Roderick Newby
October 11th, 1960 ~ October 13th, 2023
It is with deep sadness the family of Rod Newby announces his death on October 13, 2023.
Rod is survived by his wife Emi, sister Ann (Haig) and their children Ari, Sarah (Thomas) and
Emma (Jake), his mother-in-law Fujiko, sisters-in-law Michi (Don), their children Kai and Kira,
Yuriko (Jason) their child Brandon, and Tomoko (Ian) their children Devyn and Chayce. He was
predeceased by his parents, Jim and Joan and his father-in-law Ken.
Rod was born in Edmonton on October 11, 1960, where he spent most of his youth. He
graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology as an electrician and took great
pride in his work. He lived in a number of cities before settling in Vancouver, where he met Emi
and where he spent many years working with the IBEW and in the film industry.
Rod was outgoing and gregarious and made friends wherever he went – many of them lifelong.
He loved a good joke, a nice glass of red wine and a well-cooked steak. He also loved speed -
whether it was cars, motorcycles, skiing or windsurfing. His great pride and joy was being a
doting uncle to his nieces and nephews, whom he cherished.
Rod struggled with sarcoidosis and other health complications for many years with an
indomitable spirit. However, the last year had been particularly challenging.
The family would like to thank the many healthcare professionals who supported Rod
throughout the years, particularly Dr. Jorge Denegri who was not only his physician but his
friend.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Lung Association, Canadian Sarcoidosis
Organization, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation are gratefully received.
A celebration of life for Rod will be held on Saturday, November 18 at 11:00 AM at Mountain
View Cemetery Celebration Hall, 5445 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC.
Messages:
Saddened to hear of Rod's passing. I knew Rod from Edmonton and when I moved to Vancouver he was kind enough to let me stay on his couch to look for my own place. We reconnected a few years ago and had the pleasure of hanging out with him a couple of times. Deepest Condolences to Emi and the rest of his family.
My deepest condolences to you and the family. Rod was a good person who always gave of himself and never asked for anything in return. I look back fondly on the time we spent hanging out together.
Rod was my friend after our first elevator ride …always a smile and a hope Ingrid is well...he was a breath of fresh air . Our friendship was casual...yet he made me feel like we had been friends for decades...going to miss those early morning elevator rides....Love and Mad respect Rod...