It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our loving husband, father and pop pop. Henry (Harry) George Rodford 89 years old, passed away suddenly after a fall on October 21, 2024, at 6:18 pm.
Harry was born on November 8, 1934, in Poplar, England. He grew up during the war. At the young age of 6 years old, during WWII, he survived a bombing in his neighborhood that flattened his family home.
Harry met Eileen in 1958 while both were vacationing with their respective family & friends in Jersey Channel Island and were married two years later in 1960 in Erith, Kent. They lived seven years in Swindon before immigrating to Canada with four small children in 1967.
In May 1969, both he and Eileen were baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses in the gym of Central Peel Secondary school in Brampton. When they moved into Brampton in 1972 there was only one congregation. During their 18 years there, they were able to witness the amazing growth in that area.
Harry worked in the telecom field initially in England working at the GPO (General Post Office) as a telephone technician and continued his career at Bell Canada where he worked for most of his career. He started as a splicer and worked his way up to an Engineer.
Harry loved being surrounded by his family and always loved gardening in the various places he lived. He always loved music especially Big Band/Swing and enjoyed singing. Many may recall his singalongs when he used to drive the school bus to transport brothers and sisters to conventions. Even in his final weeks, he always perked up when the songs came on in the meetings and heartily sang along. He was fond of spending time playing on his harmonica as well.
Harry is mourned by his wife Eileen Rodford, his 5 children Alan (Danielle) Rodford, Sandra (Joe) Ussia, Tony (Joanne) Rodford, Linda Evans, Elizabeth (James) Howell. His 10 grandchildren Christine (Ben) Da Silva, Matthew (Caitlin) Rodford, Joshua Rodford, Michael (Marissa) Ussia, Jennifer Rodford, Nicole (Luke) Tumber, Stephen Rodford, Bryan Howell, Luke (Brianna) Evans, Caleb (Selena) Howell. As well as his 5 great grandchildren Wyatt, Mason, Cole, Katelyn and Archer. As well as his sister Gloria (Ron) Martin. Predeceased by grandson Daniel Rodford, his brothers George and Denis and sisters Jean and Doris.
He will be missed by all who knew him. He is now awaiting his Bible based hope mentioned at Job 14:14,15 “If a man dies can he live again? - You will call, and I will answer “
The memorial service will take place Saturday November 2nd, 2024, at 5 PM (EST) at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 389 Blind Line, Orangeville, ON. Doors will open at 4:30pm. There will also be availability to view the service via an online video tie-in using ZOOM for those who are unable to attend in person. Please contact family members for the information.