KELLER, LCol Rodney (ret’d)

Passed away suddenly and tragically, in Guelph, on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at the age of 49. Beloved husband of Laura and adoring father of Gabriel, Hannah & Paige. Much loved son of Henny Brydges of Courtenay BC and adored son-in-law of Dave & Mary Lou Sharpe of Guelph. He will be greatly missed by his sister Susan Harris (Tim) of Nanaimo BC; his step-brothers Rob Brydges (Jen) of Milton and Scott Brydges (Pam) of Montreal; his brothers-in-law Mike Sharpe (Tracey) of Guelph and Mark Sharpe (Ronda) of Rockwood. Fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews Nick Sharpe (Mandi) and Mandy Sharpe of Guelph; Ashley, Nicole and Michael Harris of Nanaimo BC; Jack, Will & Joey Sharpe of Rockwood; Mercedes Ready-Campbell of Guelph; Beck & Cole Brydges of Milton; and by his great-nephews Noah and Patrick. He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Rod was pre-deceased by his father, Frank Keller of Germany.   Rod was born in Kitchener, but moved to Guelph at a young age. He attended GCVI and went on to graduate from Royal Military College in 1989 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Rod served his country proudly as an Engineer Officer in the Canadian Army for 26 years. He was especially proud of his tours to Bosnia and Afghanistan, along with his time as Base Commander of CFB Suffield. Upon retiring from the Army, Rod returned to his hometown and joined the City of Guelph as the General Manager of Operations.   Rod believed in a life of service to family, community and country. He loved sports, had an amazing knack for sports statistics and especially loved the Guelph Storm. He was a faithful parishioner at St. George’s Anglican Church. He was never happier than on a golf course, and fittingly spent his final moments at his much-loved Country Club.    Friends will be received at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph, on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at St. George's Anglican Church 99 Woolwich St., Guelph at 11 a.m. Cremation to follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. George's Anglican Church Building fund or to Soldier On would be appreciated by the family. Donation cards are available at the funeral home 519-821-5077 or send condolences at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com