Obituary – Rodney James

THE Fa Feature SALE GROUP

would like to extend our heartfelt and sincerest gratitude to all of those who attended the sale online, in-person, and who o ered their support placing bids and purchasing our consignments. A special anks goes to ese buyers:

Fourthlane Farms Balamore Farm Limited, NS Macks Charolais Rosso Charolais, SK Cedarlea Farms, SK McCracken Farming Inc. Robert Cole PGMC Charolais Triple K Charolais

Blackbern Farms Harolyn Farms, QC Pleasant Dawn Farm, MB Glen Tubman, QC Springside Farms, AB Cedardale Charolais Steppler Farms Ltd., MB Lackluster Charolais Chad Dingwall

Wagsta Farms Ron-Way Livestock, QC MacArthur Farms Brian Archer Ferme Daniel Brunet Royale Charolais, QC Valley View R & J Fraser Farms Ltd. Railhaven Farm

From our families to yours, Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023!

OBITUARY

Rod passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Tudor Manor, Okotoks. We were so happy to have celebrated his 90th birthday this July with many family and friends. Rod is survived by one sister Marjorie, brother in law Herb, his three children Bob (Heather), Lorna (Cathy), Ann (Ron), stepdaughter Heather (Keith), stepson Rob (Barb), 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and one great great grandson, plus a very large extended family. He was predeceased by grandson Randy.

Rodney had cattle, especially purebred cattle, in his blood from an early age. Improving Canada’s beef herds was paramount through his life. He was one of the first to bring Charolais from the States in 1958, (at the age of 26), was instrumental in bringing Charolais, Simmental and other breeds from Europe, started several beef breed magazines including the Charolais Banner in 1966 and was part of it until 1983. He set up a beef operation in Nova Scotia, and started Purebred Sales Management companies to market these new breeds. Charcan and later Transcon Livestock Corp. sales management companies and selling Simmental and Charolais, were the passion for most of his life. He was supported by his first wife Pearl through these endeavours.

Then in 1985, in a major departure from the beef industry, Rod and second wife Mernie purchased the Ginger Tea Room on main street Okotoks. When there wasn’t a square

Rodney James

July 26, 1932 – December 2, 2022

inch in that building not filled with merchandise, and tea room area was too small, they decided they had to expand and built the new Ginger Room on Riverside Drive, moving in May of 1990. They ran that business until 2001.

The Ginger Room and land base became important in different ways. The back acre was sold and it and an adjoining parcel became the Heartland Retirement Complex where he resided after selling his house. The Ginger Room building was purchased by the Okotoks United Church and they built a beautiful sanctuary on the back where his service will be held.

The service will be held at the Okotoks United Church, 1:00 pm, Thursday, January 5. If you choose, donations may be made at Parkinson.ca.