It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to many, Rod Prewett. Rod died peacefully, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family on May 26, 2019.
Rod leaves behind his adoring wife Judi Prewett, his beloved children Spencer, Jacqueline (Pelle) and Brendan (Naomi), each of whom were so very proud of Rod, his beautiful grandchildren Charlie and Freja, and his cousins Russ (Irene) and Jim, nephews Nick and Ben, nieces Michelle, Angela and Rayne. He was also much loved by his sister-in-law Edris (Val) and brother-in-law John (Suzanne). Rod was predeceased by his parents, Rhoderick and Shirley, and his siblings Ed and Kitty.
Rod was born in Victoria on August 4, 1950. He graduated from BCIT in Building Technology in 1974 and enjoyed a vibrant career, first within government, and later as the founding partner of Durwest Construction Management.
Rod always said he wanted to leave this earth with something to show for it – and show for it he did, leaving a legacy of exceptional building projects over his lifetime. In the early 2000s, Rod envisioned a much-needed senior’s residence in Oak Bay, and Carlton House of Oak Bay was born. Rod worked with tireless passion to bring Carlton House to life. Supported by his business partners’ Steve and Betsyn Clark, and wife Judi, Carlton House was Rod’s proudest accomplishment as a developer, co-owner and operator.
Beyond these works, Rod was a person of ideas who liked to get things done. He was kind and generous, charismatic, fun and outgoing and was always there for his family, whose endeavors he supported unconditionally – he lived for his family. Rod will be remembered as someone who brought people together and made sure everyone felt welcome and had a good time. He will also be remembered as someone who could not stop himself from renovating every house he ever lived in! Just ask Judi.
The family wishes to thank the following people for their support; Edris, who helped to ease Rod’s final days with great love, care and comfort, Deb Braithwaite for her invaluable advice and support, the Hospice PRT and Home Care nurses, and the doctors who helped care for Rod through his illness. To each of you, we are so grateful.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Rod and Judi’s home on Sunday, July 28 from 2-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your charity of choice or Victoria Hospice are appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Danuta Bennett & Ron Hawrysh
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Lisa Farrell Dear Jackie,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I only knew him briefly but he was a lovely man. What a sad time for you and your entire family. My prayers are with you, Jackie. Much love,
Lisa (Dr. Handley’s office)
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Russ Godfrey My wonderful funny animated charismatic handsome cousin brother. I will be broken hearted forever at losing such a soul mate family member, who against all odds soared to the top when he found his beautiful muse, Judi. I loved him more than I can fathom. We shared many adventures during our 68 years together. He taught me more about life and dignity than I can ever explain. He was my guide. A wonderful father, husband, cousin, brother, who just nailed all of those categories far better than most people I know. He more than enriched me and my family. He cared about me and never let me forget it. Till our spirits reunite Rod, I will love you forever.
Your indebted and loving cousin, Russ.
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Anne Greer Judi,
I am so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. I will remember him as a wonderful man, always friendly and smiling. He always made time to stop by my desk to say “hello”.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Anne
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Joe Newell Dear Judi,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. It was with deep sadness that I read about Rod’s passing….Friday’s paper read Monday morning. Rod was a man of true passion and belief in what he was doing. I only worked with him on Carlton House but those few years while Rod, you, Bas and myself worked to get it built, were inspirational and a real pleasure for me. His relentless humour and refusal to give up in the face of opposition and his continual support and care for the place and the people of Carlton House will never be forgotten. We worked together occasionally after that, on small projects to further improve Carlton House and it was always a pleasure to work with Rod and enjoy his great humour. I am truly sorry for your loss.
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Michele Allden I remember Rod as a very kind man, always had a story, a smile and a great sense of humour. My thoughts are with you and your family.
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Nancy Kenyon Dear Judi – I was so grieved to read of Rod’s death. You won’t remember me personally, but I am one of the Probus members who so delighted in your hospitality at your previous home, and who so much enjoyed Rod at Probus. An intelligent, warm and witty man, modest and generous. Your loss is great and I sympathize with you greatly.
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allen eng My favorite moment of Rod and his wonderful sense of humor was when we went to China on a tour and we were on a boat on the Yangtze river and we were playing Charade in the cabin and he had us guessing the words “Peking Duck.” He covers his eyes, flap his elbows and peeks under his arm at us all the while flapping his arms like wings. needless to say, he brought the house down with is antics. Gis birthday parties was a legend and was well attended by family and friends. Rod was one of a kind as a person with a big heart. He will be missed.
