June 24, 1923 - January 6, 2019
It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Leo Rohde on January 6, 2019 with his family by his side. Leo was 95 years of age and, until recently, lived alone and was very independent; he was still driving his car as well as planting and harvesting a very large garden. Leo will be remembered for his dedication to his late wife Martha, who lived in long term care for the last eight years of her life. Leo could be seen going to the cottages faithfully three times a day to help his wife with meals and tend to much of her personal care. Leo was a family man and was a shining beacon to all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Leo, along with his wife, and their three month old son immigrated to Canada from Europe in 1950. The family began their new life at 12 Mile in Revelstoke. The early years were difficult with coming to a new country, unable to speak the language as well as trying to make a living while paying off their debt for their sponsorship. Leo was very proud of the homestead he built at 12 Mile, but with a growing family it became apparent that a bigger house and land was necessary to provide for his family. They then moved to the Big Eddy, where Leo operated a small hobby farm as well as working full time in the logging industry. In later years, Leo and Martha built a new house in Arrow Heights where they enjoyed many years of gardening and hosting family gatherings.
Leo was predeceased by his wife Martha (2013) and his eldest son Valentin (2015); he is survived by four children: Rosa (Henry) Grusen of Nakusp, Nelli (Glen) Richardson, Gary (Niki) Rohde, and Roland (Lori) Rohde, all of Revelstoke, daughter-in-law Kim Elliott of Salmon Arm; nine grandchildren: Elaine and Christine Grusen, Jason and Kyle Richardson, Tyler and Travis Rohde, Ashley Denman, Logan Rohde and Erica Barney: as well as four great grandchildren: Cruz Richardson, Brandon and Logan Barney and Brixton Rohde. Unfortunately, Leo will not be here to meet his fifth great grandchild due in early March.
The family would like to thank Dr. Molder for the many years of complex care he provided for our Dad. We would also like to thank all QVH nurses, lab and x-ray personnel and emergency room doctors that also provided excellent care for our Dad. Last, but not least, we would like to extend a special thank you to Steven Hui and the Pharmasave staff for their excellent service and going the extra mile.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be to the Revelstoke District Hospital Foundation, Box 2421, Revelstoke, B.C. in memory of Leo.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 in the Chapel of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home with Gary Sulz officiating.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to Leo's family by visiting his obituary at: www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.
