Roland Clarence Peddle
December 7th, 2017
PEDDLE, Roland Clarence
1931 - 2017
Roland Clarence Peddle from St. John's Newfoundland passed away peacefully at his residence in Lethbridge Alberta on December 7th., 2017, with family by his side. Left to remember and cherish his 86 years of life are his beloved wife of 58 years, Barbara, daughter Janice, son Derek; Janice’s husband Andrew Kurmey and children Aaron (Sara) and Lauren; Derek’s wife Pauline and children Mahaliah and Makizak; sister-in-law Bernice Verbree, and a large circle of relatives and friends. Roland was predeceased by his parents Muriel and Roland Chesley Peddle, and sister-in-law Lilla Barron.
Roland, affectionately known as “Roly”, was born in 1931 in St. John’s and raised in Newfoundland with love and integrity by his parents Roland and Muriel. He carried these goals throughout his life in everything that he did. He often said the best thing he ever did was meet and later marry Barbara. A devoted family man, he was an educator by profession. He was a high school teacher at Bishops College in St. John’s for 27 years, from 1959 when the school opened, until 1986 when he was the last of the original staff at Bishops to retire. He taught Chemistry, Earth Science, Biology, and other subjects, and was also Department Head of Science for many years. He taught with passion and meticulous organization, typically being the first at school so as to prepare his Chemistry Lab for the day. He earned B.A.(Ed.) (1959), B.A. (1973), and Masters of Education (1980) degrees, all from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
When not with family or teaching, he enjoyed genealogy, stamp collecting, classical music, and, most of all, Amateur Radio. Roland had an intense curiosity and a broad knowledge of the world. This translated to radio; he obtained his licence in January 1952 (VO1D then VO1BD) and went on to contact well over 300 countries and regions as designated by A.R.R.L., including from Alberta (VE6RL). He held various executive and service posts with N.R.C., S.O.N.R.A., C.R.R.L., C.A.R.F. and then R.A.C., including VO QSL Bureau Manager. His contributions and accomplishments were recognised by awards such as S.O.N.R.A. Honourary Life Member (1996), and, in 2017, he was inducted into the Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of Fame, shortly before becoming a Silent Key. Roly has authored the book “Marconi to the Mobile Age: A History of Amateur Radio in Newfoundland and Labrador”, which is due for publication in 2018.
Roland was resilient to a variety of health challenges over the years, thanks in large part to the love and care of Barbara. He was a cancer survivor and battled diabetes for over 40 years, since 1974. His mind remained sharp throughout. With his quirky sense of humour, he often joked how “I’ve either had it, or I’ve had it out!”. The family will forever be grateful for the wonderful caregivers in the health care systems in St. John’s and, since 1997, in Lethbridge. Special thanks to all the caring staff of Good Samaritans West Highlands Centre, St. Therese Villa, and all the dedicated people throughout Chinook Regional Hospital, including EMS, and especially Dr. Morley Wong and the nurses and staff at the Lethbridge Dialysis Unit. You make a difference in people's lives, each and every day.
Roland’s next chapter of education and science has begun. At his and the family’s request, Roland’s body has been donated to the University of Calgary School of Medicine for educational purposes, after which his remains will be cremated and returned to the family.
A longtime member of St. Thomas’ Anglican Church in St. John’s, he and Barbara joined St. Augustine’s Anglican Church when they moved to Lethbridge in 1997.
A Memorial Church Service will be held at St. Augustine’s, 411-11 Street South, Lethbridge Alberta on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 2:30p.m., with a reception to follow at the Church Hall. The Church Service will be led by the Reverend Canon James Robinson, whose wonderful friendship and compassion over the years are greatly appreciated.
No flowers by request. Donations may be made in Roland’s memory to Diabetes Canada (formerly Canadian Diabetes Association) at: http://www.diabetes.ca/donate; phone 1-800-BANTING (226-8464); or mail: Diabetes Canada, 1400-522 University Ave., Toronto, ON., M5G 2R5.
Messages:
Barbara and family, So sorry to hear of Roly’s passing. My deepest condolences to you all. I spoke to Roly a year or so ago re our shared genealogy. It was a joy chatting with him. Years ago when I was a young university student his parents I was invited to his parents’ house and they treated me like royalty. I never forgot their kindness. Roly even tried to talk me into joining their staff at Bishops College, even to the point of having me in for an interview, but I was terrified of becoming a high school teacher and I told him so. Bless you all.
Barbara,Janice,Derick & families.Please accept our condolences on the loss of your loved one Roly.I have many memories of Grandma Peddle(Martha) speaking fondly of Aunt Muriel,Uncle Roland,Barbara & Derick.I have a Christmas card here you sent Grandma many years ago.May your memories you have keep you strong over the next few days when you need them most.Love to all & we,ll keep you in our prayers.
Sending condolences to the Peddle family. Mr. Peddle taught me biology at Bishops... it's why I loved Biology so much and became an RN. It's amazing how such great teachers can influence the lives of their students, and Mr. Peddle was certainly one of those teachers.
My deepest condolences. Mr. R.C. Peddle taught me at Bishop's College, he was a great teacher and an exceptional man. Thank you Mr Peddle for sharing your knowledge through your love of teaching. God Bless.
Mrs. Peddle and family my sincere condolences. While Roly never taught me we did know each other as I was a very active student at Bishops. I looking forward to getting a copy of his book when released. Prayers and thoughts at the difficult time.
