Roddie 'Rod' Eldon Cleave

On June 1, 2019 at 11:55 pm Rod passed away peacefully with his family around him, at the age of 73 years, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Rod will be lovingly remembered by his wife Louise, son Todd, daughter-in-law Cheryl, son Clinton, grandchildren Sam (Madysen), Allison (Oran), Mika, Sean and great-granddaughter Jenna. His sister Nancy, brothers Melvin (Jean), Garry (Judy), brothers & sisters in-law, Vern Richardson (Joan), Eric Richardson (Christine), Dale Hassard (Murray), Gwen Ahlstrom (Dale), Alice Lubbers (Fred), Lynda Wiggins, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Rod was predeceased by his parents Lorne and Thelma, his brother Clifford, his father and mother in-law Gordon and Amy Richardson.
Rod was born on May 17, 1946 at Ochre River and grew up on the family farm.  He attended school in Ochre River.  Rod began his working career at Roy Fordyce’s garage in Ochre River.  He also worked on his Uncle Del’s farm in the Banks district.  At the age of 17, he went to Lynn Lake, MB to operate a cat train in Northern Manitoba.  He returned home in the spring with enough funds to buy a car (a used 1957 Ford Fairlane!).  He worked for a time operating bulldozers in Riding Mountain Park and around Angusville, MB.  For several years he was an owner/operator, hauling gravel/asphalt in the summer, and logs in the winter in Northern Manitoba.  Rod returned to mechanic work at Dennison Motors, later Murdoch Chev Olds.  He also drove Murdoch’s bus, taking hockey teams, Service Clubs around Manitoba.  In 1974 he began grain farming with his brother Garry at Ochre River.  In 1978, he and Louise purchased the Podworny farm at Ochre River and the family moved from Dauphin.  Farming was Rod’s passion and was forever optimistic for “next year”.  His positive attitude and endearing good nature prevailed through some very challenging times. Rod reluctantly agreed to a few vacations - Hawaii, Mexico, Vegas, Tofino, Florida, Texas, Cuba (not impressed) Alaska and Arizona.  He was always checking his watch, counting the number of days remaining until he could return home.
His idea of taking it easy in the winter was heading over to the shop and working on a mechanical project, maybe enjoying a few tastees with whomever dropped by, and there were always visitors!  He most loved that his children and grandchildren lived within a five-mile radius.  He was involved in their lives and wanted to help them in every way he could - either building, fixing, tearing down or digging up - wanting only the best and an easier life for all of them!
Rod’s spirit will live on through his sons, daughter-in-law, grandsons and granddaughters and great-granddaughter as they hold tightly to the many wonderful memories they have.
Funeral Service was held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 1:00 pm from Dauphin First United Church in Dauphin, MB with Ryan Raffray officiating.  Interment took place in Turtle River Cemetery in Ochre River, MB.  Pallbearers were Todd Cleave, Clinton Cleave, Sam Cleave, Allison Cleave, Howard Cleave, Eric Richardson.

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Rod may be made to Dauphin General Hospital Foundation " Palliative Care"  625-3rd St. Dauphin, MB R7N 1R7 or to the Turtle River Cemetery Fund.

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