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The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Talson E. Rody, OLS# 1096 His son, Eric Rody, shares the following words of remembrance for Talson: It is with both sadness and fond remembrances that we announce the passing of Leo Talson Elliot Rody. Devoted husband, father and brother, Ontario Land Surveyor, pilot, feminist, wise man, atheist and sometimes karaoke crooner slipped the surly bonds of earth on Saturday, May 8th, 2021 at 83 years of age. He will be deeply missed by his wife Adrianna, children Carole(George), Eric(Erin), Betty(Chuck) Sarah, grandchildren David, Alexander, Reese, Phoebe, Alexis, Sam and Charlie, Adrianna’s children Nora and Tom and Adrianna’s grandson Jesse, siblings Carole, Phillip(Jocelyne), Sharon and Beverley. Talson is the son of the late Germaine “Gerry” Rody and Philip Rody. Talson was born in Timmins, Ontario in 1937, but the majority of his formative years were spent in North Bay. At a young age he developed a keen interest, some might say an obsession, with bush planes and flying which he ultimately pursued later in his prime. His mother Gerry was intelligent, principled, fearless, loving and dedicated to her children whom she raised alone. Gerry was recognized by a family friend and Premier Mike Harris in 1999 during the Speech from the Throne as a “real Canadian hero”. With those same traits instilled in him by his mother, Talson would go on to achieve great success in life and in business. After failed job attempts in western Canada, and after dropping out of the University of Toronto in the late 50’s, Talson found himself at a crossroads. Hitch hiking home to North Bay he was positioned where Hwy 17 and 11 diverge east of Nipigon. He was offered a ride along Hwy 11 towards Cochrane and while not the preferred route he accepted and found himself in Cochrane. There he ultimately found his stride, raised his family and launched his legendary career. Talson was commissioned as an Ontario Land Surveyor in 1961 and following a couple of successful partnerships in Cochrane, he formed T.E. Rody Ltd. Being intellectually curious and feeling that he didn’t possess the necessary education to lead the company into the modern era of mapping and measurement he returned to the University of Toronto, Erindale Campus in 1972 and obtained his bachelor of science all the while continuing to operate T.E. Rody Ltd remotely. He is almost certainly the only Ontario Land Surveyor to return to university to obtain a bachelor of science to broaden his knowledge. Professor Robert Gunn once remarked that he was the smartest student that he ever encountered. The decision to return to university proved to be a good one, culminating ultimately in the rise of one of the most formidable and respected land surveying companies in Northern Ontario with offices in Cochrane, Kapuskasing and Timmins. Never satisfied with the mundane he would prove both his and his staff’s mettle with large, complex projects completed on a regular basis from the Quebec to Manitoba borders. The sheer body of work and the level of excellence sustained for decades by him and his crews is the benchmark by which all others can be measured. It is said that wisdom, if achieved at all, is gained later in life, but Talson exhibited wisdom early on as T.E. Rody Limited flourished. In the early 70’s he implemented a company pension plan, a full benefit plan, paid best in industry wages and shared half of the profit with his employees. The business world would undoubtedly be a better place with more employers like Talson Rody. A true leader, his dedicated employees knew that he didn’t place his interests ahead of theirs which fostered an unparalleled level of mutual respect. When asked what his biggest career accomplishment was he was quick to respond that it was the fact he played a part in his employees owning houses and putting their kids through college and university. Talson was also actively involved in the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors business affairs which included being appointed President in 1990. A respected businessman in Cochrane, he held the office of president of the board of Trade in 1969. Prosperity enabled him to pursue his love of aviation with the purchase of a Cessna 180 from the factory in 1977. Talson became a serious instrument rated aviator flying C-GPVZ on countless missions on business and with family and friends here, there and everywhere including the southern United States and Canada from Coast to Coast to Coast. He routinely arrived and departed Toronto’s Pearson International airport amongst the 747’s. He would recount with palpable excitement holding short for takeoff with a front row seat at night in the pouring rain awaiting the arrival of a passenger jet whose lights would faintly appear, growing intensely during final descent before finally bursting through the low level clouds landing in a glorious display of light and mist. Despite the demands on Talson’s time resulting from his commitment to T.E. Rody Ltd. his main focus was his family- whether it be regular vacations or religiously attending his kids sporting events and musical recitals. He was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan, music aficionado (with the spectrum extending from classical jazz to rock and roll), regular member of the Arctic Bathing Club at Pools Lake and was known to bring the house down at many a karoake bar. Determined not to grow old and sick he began jogging at age 50, running 3 miles 5 days a week religiously until late in his 70’s. A stalwart, he participated in the Terry Fox Run for 30 years raising thousands of dollars for this most worthy cause. Whether it was a party at his house at 223 10th Avenue in Cochrane, a legendary T.E. Rody Limited annual company Christmas party or dining at a five star restaurant in Toronto, Talson knew how to lead a good time and ensure that those in his company would enjoy the festivities. This Cochranite was one of Canada’s first adopters of the American Express card which was affectionately referred to as the Captain America Card by his employees. He would literally descend Cessna style to supervise staff far away from home and ensure that ample fine food and drink was enjoyed by his loyal crews. Shortly after officially retiring in 2000 Talson relocated to Toronto, married Adrianna and this inseparable duo enjoyed travelling, attending the symphony(and other cultural events) and spending time with friends and family. Talson really couldn’t quit the profession of land surveying cold turkey as he continued to work in the capacity of a consultant with his son Eric. Unfortunately, all good things and people reach the end. I’d like to think that when Talson departed this world he did so flying a tail dragger, with Gordon Lightfoot’s Early Morning Rain on high and a trace of purple haze trailing off behind him. Cremation has taken place with burial planned for the Cochrane Cemetery in mid to late summer when a proper send off can take place free of Covid-19 restrictions. Burial details will follow within the next month. Talson suffered the ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease and did not die on the terms that he wanted, but the compassionate care received at the Cheltenham Care Community seniors’ residence greatly eased this burden. A donation can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Terry Fox Foundation in memory of Talson. His passing will be painfully difficult to come to terms with, but we will press on, taking solace in the example he set with his integrity and respect, tolerance and genuine concern for others.
4 Comments
Douglas Culbert
5/14/2021 01:16:04 pm
I do not know if he would have remembered me, but I surely will not forget him. A great quiet presence, made me very nervous on my professional exam, but I knew him well enough to be honoured to serve in the same profession.
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LORRAINE PETZOLD
5/14/2021 02:09:15 pm
What a sad notice. Talson stood tall among the surveyors of his generation and those that followed. Eric thank you for a lovely and fitting eulogy of your dad. I first met Talson at the Thunder Bay Annual meeting. Hiss feminist courage, strongly rebuked those members/member who had drawn a caricature of me- I was newly the first women. Over the years we have met at meetings and at get togethers of the Senate. Always the gentleman, always the ethical profession. I have his short book and will read it again as I remember another lost friend.
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Jim and Annette Statham
5/14/2021 02:09:21 pm
I first met Tal at Erindale and subsequently we had ongoing relationships in business and on AOLS Council. He was equally a gentleman and a friend.
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Eric Ansell
5/16/2021 09:39:54 am
Eric, your dad will greatly missed. He was a true gentleman and a very well respected member of then association. My condolences to you and all of Talson's family on your loss.
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