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H. Lyell Rodger
June 10, 1927 - June 22, 2015
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H. Lyell Rodger
June 10, 1927 – June 22, 2015
Lyell was born in Quill Lake, Sask. to Bertha and Harry Rodger. In 1937, Lyell, his 3
brothers, and his parents packed up all their belongings and moved to “the land of milk
and honey” aka the Cowichan Valley. His lifelong obsession with learning had its roots
in Duncan Elementary, Bench Elementary, Cobble Hill High School before moving to
Victoria College (at Craigdarroch Castle in 1945/46), Victoria Normal School in 1953/54
(now Camosun College), and eventually U.B.C. where he graduated with a BA in
Education in 1960. His first teaching position was at Fairbridge Elementary where his
young family was housed in the former dormitories of the Prince of Wales Fairbridge
Farm School. Lyell’s career spanned 33 years and took him from teaching positions at
George E. Bonner Secondary and Cowichan High School to administrative positions at
Central Elementary and Bert Bowes Secondary in Ft. St. John and ultimately to Prince
George where he was Principal at Duchess Park Secondary for 9 years before retiring
after 16 years as Principal of Prince George Senior Secondary in 1987. Aside from
learning, Lyell’s other passion was sports. He played semi pro baseball in the early
50’s, raised and showed quarter horses in Prince George, and avidly played golf his
entire life. Retirement brought Lyell and his second wife, Hope Campbell Robinson
back to Vancouver Island in 1993 settling in Parksville’s Morningstar Golf development.
Until the end of his life Lyell lived each moment to its fullest and although his body failed
him his mind was ever curious. Lyell was predeceased by his first wife Margaret in
2012 and his second wife Hope in 2013. Carrying his memory forward are his daughter
Patricia Hill (Byron), son Laurie (Barb), son Kevin (Kim), step-son Ian Robinson
(Margie), step-son Glen, 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, sisters-in-law Alice
Rodger and Joyce Rodger, numerous friends, and legions of students he helped guide
through their educational lives.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Murray Swanson
Relation: Golfing friend and horses
Lyle and I were golf partners for years, we won some and lost some, but we always had a good time ! We were also involved with Lyle and Hope with the horses.
From a friend, condolenses, Murray Swanson
From: Doug Hallman
Relation: Professional Colleauge
To family and friends of Lyell:I arrived in PG in 1981 assuming the Princiipalship of Duchess Park Secondary and worked with Lyell as a colleague until 1987 when Lyell retired and I replaced him as Principal of PGSS. I had a great respect for him, he always put students first. Lyell provided great leadership to our professional association and often provided thoughtful and valuable advice at our monthly meetings. I will remember Lyell as a true gentleman, mild and respectful in his approach to others and a great contributor to our educational community. I am saddened to hear of his passing and will maintain fond memories of him. My sincere condolences to his remaining loved ones, family and I am certain many friends. Doug Hallman, Principal (retired) Prince George 1981 to 1986.
From: Lorraine Drummond
Relation: friend
So sad to lose another friend. Hope and Lyell became dear friends during the times in Prince George enjoying horses together.
I taught Hope to ride starting at age 60. How brave and such trust. Lyell was so proud.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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