Lockhart, Rodnie Roy. Suddenly, at St. Josephs Hospital , Hamilton with family by his side on Saturday October 20, 2018 in his 65th year.
Rod Lockhart beloved husband and best friend to Irene Lockhart. Loving father to Nicole Lockhart (Brad), Kris-Anne Huybens (Tony), Tom Lockhart (Jessica), J.R. Lockhart (Carrie). Proud and loving Papa of Jessica Reynolds (Ryan), Breanne Pridmore, Eve Lockhart, A.J. Huybens, Rodnie Huybens, Evan Lockhart, Rosie Lockhart and great grandpa of Isaac and Leah Reynolds. Lovingly remembered by his brothers and sisters Reid Lockhart, Lynn (Gary), Judy (Rich), Nancy (Doug), and Mark Lockhart. Sadly missed by the Hammond family and by his many nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents Roy and Jane Lockhart, brothers Allan and Dale Lockhart and by his granddaughter Claire.
Rodnie was born in Niagara Falls and quickly found roots in Port Maitland. Port Maitland proved to be the place where all his dreams came true. He found his love of his life, his wife Irene. They raised their family by the lake where they lived a life of family and friends constantly coming and going. He made everyone feel welcome. The door was never closed. He even had room for all his furry grandchildren. He never left a family member behind, always finding time to personally take care of and spend time with them. You could even find him showing his love at his granddaughter, Claire’s resting place. No one was left behind. His grandchildren loved him so much. He didn’t even have to ask for their attention, they called upon him, asking to go for Tim Hortons drives or asking for driving lessons down back roads.
Rodnie’s love for hockey was contagious. If there was a hockey game to watch, he was there. Before even having children he tried playing hockey but later turned to coaching others. He touched so many hearts and mentored the players he taught. With many years of experience with kids and hockey he was ready to start coaching his own kids. He went on to coach his grandchildren from the sidelines- his passion and love for the game to be passed on to the next generation. His ability to Coach wasn’t just on the ice. If you had a problem he could coach you through it. Everything was a pep talk and positive. You always left him with an “I can do that” attitude.
Our dad never left a problem unsolved. Without hesitation he built a ramp for his granddaughter so she could still be at all the family events. He lent a family vehicle once to a person in need to drive out west to handle a family issue. When his grandson was diagnosed with diabetes, he was not going to treat him any differently – he made him feel like all the other grandchildren. He was a fixer! No one was going to be broken. There are so many stories of selfless gestures.
Back in 1997 Rodnie found himself without a job, a passion for cars and a family to feed. With the love and support of his family we built the business. Passion, talent and experience proved that his business was going to be a success. Our family watched him put in the long nights and long car rides to see the claims. The side of the business that you did not see was our Mom and Dad working side by side for the last 21 years. She did the books and the letters, he checked every one. He did the claims and answered the phone calls. He never forgot a car. He loved being self-employed and loved sitting on his front porch, having his coffee and staring at the river waiting for the first call of the day. He was blessed to do what he loved every day.
Rodnie was a morbid man. He was always getting us ready for his passing. Nothing has prepared us for it to be so sudden and unexpected. Even Rodnie wasn’t expecting it to be this soon. He devoted the last 6 years to making sure he was healthy and active; quit smoking cigarettes, took up bike riding(18+KM per day), and positive diet changes. Even his grand children couldn’t keep up with him. He wanted to live life the best he could. He always had something on his bucket list leaving nothing undone.
Our house that is full of love and happiness is because of him. He made a beautiful family that carries a piece of him. He couldn’t wait to see his family all together in one room. Always a picture taken, always a hug, kiss and a fist pump. We will miss his sound advice and his soft listening ear.
Friends may call at JW Hart Funeral Home, Dunnville on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm with Funeral Service in the Chapel on Wednesday October 24, 2018 at 11:00 am followed by cremation. Donations to Juvenile Diabetes Research via JDRF.ca, Team HOTROD, a cause which touched Rod’s heart and many of his family members. Any support would be appreciated. Online condolences jwhartfuneralhome.com
jdrf.akaraisin.com/pledge/Team/Home.aspx?seid=15533&mid=10&tid=180572 (LINK to JDRF webpage for Team Hot Rod)
Do not mourn for me,
for I have not left you.
Look in the eyes
of my children and grandchildren
And you will find me there.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of LOCKHART Rodnie Roy 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Dunnville, Province: Ontario