Rodney Irwin Vopni

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that the family of Rodney Irwin Vopni announce his passing on November 10, 2022, at the Swan Valley Hospital in Swan River, Manitoba at the age of 92 years.

Rodney was born on September 15, 1930, on the farm that he later farmed with his family. 

On June 17, 1953, Rodney married Laura Dennis in the Swan River Anglican Church after meeting each other a couple of years earlier at a Kenville dance.  They celebrated 69 years of marriage.  Rodney and Laura worked hard on their farm in Harlington raising Polled Herefords and grain farming.  Rodney always kept busy on the farm or with other activities.   He enjoyed showing cattle and attending cattle sales across the prairies. 

Over the years Rodney was always actively involved in the community.  He was a 4-H leader for many years, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Harlington School, and the President of the Seniors Centre.  He also wrote detailed books of Harlington and the Harlington Riverside Cemetery. 

After retiring to Swan River in 2003, Rodney enjoyed a quieter life with his wife, Laura.   He loved card games and playing pool at the Seniors Centre, playing the piano at home and at other venues, working on his Saturday puzzles, and spending time with his family.  Even at 92, Dad enjoyed his computer.  He was an avid Facebook user, checked his email regularly and enjoyed playing chess and other games.  He spent a lot of time working on the Vopni family tree and genealogy going back many centuries.  

Rodney loved his family!  He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 69 years, Laura Vopni; son, Terry (Teresa) Vopni, grandchildren Jordan (Jade) and Stephanie, great-grandson Gunnar; daughter, Valerie (Dennis) Hagglund, grandchildren Jaime (Lindsey), Tracey (Clayton), Michael and Amanda (Shayna), great-grandchildren Rylan, Jaylin and Braylin; son, Lester Vopni (Sandra Wray), grandson, Samuel; daughter, Lorinda (Ken) Fosty, grandson, David.

Rodney is also survived by his brother, Lorne (Elaine) Vopni and sister-in-law, Margaret Dennis and many nieces and nephews.

Rodney was predeceased by his son, Norman; sister, Audrey (Ed) Dobbyn; brother, Gerald (Jean) Vopni; sister-in-law, Norah Ferguson; sister-in-law, Dora (Archie) Doan; brother-in-law, Harold (Dorie) Dennis; and brother-in-law, Donald Dennis.

May he now have eternal peace as he keeps watch over all of us.  He will never be forgotten and will forever remain in our hearts and memories.

Dad/Grandpa/Rodney – you will be greatly missed by all!  We love you!  We’ll Meet Again.

In keeping with Rodney’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private family service was held on Friday, November 18, 2022. Rodney was laid to rest in the Harlington Cemetery near Thunderhill, Manitoba. 

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