Rodney Ellis

10-Jun-1944 - 13-Aug-2023

Obituary Overview

Rodney "Rod" William Ellis


It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Rod at home with his beloved wife Nancy by his side on August 13, 2023 (their wedding anniversary).

Loving husband of Nancy Patricia (nee Sears) of Montreal for 57 years to the day. Cherished father of Heather (Stewart) and proud grandfather of his granddaughters, Caitlyn and Jordan. Also survived by his younger sister Patricia Green and family. Predeceased by his parents Ralph and Rita Ellis, both of Montreal.

Rod was born in Montreal on June 10, 1944, spent part of his childhood in Port Colburne, returning to Montreal for his high school years. He graduated from high school in Dorval and joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1962. Rod proudly served with distinction for 34 years and retired in 1996 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his career in Communications, he was posted to bases throughout Canada as well as a two-year stint in Bermuda. During this time Rod became interest in Amateur Radio communications, an interest that continued throughout his life.

Upon his retirement he became involved with (the) 631 Legion, serving as president and past president. Rod also volunteered with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and served as the area co-ordinator. He was also a Red Cross volunteer with the Disaster Relief Service.

In his younger years, Rod had fun playing sports such as broomball but later discovered a love of golf and played as much as possible from the beginning of the season to the very end.

Rod was a quiet man with a very dry sense of humour. He was a proud Navy man to the end and dearly loved his family and friends.

Guests are invited to the Gordon F Tompkins Township Chapel (613-546-5150), 435 Davis Drive, Kingston, on Monday, August 21, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by the Memorial Service at 1:00 pm.

Rodney Ellis

Funeral Details

  • Visitation

    Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Home - Township Chapel

    Event Times:

    21-Aug-2023 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

  • Memorial Service

    Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Home - Township Chapel

    Event Times:

    21-Aug-2023 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

  • Reception

    Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Home - Township Chapel

    Event Times:

    21-Aug-2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

More Details & Directions



Condolences from family and friends

Posted by Mary Cooper | 20-Aug-2023


To Nancy and family, we are sorry to hear that Rod has passed. Please accept our sincere condolences. Remembering you both on postings to Masset, BC and Kingston. Brock and Mary Cooper

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Posted by Ray Lebeau | 20-Aug-2023


To Nancy, Heather, Family Members & Friends, The members of the Canadian Forces Supplementary Radio (SUPRAD) System Oldtimers Association were deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Rod. We sincerely thank Rod for his honourable and distinguished thirty-four years military career in the Royal Canadian Navy, and for his loyal and dedicated service to Canada. Also, we want to say thank you for his valued friendship. We truly appreciated all of the enjoyable times that were shared while on a Trades Training Course, while serving at a SUPRAD outstation or while participating in a sports event. Rod was a proud Navy man, and all those who proudly served with him will forever remember the exemplary manner in which he performed all of his duties and responsibilities as a Chief Petty Officer. Please know that as members of your extended military family, we will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 'Friends Forever'

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