Rod LaFontaine M.A.Sc., P.Eng. (Ret)

The family of Roderigue ‘Roddy’ LaFontaine regretfully announce his peaceful passing on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, in the early hours of the morning. His passing was peaceful and surrounded by love. Rod is survived by his loving wife Bonnie and proud dad of his sons Louis, Nathaniel, Joshua(Fiona) and Benjamin(Molly).

Born April 14, 1936 in Waubaushene, Ontario, Rod’s family moved to LaSalle in 1940. He is predeceased by his parents Omer and Evelyn (nee Burns) and siblings Edward, Vincent, Philip, Barbara, Dolores and Rosalee. Missed by his wife Bonnie (nee Roy), brothers Joey, Donnie and sister-in-law Joyce.

Later, Rod graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Agricultural Science, the University of Toronto where he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering and he then completed a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Windsor. After completing his formal education, he went on to amass an impressive career with B.M. Ross and Associates, The City of Windsor, St. Clair College, and the Alberta Department of Transportation until 1986.

Rod took great pride in his projects he took on after retirement. Being a co-founding member of the Maitland Trail Association in 1975 and reviving the Association on his return to Goderich in 1986. Rod also co-founded the Menesetung Bridge Association in 1990 which included a drive to save the abandoned CPR Menesetung Railway Bridge from demolition after meeting on New Years Eve with his wife, Bonnie and John Graham. They formulated the steering committee with John and Mary Lo Graham to Save the Bridge. He applied his engineering background to restore the bridge and turn it into a crossing for hikers and cyclists. He was the driving force behind this gorgeous landmark that exists today and can be enjoyed by all. For many years he worked to maintain the local trail system around Goderich including the landowner agreements and Provincial agreements for the Menesetung Bridge on the Tiger Dunlop Trail. He secured on-going funding for projects and published the Menesetung Bridge Newsletter. Rod was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, the St. Peter’s Church Choir, filmed Sunday masses for cable, and St. Peter’s Cemetery groundskeeper.

Rod spent many hours volunteering on the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail Development, commonly known as ‘G2G.’This project involved converting the 126 km abandoned rail corridor lands into a year-round recreational corridor. This linear park now accommodates walkers, hikers, and cyclists as well as snowmobile and ATV use in certain areas. Other trail and conservation projects he completed include Morris Tract, Millennium trail, Maitland woods, Sifto Trail loop and the designating the great 500 year old Heritage Oak Tree at the bottom of the Sifto Trail. He worked with various youth in programs such as EYC, Katimavik, the Willing Workers and the Ministry of the Solicitor General to help maintain the hiking trail system. He spent many years working himself on the same trails; maintaining and rehabilitating sections as needed.

But Rod would say his greatest accomplishments are his children. From a very young age, Rod instilled great values, work ethic, and knowledge onto his children, who he lovingly referred to as ‘varmits.’ Some of his favourite activities included hiking and biking, spending time with his family, and ‘picking away’ at salvage projects that he decided needed to ‘come out of retirement.’ He also enjoyed fixing projects that were ‘buckshee’ (half-assed) and always made sure to do it right the second time around. He also enjoyed taking time to savour the small moments and frequently said ‘you don’t have to do that now.’ When it was time to work, everyone knew as he would yell ‘lets get at-her’ to rally the troops. He also enjoyed snacking on salty snacks while telling the boys ‘these are too salty, you shouldn’t eat these’ and he would then finish the bag.

The world has lost a wonderful man! Even though he is no longer with us, he will live on fondly in our memories forever.

At Rod's request, cremation has taken place. The family welcome everyone to attend the Funeral Mass that will take place at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, 156 North Street, Goderich, on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, would be gratefully appreciated in Rod’s name to One Care (The Goderich Day Center), Pinecrest Recreation Department and the Alzheimer’s Society of Huron Perth.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Falconer Funeral Homes - Bluewater Chapel, Goderich.

Messages of condolence for the LaFontaine family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com

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