Rod Palm passed away on Friday, August 25, 2017 at his home west of Rimbey, following a sudden heart attack. His wife, Mary, was at his side.
Born to Ruth and Leo Palm on July 11, 1962, Rod was the seventh of nine children. He grew up on their farm west of Forshee, where the seeds of his character were sown: steadfast work ethic, generosity of spirit, reverence for
nature, and love of learning. A lifelong appreciation for music, and the first sparks of his competitive spirit could also be attributed to this big, boisterous family. Athleticism and drive carried him to the University of Calgary, where he competed as a member of the Thunderbolts track club, and completed a bachelor's degree in Physical Education. "Rod the Runner." From Canadian Cross Country Nationals, to "I Love Rimbey Road Races", "Rubber Boot Opens", international competitions, and Jasper-Banff relays, he chased personal bests and championship titles in good company. The grit and
sportsmanship that he showed on the track were reflected in every aspect of his life. Through marriage, carpentry, fatherhood, coaching, farming, management, and horsemanship, he strove for excellence with discipline, practice, honor, and humor. He never stopped working - on the farm, his business, relationships, or himself. Some of that work was visible, and well-known. A lot of it was quiet, gentle, and softly spoken.
Alongside success and a wealth of happiness, Rod knew immense grief. With strength, vulnerability, and humility, he navigated the loss of his son, Eli; his brother, Gord Palm; his sister, Lois Johns (nee Palm); brother-in-law, Neil White; mother-in-law, Marilyn Negropontes (nee Christensen); and father-in-law, Chris Dann.
Rod's legacy lives on in the places and people he touched. His wife, Mary, daughters, Emma (Jon Weller) and Annika (Adam Greenwood), his parents, Ruth and Leo Palm, siblings: Jocelyn, Barbara, Kathy, Frank, Norman, Don, and in-laws, share his loss with cherished friends, extended family, colleagues, apprentices, teammates, and neighbors.
He loved us fiercely, and we will miss him.
A Public Memorial Service in Celebration of Rod's Life was held at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre, Rimbey on Monday, September 4, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend Deborah Laing officiating. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Rod's Memory may be made directly to the United Way of Central Alberta, 4811 - 48 Street, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 1S6 (www.caunitedway.ca); or to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 5017 - 50 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 4B2 (www.reddeer.cmha.ca).
Condolences to the Family may also be expressed by e-mail to: special_refl ections@telusplanet.net
Service and Cremation Arrangements for the
Late Rod Palm entrusted to the care of
OBERHAMMER FUNERAL CHAPELS LTD.
1-403-843-4445