After a courageous battle with cancer, we are saddened to announce the passing of Roderick (Rod) MacQuarrie at the age of 80.
Rod was predeceased by his parents, John and Dorothy. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Linda; daughters Jill (Layton), and Heather (John); grandchildren Taylor and Logan; his brother Donald and sister Linda, plus numerous extended family and friends.
Rod was born in Winnipeg in 1941, growing up in the St. James area and completing his formal education in 1959 at the St. James Collegiate. His first job was with the City of Winnipeg Auditors Department, where he found his career calling and enrolled in the CMA (CPA) accounting program. Rod completed his designation for this in 1971. In 1967 Rod was recruited by the Roblin administration, to assist in setting up the Retail Sales Tax Administration.
Rod retired from the Manitoba Finance Department in 1999 after 30 years of service. At this time, he was encouraged by a local law firm to pursue his own consulting company based on his extensive experience with tax legislation. It was then that Rod proudly started MacQuarrie Consulting Services, which he operated for 14 years until he decided it was time for full retirement in 2013.
In 1968 Rod married the love of his life, Linda Harper, often saying that marrying Linda was the luckiest day in his life. Not only did he get a great companion in life, but also had the pleasure of having the best mother and father-in-law that a person could ask for, in Hugh and Kay Harper. Rod and Linda started their family together and raised their two daughters, Jill and Heather after setting up residence in the Maples.
Rod was active as a youth in sports of all kinds, he was a member of the Winnipeg Canoe Club throughout the 1960’s and was a 20-year member of the Seven Oaks Wellness Center, where together with his wife Linda, they had many close friends there. Rod always enjoyed his travelling days with Linda, when they would frequent Atlanta Georgia, Palm Springs, and British Columbia. Rod was a loyal Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers fan, never missing the chance to watch a game. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events.
Rod’s battle with cancer was brief, but he showed his true courage in facing life challenges. Despite the pain, Rod came out a hero and stayed strong right to the end.
Rod’s family would like to extend a special thank you to one of Rod’s closest friends Jerry Trodden, for always being there for him. Also, to Samir from the St. Boniface Hospital for giving Rod the courage, respect and dignity needed in his last few days.
Keeping with Rod’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
~ A Fathers Love is Eternal & Without End~
8 thoughts on “Roderick John MacQuarrie”
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Linda and family. Veronica (from the Wellness)
We are so sorry for your loss. We will sure miss seeing his smiling face at the gym . Ivan & Judy
We are so sorry about your loss. Take care.
Rod was a great conversationalist and always had an interesting perspective on issues . So sorry to here of your loss.
Al from the gym
Linda & family…our deepest sympathies on Rod’s passing. We will miss emailing jokes back and forth as we had similar humour styles. Who knew you could make a great email buddy through a house sale. Our hearts go out to you all.
Jerry & Candis
Linda and Family,
We are very saddened to learn of Rod’s passing, he was always so cheerful and friendly and a wonderful neighbour at Aspen Meadows. Ben enjoyed his informative banter and friendship at the Wellness over the years. He will be greatly missed.
Our heartfelt sympathies,
Ben & Caroline Tuan
1255 Leila
Dear Linda & Family – Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear Rod.
It was nice for Hank & Rod, with us included, to have reconnected to reminisce about some of their youthful memories over lunch…..especially our lunch in Palm Springs.
Henry & Karen Krysanski
Rod and I met in 1966 during our First Year studies leading to professional accounting designations and we graduated together November 1977. We attended study groups and discovered mutual interests that lasted a life time. I was honoured when Rod asked me to be a Groomsman in the 1967 wedding party to Linda Harper and “the luckiest day of Rod’s life”. I watched as Rod’s family grew, Jill and Heather, and he followed my family of three girls where occasionally we compared favourable notes. Rod was an excellent auditor/accountant and he was a major credit to the Manitoba Finance Department. I will, and already, miss our chats that ranged, sometimes, from the sublime to the ridiculous, never boring, “always on point”. Rest easy Rod, your legacy will do you proud as you and Linda lived and loved as true Husband and Wife.