Obituary of Rod Smelser

Rod Smelser passed away on December 17, 2013 in Maple Ridge after several months of cancer treatments. He leaves behind his wife, Verity Howarth, his extended family and many friends. Rod was born in 1950 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital to Louella and Cedric Smelser. He was raised in Victoria along with his younger brother, Bryan. Rod completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics at the University of Victoria in 1972. In 1985 he completed his Masters degree in economics at UBC. Rod dedicated 39 years to public service, working as an economist for Unemployment Insurance/HRDC/Service Canada. During this time he worked in Ottawa, Kamloops, Prince George, and Vancouver. He was frequently heard on the radio reporting on labour market statistics in British Columbia. In the last few years of his career he served as a shop steward, advocating for his colleagues’ rights. For nearly 30 years Rod has lived Maple Ridge. He enjoyed downhill skiing, scuba diving in local waters, bike riding and trail running. Rod was a caring pet owner of 2 cats, “Haggis” and “Fergie” and in his retirement he volunteered with the BCSPCA. Rod was recently made an “honorary lifetime member” of the New Democratic Party. He joined the NDP in 1968 at UVic and was an active party member ever since. He has worked tirelessly on dozens of progressive campaigns at the school board and municipal level as well as provincial and federal NDP campaigns. For the past 8 years Rod has been the federal financial agent for the riding of Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission. Rod is well known for his intelligent and persistent social media presence on Twitter (@rodsmelser) and his lifelong activism around issues such as: Transportation and transit Employment and Employment Insurance Education Temporary Foreign Workers Program Whenever Rod saw something in society or his community that needed improving he always took action and can be an example to all of us in this regard. He will be missed by many. There will be a celebration of life for Rod in 2014. Details will be posted on his memorial facebook site. https://www.facebook.com/rodsmelsermemorialpage