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Gillian Fuller To All Of Rod’s Family, I just wanted to send you all my sincere condolences on the passing of such a wonderful & caring man as was Rod & more so as he was & always will be My Hero, as he saved my life years ago.
Here’s Why: Years ago when Carlton House was just in the planning stages, I met Rod on Chaucer Street one day as I was walking my little dog & Rod asked if I wanted to see his plans for it & I said yes, so he then showed them to me & also told me that one thing he was going to make sure of was that anyone who will be living on the first floor would be allowed their animals, as he so loved his own.
After Rod showed me his plans & was walking back to his truck, a Rottweiler escaped from one of the old houses that used to be there (where the Carlton House is now) & came running straight at me & my dog (who jumped into my arms) with his teeth showing ready to bite & I screamed…the next thing I knew was Rod was right there & had grabbed the Rottweiler & shoved him back into his yard & was able to put something up against his gate so he couldn’t get out again, then Rod came to us to make sure we were alright. If Rod hadn’t been there that afternoon, I probably wouldn’t be here now as Rod saved both my life & my dog’s life that day & I have & will always remember Rod for that, so that’s why he is & will always be My Hero.
After that I used to see Rod every now & again as I live right next door to Carlton House in the apartment building & we always stopped for a little chat & I always gave him dog biscuits for his dog.
Please know that Rod will forever be in each of your hearts, he will always be with each of you in spirit & one day, each of you will see & be with him again.
Plus all of you will be in My Special Thoughts & Prayers.
Take Ever Such Special Care & Gentle Hugs,
Gillian xox
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Tim and Janet Tullis A true friend can never be replaced, only remembered with Love.
Keeping you close in thought.
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Andrew Butler and Kathy Lamb Our dear friend Judi, we are so sad to hear of Rod’s passing. You and the family have lost a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. We have been blessed to have Rod in our lives too. We cherish the many get-togethers we’ve enjoyed over the years with Rod as the ultimate host. What a fun loving and joyful soul he was. Rod had that intuitive gift of making each of us feel welcome and special. Whenever we hear bongos, we will surely think of him. Please know you are in our thoughts at this most difficult time. Rod will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. Love from Andrew and Kathy.
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Sue Johnston So sorry about Rod. He went to the same high school and was best man at our wedding. He was a great guy. So full of life. This news has come as such a shock. Devastating for your family. My condolences to all.
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Roger Husband Rod was the star of our class at BCIT (1972-1974). He will be remembered for his humorous interaction with the teachers, his kindness and his uplifting attitude.
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Kevin Walker We are so saddened by the news…Rod was a great guy that always took the time to figure out how he could help others out.
When we were building the Oak Bay Beach Hotel he had so much sage advice that was offered unfettered, choice of architect, working with Oak Bay Council, how to talk construction – (we laughed a lot about that), what to do with the difficult times, and the celebrative moments. Even when we weren’t in the same neighbourhood he made the effort to make sure we were still part of the Carlton House, Rod and Judy family.
Judy we are so sorry for how this must be for you. He loved you dearly that was plain to see. His legacy lives on in all that he built, but more importantly in the life you built together.
Brunch won’t ever be the same…
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Nicole and Floris (the dutchies) So sorry to hear about Rod’s passing away. He and Judi were so kind, hospitable and generous to us when we came over to Canada years ago. It made our holliday extra special and never to be forgotten. We wish you all the best in this difficult time. May the good memories keep him alive.
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Barry (Bas) Smith Dear Judi,
The sad news of Rod’s passing came as an unexpected shock this Friday morning. I have many wonderful memories of working with Rod, in particular on his visionary Carlton House in Oak Bay. Rod was a delightful man, full of humour, a man who brought fun to everything that we did together. He made the world a better place, and he will be missed. We are very sorry for your loss, and send you and your family our heartfelt condolences.
Bas Smith and Annette Laurin
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Greg Garnett Judi
It is with great sadness that I have learned the news of Rod’s passing. The three of us had many laughs together as I navigated my way thru the Victoria real estate world as a new Calgary transplant. I will always value our past relationship and in these days of sadness be rest assured that Rod did make a difference in this community.
All the very best. Greg Garnett
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Deb Faurot Judi, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved husband and best friend Rod. There are no words that can make this easier for you, but I will be thinking of you during this challenging time of coping with the sadness of your loss.
