece of him with us; be it his gentle spirit, joy and zest for life or endless supply of puns and dad jokes. We will keep the party going in his honour.

As Rod would jokingly say, "Salut la visite!"

Our sincere thank you to Dr Barry Stein, Dr Victor Cohen, Dr Marie Rose Shoucri and the nurses and staff of the Emergency department and the Palliative Care Unit of the Jewish General Hospital. A very special thank you to Dr April Shamy, a cherished friend who helped guide us through our toughest moments.

Visitation will be held at Rideau Funeral Home (4239 Sources Blvd, DDO, Quebec H9B 2A6) on Tuesday, November 26th from 3pm-5pm and 7pm-9pm. A Funeral Mass service will be held at St. Thomas a Becket Parish (4320 Saint-Anne St, Pierrefonds, Quebec H9H 4Y7) on Wednesday, November 27th at 11am with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the JGH Foundation at http://secure.jghfoundation.org/goto/Roderick_Lewis