My sincere condolences to the entire family. Mr Peddle was my chemistry teacher 1979-81. He was an educator of morals and not just acedamia. He once added up my test marks giving me 10 points more than the actual total. I went to him with the error because it was the right thing to do and wanted to show him my integrity. He said “let’s just leave that mark as it is being honest “. That stayed with me ever since and I instilled it in my children always saying “be true to yourself, and always be honest. Honesty will never lead you astray “. Thank you RC. Rest well. You left behind a legacy farther reaching than you may know. Sincerely, Joan
Mr. Peddle or Roly as I became to know him, taught me chemistry during my years at Bishops( I graduated in '81) he was always a kind man and always had words of encouragement. A few years after that I became an amateur radio operator myself and upon meeting him he seemed very proud that one of his students followed a hobby of his. I am appreciative to have been able to be guided by him. My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences to Roly's family at this difficult time. Eric Davis VO1SX
Barbara and family... Roly and I became friends through amateur radio and our love of teaching. I was a teacher in St. Lawrence and VO1QF from 1983-1993. His QSL bureau statistics and service was and is unmatched. His gentlemanly approach to radio and life unparalleled. I have a Johnson Viking II transmitter that came in kit for that he assembled along with a Hammarlund SP 600JX that he owned for many years, that are cherished parts of a vast collection of vintage radios I collect. His radio legacy and impact lives on. 73 Roly and Godspeed... Don Whitty VE9XX
Hi Aunt Babara,Derek,Janice and families Uncle Roly was a good family man and appeared to have led a fulfilled life. I remember him as been a real Gentleman. On such a sad occasion as this" Family "means everything ,and our thoughts are with all of you David and Judy
VERY SORRY TO HEAR AND READ OF ROLY"S PASSING` BARBARA OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU-` AMATEUR RADIO HAVE LOST A GOOD FRIEND AND OPERATOR
Mr. Peddle taught me at Bishops in 1960-61, He was a very mild spoken and respected teacher and always had time for his students. My condolences to the family.
Dear Janice and family, It was heart-warming to read Mr. Peddle's obituary. So many memories came flooding back -- from teaching with him at Bishop's, to sitting in your living room, listening to his beloved Mozart collection. I will always remember him as a kind and caring man with a great love of learning. While I know you will miss him greatly, I trust you will be comforted by the numerous notes written - and stories told - of his kindness, compassion and of course, his great sense of humour. Wishing each you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Janice.....it has been a very long time. We were sorry to read about your dad's passing. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
Hello, Barbara and family. My thoughts and prayers are right there with you all. Shall sit with you on Thursday in celebration of Roly's life. Many Love Blessings
Mr. Peddle taught me chemistry at Bishops College in the very early '70s. He was very kind and his "quirky sense of humour" was used very effectively in the classroom. I have never forgotten his instruction on how to remember that the chemical symbol for potassium is the letter k. " Just think of the man who stuttered saying k k k k potassium "
My deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Peddle. Mr. Peddle (Roly) taught me Chemistry from 1984-1986. He was a wonderful Chemistry teacher and I certainly learned a great deal from him. Thanks for sharing his interests and activities outside of teaching and after retirement.
Roly taught me Grade 11 biology. He was an excellent teacher and a gentleman. He inspired you to strive for your best and above all instilled a love of lifelong learning. His students were well prepared for life in general. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
It was so nice to have Roly here when I moved from Nl. It felt like a little bit of home. He was such a caring, gentle person. And it’s a testament to him and Barbara that his family shares those qualities. I darsay he’s having a yarn with a few of the Hodges Cove boys right now. My love to the family.
The Peddle Family Mr. Peddle was my chemistry teacher at Bishop's in the late 60's. I received a surprise letter from him from Alberta, stating that we were cousins . I contacted him several times afterwards by phone as he was trying to explain how related we were , but sadly never got a hard copy. I was very saddened to learn of Rollie's passing ,as printed in the local Telegram. Please accept my deepest condolences, on his passing. Tom
Condolences to Barbara, Janice, Derek and families. Rollie was always thought of fondly by his Peddle cousins in Hodges Cove. He enjoyed many summers there, as a child, and formed lasting friendships. Kathleen Spurrell Blaketown NL.
Thinking of you all at this time. We wish we could have lived closer to your home over the years, and seen you all more often. I particularly appreciate your father's/husband's enthusiastic sharing of his love of family history with me. Always the giving teacher, we know he will be sorely missed. Sending our love and condolences from Arizona and California. Wishing you comfort and peace at this time. The Goebels/Jacobs/Sitters.
Barb and family. So sorry to read of Roly’s passing in the paper. I have many happy memories of our times at Bishops. It’s hard to believe it’s closed down. The years go by so fast. Roly was a great person and we are sure you will all miss him dearly. Also you must all have wonderful memories of him which we hope will help you at this sad time. Sincerely
It was an honor to have known Roly and Barbera, to have talked to him on ham radio and to meet with them from time to time as we walked in Park Place Mall.
I was very sorry to hear about Mr. Peddle's passing. He was my Biology and Chemistry teacher at Bishop's College in 1964/65, Biology being my favourite. My condolences to his family.
Mr. Peddle taught me Chemistry and about life. He was a gentleman and a fine teacher. He demanded the best from us at all times. I remember him fondly and spoke with him after I had become a teacher. Thank you for your dedication and caring, Mr. Peddle.
Barbara and Family; please accept my belated condolence, I am so sorry to hear of Roly's passing. We exchanged many genealogy letters, and many stamps over the past three decades and I shall miss this along with our telephone conversations. Again, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. RIP Roly.