Obituary of Rodney Kevin Osiowy

1958 - 2010

Rodney Kevin Osiowy (affectionately known as RodO) passed away peacefully at his home in Cranbrook on August 19, 2010, surrounded by loving family and friends. His life of almost 52 years was shortened by pancreatic cancer, which he battled with immense strength and positive energy.

Rod grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, and obtained his teaching degree from the University of Regina. He and his wife, Colleen, were married in 1982 and within the next few years, Jordan and Jasmine were born, bringing much happiness into their lives. After teaching for two years in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, and working as an art educator for the Mackenzie Art Gallery in Regina, Rod moved with his family to Haida Gwaii, where he taught art and drama, among other subjects. Rod, Colleen, Jordan and Jasmine were excited to discover the rich Haida culture and explore the incredible islands by kayak and on foot.

In 1992, Rod began teaching theatre arts at Mount Baker Secondary School in Cranbrook, and he developed the drama/film/television course a few years later to give students even more opportunities. Through his work over the years, Rod inspired young people and adults alike. He directed major shows including Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Miss Saigon and Aida. These shows involved up to 100 students at a time and quickly became recognized for their professionalism and polish that made them so much more than a high school show. Putting together these productions provided experiences for young people that will be with them for the rest of their lives - the chance to belong to a village that cared and encouraged and offered growth in so many ways. Rod was fortunate to have a dedicated team of talented colleagues working with him to make it all happen and he garnered the support of all sectors of the community. Colleen, Jordan and Jasmine loved to be involved as well. Rod's sisters and mom came from out of town to see many of the performances, and this brought Rod great joy. Rod was extremely proud of the successes of these shows and calibre of student performance, and was particularly thrilled with the Bright Lites Theatre productions. Rod always said he had the best job in the world and there is no question his life was made richer by the young people he worked with.

In addition to directing shows, Rod took students on trips in order that they could participate in festivals, volunteer experiences and athletic competitions. Rod's contributions to the community did not end at school; he belonged to the Sunrise Rotary Club in Cranbrook and served on the organizing committee for the Rotary Wine and Art Auction. He also initiated Cranbrook's first Interact group for youth in Rotary. Whatever Rod did, he did with passion and an infectious enthusiasm; he was able to inspire, share his wisdom, and above all believe in those he met and encourage them to be who they are, discover their passion and strive for greatness.

Though he was humble about his accomplishments, Rod was the recipient of a number of prestigious awards, including the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence (2002), Cranbrook's Citizen of the Year 2009, Rotary's Paul Harris Award (for his contributions to youth and the community) and the Winn Weir Award in 2005 (for fostering the arts in the East Kootenay). Rod was also named the Columbia Basin's Cool Adult of 2002 in Columbia Basin Trust's Scratch magazine.

Above all, Rod loved spending time with his family. He was an adoring husband and was immensely proud of his son, Jordan, and daughter, Jasmine. He was an avid outdoors person, enjoying hiking, camping, kayaking and canoeing, and he shared these experiences with his family. Rod also liked travelling and learning about other cultures.

Rod is survived by his wife, Colleen (nee Deby); son, Jordan; daughter, Jasmine; daughter-in-law, Dana; mother, Lucienne; and sisters, Carol Purkis (Jeff), Donna Osiowy and Brenda Corman (Jim) and their children.

A service to celebrate Rod's life will be held on Saturday, August 28,, 2010, at the Idlewild Park amphitheatre in Cranbrook at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, 13 - 24th Avenue North, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 3H9 or through their website www.ekfh.ca or InspireHealth, #200, 1330 - West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia. V6H 4A6 or through their website www.inspirehealth.ca.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com