With great sadness, we share the loss of an inspirational, loving and kind-hearted man, Rod Conte, born March, 1968 and died in July, 2021. The eldest son of Guerrino and Diana Conte (both deceased), Rod is survived by husband and partner of 23 years Eric Blais, his brother Aaron Conte and Rod’s and Eric’s ten-month-old pup Pebbles. Rod was Eric’s partner in joy, love, laughter and personal growth.

Rod’s cousins Catherine Reipas and Patricia Conte, and their children Grace, Anderson and Carrington, were cherished as dear friends. Proud to be Katrielle Blais-Pennock’s uncle as well, Rod looked forward to her visits, which they termed “Toronto Camp” (spa day, Canada’s Wonderland, Stratford Festival, shopping sprees and more). He was also incredibly fond and always had fun visiting with his adopted-family nieces Emily Beaudry and her sister Sophie.

Though Rod began his career in tourism and marketing, he switched gears at the age of 30 to become a high school teacher. Rod became most deeply himself in teaching. Lori Cristillo, Lisa Stirling and Kelly Leblanc, his mentors at Westmount Collegiate Institute, inspired him so much that he chose to work at Westmount throughout his career. He became a guidance counsellor and over time, the counselling- department head. Rod absolutely loved working alongside these faculty members and students, speaking fondly of them all, especially long-time colleagues Nat, Cynthia, and Marta. Rod felt at home within the Westmount Community and enjoyed watching all his students grow and succeed. Most notably, he was so incredibly proud of one of his students: Shane Feldman.

Rod adored Toronto – and Eric would joke about which he loved more: his partner or his city. Rod took great pleasure in pop culture, favouring pop, dance and electronic music (George Michael and Pet Shop Boys being his favourites), and meeting many lifelong friends on the dance floor (Sheela Manek, Jeff Stone, Bill Coulter, Ash Pabani, Paul Simpson, Nick Boyce, to name only a few). He would watch Golden Girls and Frasier reruns repeatedly, sometimes to Eric’s dismay, as if to squeeze every drop of truth and humor from them.

We will miss Rod’s strong physical presence deeply, and are grateful that his joie de vivre, goodness and humor will live on through us who were blessed to know him.

We love you, Rod Conte.