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Seona and John Stephen We will sorely miss Rod’s larger than life presence. He took a chance to hire me away from a previous employer to accompany him in building Carlton House, during which time he taught me much about construction, even to the point of becoming fluent in a second language. Little did I know that he and my husband, John, had overlapping careers with the provincial Ministry of Forests, which naturally lead to many an interesting conversation over the ensuing years. Those times were filled with laughter and tall tales, and enduring friendship which will never be forgotten. We send you our love and support, and look forward to many more years of wonderful friendship.
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Jessica Dear Judi,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I am saddened by the news and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Rod was such a fun guy, genuine and kind and I could see so much love between you two. When we did the tour all together in China, it as really fun getting to know both of you. We played charades and he had to act out “Peking duck”. Lol the most hilarious thing to see. I will miss him.
Alan & Jeanne’s daughter,
Jessica
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greg harney Judi, as you know better than anyone, Rod was tenacious and courageous, never gave up against all odds, and with you and your support won the ultimate battles. I am deeply sorry for your loss, and particularly the abbreviated enjoyment of the fruits of your respective labours. A great man, more friend than client.
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Neil Tran I feel blessed to have known Rod. He was a super classy guy, full of life, and you can’t help but smile when he was around. I will miss him dearly. Sending you lots of love Judi.
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Anne Kadwell My thoughts and love goes out to all of you
Rod was a person who really inspired me, gave me strength, taught me a lot about project management and life while figuring out how to schedule trades people! An amazing man, I have no words.. Rod will be missed, and always in our hearts and memories….
Hugs…
Anne
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Dawn Woodruff Thrasher Dear Judy, my sincerest condolences, I was shocked and saddened by the announcement of Rods passing. What a kind and generous man and so talented. He always made me feel welcome in your home during the move, loved getting to know both of you over several glasses of wine.
Thank goodness you have such a lovely family to support you through this difficult time. I am holding you in my prayers.
He was well regarded and has left an amazing legacy.
Take care and know he will always be near you, the love of his life.
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Tim and Diane Hackett We too are shocked and saddened with Rod’s passing, he was larger than life and this makes it very difficult to except. Rod was truly talented, had an incredible imagination, and his legacy will be all the amazing volume of work he accomplished over his lifetime. I felt very sad today, driving by Carlton House and seeing the Canadian flag flying at half mast; all the old folks he cared for and he has gone, life is not always fair. More than anything else, Rod was a wonderful person who loved people and enjoyed entertaining friends, he knew how to have fun, there was always laughter! Rod lived life.
Judi and family, please except our heartfelt condolences, we are very sorry for your loss.
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Moe Saunders Judi I am so sorry for your loss. Rod was always smiling and had a joke to make me chuckle. He definitely left the world to soon but he did leave this world a better place because he was in it. My heart goes out to you and the rest of the family.
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Lonnie Shaw Hi Judy, we are all so saddened by the passing of Rod. No mere words can express our sorrow or lighten your heart at this time. The family legacy will live on in all that he did.
Deepest sympathy
Lonnie Shaw
Surfside Staff
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Heather Nicholson Judi, Jackie and Spencer I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, my condolences to you. Rod was a fun man with many jokes and left the world with many smiles and chuckles. He is missed for sure. Big Hugs to You All.
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Deborah Greenwood Dear Judi,
Words could never express how shocked and saddened we were to hear of Rod’s passing .
Please know we keep you in our heart and prayers .
We are truly blessed to have shared some very happy memories with you and Rod ( and John and Seona).
Our thought are with you …
Deborah and Nigel Greenwood
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Steve and Betsyn Clark So Sad to say so long to a great friend and business partner.
Rod envisioned things I could never see. Because of Rod, Carlton House exists. Literally he changed so many lives including mine. Residents, their families and our employees all lived better because of Rods vision and commitment. We all will continue to make him proud.
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Bruce Ralphs Rod was a dear and close friend and supporter to me and my family since the late 80’s. Together with Judi, we have many fond memories and hours or fun, laughter and meaningful conversations and quality time shared. It is with profound shock and loss we, as a family, will continue to realize Rod’s no longer here. I can hear him saying “Noooooooo!” Bless you Rod. Judi, your loss is great and we are truly sorry. I know you will have support from family to friends and we can be counted upon there too. Ironically, the extreme breadth of support you will experience is very much due to Rod impact on so many and the love we share for him, and for you! God bless you. Cheers Rod (Scooper!)
Dear Judi,
We’d like to offer our heartfelt sympathies and sincere condolences Judi. We are still in shock about your sudden loss and can’t imagine the tremendous heartbreak you must feel losing your partner in life. We know you have many fond memories to look back on and we can only hope they bring some comfort to you during this difficult time. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts.
Wishing you strength and support,
Danuta and Ron