Obituary of ALBERT G. ROCHELLE

With both immeasurable sorrow and gratitude for a life well-lived, the family of Rocky Rochelle announces his passing at Saskatoon City Hospital on April 5, 2016. Rocky's journey began in Saskatoon's Westmount neighbourhood as the eldest child of Percy and Isobel (Storey) Rochelle. He grew up in a small house with a lot of love and siblings Freddy (deceased in childhood), Margaret, Evelyn, Irene, and Ken. Rocky attended Westmount School (right across the street!) and graduated from Tech Collegiate. He loved going to Alf and Fanny Cox's family farm (Percy's sister) near Rosetown, where he developed an affection for heavy horses. And numerous maternal aunts, uncles, and cousins enriched his life with Irish charm and humour. Typical of his giving nature, Rocky volunteered for Army service with a couple of his pals at a very young age; he claimed that the unappealing rations in training camp led to an aversion to macaroni! While in the service, he sent his paycheques to his Mom and Dad – keeping just one dollar for himself. Family was paramount in Rocky's life. He and wife Bea (Forde) were engaged on February 14, 1949, and married in August of that year – and he picked out the beautiful ring himself! Their children, Marlene, Dale (Sally), and Lori (Michael) and grandchildren Ryan (Natasha), Trina (Ryan Gallagher), Christine, Ashleigh, Stefanie, Wesley (deceased), and Matthew (Kim) all cherished the time and love he bestowed upon them – they knew they were always first in Dad's and Grandpa's priorities. He was the best hugger ever! Rocky started out as a bookkeeper for C.H. Wentz Lumber Company; after it closed, he continued in accounting with City Lumber. In the early 70s, he found his calling when his friend and former employer, Rupert Wentz, offered him the opportunity to manage the Exhibition Curling Rink. He rose quickly in management ranks and spent many happy and fulfilling years at Prairieland Park, retiring in 1991 as General Manager / CEO. During those years, Rocky attained CFE (Certified Fair Executive) status and enjoyed many friendships with people in the exhibition industry all over North America. After official retirement, he was thrilled to be welcomed as a consultant / representative by his friends at Thomas Carnival, working with summer fairs in Western Canada and maintaining his industry contacts that gave him such joy. Volunteerism was a passion and a commitment that he continued throughout his life. After playing commercial hockey, Rocky turned to coaching in the Playgrounds Hockey League and was Commissioner of the League for seven years. He was one of the core group who established the Riversdale Track and Field Club, serving as a Director for 18 years. He represented the club on the organizing committee for the Knights of Columbus Indoor Games and served as Chair of the Games for 16 years. Rocky spearheaded the group that built Saskatoon's Mayfair Pool and was Sports Coordinator for the 1979 Canada Summer Games. Rocky also served as President and Lieutenant Governor of District 5 Kiwanis; he was a charter member of the Riversdale Kiwanis Club and attained 30 years' perfect attendance. He served on numerous boards over the years, including Oliver Lodge (Past President and still active at his passing), Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame, Saskatoon United Way, and the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions. Rocky didn't seek recognition for his community service, but was humbled and honoured to receive the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2008. He was among the inaugural group inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame, was named one of the Top 100 Citizens of Saskatoon (1982), and was the Kinsmen Club's Saskatoon Sportsman of the Year (1977). Other awards include Kiwanis Legion of Honour, Gordon Aude Humanitarian Award, Life Membership in the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions, Saskatoon United Way W.A. Milne Award, and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal. Even with a busy life of career and volunteer work, Rocky never missed his son's football or basketball games or his daughters' baton competitions, cheerleading, music recitals, or drama performances. He was active in the children's Home and School – always ready to lend a helping hand and participate in any project going. He was a wonderful son to his parents, always taking time to visit or drive them to the lake for the weekend. Rocky and Bea enjoyed travelling to exhibition industry conventions all over North America and on personal trips to Jasper and Banff, Vancouver, Montreal, Las Vegas, Ireland, San Antonio to visit Dale and Sally, and numerous wonderful trips to Hawaii. For many years, they enjoyed vacations and weekends at Waskesiu and the family cottage at Emma Lake. Rocky enjoyed many years of sporting pursuits, particularly curling and golfing with "the boys" – including, of course, the necessary social activities afterward! Rocky's passing leaves a huge void in our family, but we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have had him in our lives for so long. We know that we could never have imagined a better husband, father, and grandpa and we will miss his inspirational presence in our lives every day.