Died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on April 29, 2025 at the Comox Valley Hospital in his 86th year. Rodney was born in Charlottetown on June 1, 1939, in his beloved Prince Edward Island, to the late George Everett Ives and the late Mary Elizabeth (Owen) Ives.
Rodney will be forever cherished and missed by his loving wife, Sheila Ann (Bagnall) Ives of 62 years as well as his dear sons, Paul (Paula), Peter (Nicole) and Jonathan and ten wonderful grandchildren Matthew (Shira), Andrew (Taylor), Sean, Paulina, Nicolas, Annika, Natasha, Evangeline, Virginia and Mack.
Rodney will be fondly remembered by his siblings, William (June), John (Gail), Jim, Douglas (Deborah) and Rosemary (Norman) and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his younger brother, David and his sister-in-law, Mary (Jim). He was especially endeared to his brothers-in-law, the late Ralph (Marie) and the late Allan (Sandra, predeceased) Donna Clark and his dear niece Deborah Jane.
Rodney was a graduate of Prince of Wales College of Charlottetown as well as Dalhousie University and King’s College of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Rodney was appointed as a Chaplain with the Royal Canadian Navy in 1967.
He served at Canadian Forces Bases: Shearwater, Greenwood, Holberg, Rockcliffe, at sea with the Pacific Fleet, Borden and was Command Chaplain (P) Navy, as well as Command Chaplain (P) Air Force before finishing his career as Deputy Chaplain General (P) at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.
A highlight of his chaplaincy career was a posting to Royal Roads Military College (1977-1980) in Victoria, BC. There was no life like it!
Upon retirement Rodney served as Archdeacon of the Diocese of Ottawa at Christ Church Cathedral and subsequently served in the Anglican Diocese of British Columbia at parishes in the Comox Valley, Campbell River and Powell River.
Rodney was especially known for his exemplary oratorical skills. Through sermons, baptisms, marriages, funerals, pastoral care and school assemblies, Rodney showed his compassion for those who served their country in uniform and cared deeply for everyone.
Rodney was an avid golfer, read widely and enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his beloved Sheila and their grandchildren. Rodney will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Following cremation of his earthly remains in Comox, there will be a Funeral Service followed by an Interment and a Reception at the Beechwood National Cemetery of Canada in Ottawa which will take place on Saturday, September 27 at 2:00 pm to which family and friends are invited.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Prince Edward Island as Rodney was a proud alumnus of PWC having met his dear wife, Sheila, while studying there in the late 1950’s.
May his memory be a blessing.
Dear Shelia, Bill, Jim and the families,
I was touched by reading Rod's obituary, particularly the line which stated he will be missed by all who knew him. That certainly applies to me, as I have known Rod from the time I entered the Chaplaincy in 1979, to the time he retired. He was my Command Chaplain in Halifax in the mid-eighties, where I appreciated not only his PEI connection, but his wit, wisdom and counsel.
May the memory of his friendship, family love and presence in your lives, and God's grace, support and guide all of you in the days ahead.
Yours most respectfully,