Rhoda Fern Blythe

Our amazing Mom and “super-Grandma” Rhoda Fern (Scobbie) Blythe, born September 8, 1920 in Vulcan, Alberta has been reunited in Heaven with her adoring husband, Gordon Blythe, due to complications from cancer on August 15, 2015 in Calgary. She is predeceased by her parents John and Josie Scobbie of Vulcan, Alberta; her brother, Harold Vernon Scobbie, who died as a child prior to Rhoda’s birth; a grandson Chris; and her husband, C. Gordon Blythe of Calgary. She is survived by her daughters Melodee Blythe (her children Robbie and Dancie); Marva (Bob) Dancocks (her children Shari and Michael) and Sandi (Ralph) Shirts (their children D. Gordon and Kristi); 8 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Rhoda began her music education at the age of 3, taking lessons from her Mom. Studying under the direction of renowned Gladys McKelvie Egbert in Calgary (traveling weekly by train), she earned her ATCM Piano Solo Performer’s Degree at the age of 15. She performed with a dance band for the next 5 years. In her teen years, she taught piano and tap dance. She graduated from high school in 1938 and in 1940 accepted a position with the RCMP Intelligence Branch in Ottawa, where she worked on the famous Gazenko case. On December 27, 1942 she and her best friend, Rita Burns, were involved in the Almonte train wreck disaster and were the only 2 survivors in the last coach of the train, which was the first struck by a troop train. While in Ottawa, she met the love of her life – a Basso Profundo – Gordon Blythe, when she was asked to accompany him on piano. They put things on hold while Gordon was in the Army during World War II. Gordon sent a telegram from England asking her to marry him upon his return, to which she replied, “Gordon – Yes – Hurry home – STOP.” They married on July 4, 1945 in Ottawa, relocated to Alberta in 1949, settling in Calgary in 1951. After raising the girls to school age, Rhoda restarted her career in 1960, becoming a fixture in the Philosophy Department at the U of C from 1963 until her retirement in 1982, at which time she was honored with a perpetual scholarship in her name: “The Rhoda F. Blythe Philosophy Undergraduate Scholarship.” Entertaining remained a focal point throughout her life. She was a concert pianist with absolute pitch, accompanying her husband’s singing and magic acts, as well as family ensembles “The Minitones Trio” and “The Rocka-Blythes Quartet”. Rhoda loved the many family camping trips that always included laughter, love and, of course, music. She and Gordon would sponsor many campsite-wide entertainment events each summer. Rhoda took on the role of Mrs. Santa Claus alongside Gordon as Santa through many years of Christmas shows and caroling Christmas Eve, often visiting children who were hospitalized over the holidays. In retirement, she pursued oil painting which she enjoyed for many years. Special thanks to the staff of Sarcee Hospice for their compassion and care during the final days of her life. We are also grateful for the outpouring of love and support from all our friends throughout this journey. Rhoda wanted everyone to know “I’ve had a wonderful life!”. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial