It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rodney Olaf Gjerde, age 64, on September 16, 2026, in Shellbrook SK. Rod was born on February 4, 1962, in Vancouver BC to Per and Ruth (nee Anderson) Gjerde, and was the baby brother to Anita.

He grew up in Vancouver and was an active child, participating in Scouts, Soccer, and Football, but most of all loved music. He attended Vancouver Technical School, where he graduated grade 12 as a full journeyman mechanic and developed a love of woodwork.

Rod spent most childhood summers in Saskatchewan, and his love for the area brought him here in 1985, where he met his first wife, Sherry, and raised his children Dinelle & Kristian. In 1999 Rod broke land at Fish Lake and made it the family home. Rod met the love of his life, Carol and her daughter Kali in 2007 and in 2010 they built their dream home at the lake. Rod’s three children, eight grandchildren (and one on the way), were his entire world. He went out of his way to attend every event, including sports, birthdays, and house renos.

Rod was a mechanic/carpenter/bar-owner… a true jack-of-all trades. But above all, he was a musician. His love of music took him all over Western Canada. He was a member of countless bands, a talented songwriter, and an SCMA award-winner. Rod was known for his velvety, classic-country voice. His friends in the music industry became his second family.

Rod will be deeply missed by the ones he left behind, his mother Ruth; his sister Anita; his father-in-law Alfred; his wife Carol; his daughter Dinelle, her five kids and her partner Dwayne; his son Kristian, his wife Katelin, and their three children; his daughter Kali, her husband Kayne, and their baby due this spring; his siblings-in-law Wilfred, Lorraine (Larry), and Ken (Lori); along with many nieces, nephews, and numerous family and friends all over the world.

He is predeceased by his father Per; his niece Maria; his mother-in-law Helen; and his sister-in-law Barb.

The celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Canwood Elks Hall (640, 2nd Ave E, Canwood, SK). Everyone is invited to a time of refreshments and fellowship following the service followed by an open mic Jam Session.

In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of Rod to S.T.A.R.S Air Ambulance (Hanger 21 2475 Airport Rd, Saskatoon, SK S7L 1M4).

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Tammy Smart, Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK 306-747-2828.

• Date : 2026-09-16
• Location : Rm of Canwood, SK