Roger Rymhs Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Roger Rymhs

September 25, 1943 - September 20, 2019

Obituary For Roger Rymhs

Roger Rymhs passed away September 20, 2019 at the age of 75 years.

Roger was born at the family home in Volin, a small community northeast of Rycroft, on September 25, 1943. He was the youngest child of Mary and Demjan Shmyr. Roger first attended Volin School and then was bussed to Rycroft School, from which he graduated in 1961.

After farming and working construction, he chose a career in education. He spent twenty years as a classroom teacher and principal before serving over a decade more in Central Office. Teaching was his passion; he often said “I hope I make a difference to some of these young minds.” Many of his former students will agree that he did so and more.

Roger loved the outdoors. You could find him hunting or fishing at every opportunity. During the winter months, many a hole was drilled in search of “the big one” at Moonshine Lake and other fishing spots. Although often successful, there was also the occasional drought. Roger loved camping, too. For twenty years, he spent the majority of his summer weekends at his Shaw’s Point campsite on Lesser Slave Lake.

Throughout his life, Roger was an avid gardener—twice winning local competitions with some good-sized pumpkins. A variety of small wood-working projects, including numerous rocking horses, were also an important pastime for him. He was renowned for his specialty meats like smoked sausages, pepperoni, backribs, chicken breasts, jerky, and smoked fish. Even cheddar cheese and boiled eggs found their way to Roger’s smoker. To their delight, a large portion of these were shared with family and friends.

The happiest times in his life were with his family, friends, and his precious grandchildren especially. He cherished his time playing games, cards, or simply “horsing around” with his grandchildren.

Roger strongly believed in the value of community to the lives of its citizens. He was an active volunteer with the local Communities in Bloom for the past decade, and he served on the Board of the Peace Adult Learning Society for about the same time.

Roger’s memory will be cherished by his daughters Trisha and Deena (Christopher); grandchildren: Cassidy, Kaitlyn, and Jace; sister Sonya; numerous nieces and nephews; and other dear family members on both sides.

Roger was predeceased by his wife Betty; parents Mary and Demjan Shmyr; sisters Mary, Anne, and Neda; and brothers Uhan and Nick.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2019, at 2:00pm, at Spirit River Centennial Hall (4812 44 Ave.).

Memorial donations in honour of Roger may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

June 24, 2021

SAWERS GAYNEL

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father grandfather and uncle, We keep you in our prayers, Speak of him often to his grandchildren and he will never be forgotten. Love and Prayers Jim and Gaynel Sawers
June 24, 2021

Zart Joyce-Lee

I am so sorry to hear that Uncle Roger is no longer with you/us. He was a wonderful person who was always there to be of assistance whenever he was needed. He was a loving, caring, thoughtful person who put others before his own needs. Him and his smile are going to be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Uncle Roger was a Saint to the world and now he is an Angel in Heaven with God. It saddens me that Uncle Roger is no longer with us and at the same time my heart is happy that he is in God's loving arms. Remember Uncle Roger loved you very much You made good memories with him hold onto them. Take one day, one hour, one minute at a time. Take care of yourselves Joyce-Lee
June 24, 2021

Moreman Ted & Monique

We cannot tell you how sorry we were to hear about your father. We will always have fond memories of his time with us in Montreal. We hope it comforts you to know that your grief is shared by all of us who knew Roger. He was a wonderful man and he will be sorely missed. Please extend our sympathies to your family. Ted and Monique Â«Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.Â» - Author unknown
June 24, 2021

Irla Larry

Roger truly cared for the students and staff of the Spirit River (Peace Wapiti) School Division. When I started teaching, he would check in with me to ensure all was well. I am now in my 29th year of teaching (8th as a school assistant principal), and use Roger as one of my mentors. He will truly be missed. My condolences.
June 24, 2021

Hemmingway Alana

My sincerest sympathies to Trisha, Deena and the entire Rymhs family. Mr Rymhs was a kind, compassionate, and funny man. He was an amazing educator and his smile and laugh were contagious. May your own and others' memories help you through this difficult time.
June 24, 2021

Hampton Dawn

My sincere sympathy to all of Rogerâ??s family. The memory of good, compassionate teachers stay with you forever and 50 years later Roger Rhymes remains in mine. He was enthusiastic, funny, fair and a darn good teacher and Volleyball & Basketball coach! He helped many of us Country Bumpkins transition thru those Junior High years, preparing us for a world beyond our farm life. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing, take comfort in knowing that he impacted so many lives in such an important way. Dawn Hampton
June 24, 2021

Lanigan Pat

Words can not express how saddened we are to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Pat & Mickey Lanigan
June 24, 2021

Beck Rita

My deepest condolences to Roger's family. I will always remember your Dad at Blueberry Creek School while he was principal when my sons were attending. He was so very well liked by students and parents alike, In later years around town there was always a friendly hello no matter how busy he may have been. May your memories of him, and the knowledge that he will be missed by many, bring you peace.
June 24, 2021

konashuk Annie

Sorry for your pain
June 24, 2021

Kwasniewski Bill

Deepest sympathies.
June 24, 2021

Beck Rob

Mr. Rymhs was as good man. When i think back to the old days at Blue Berry Creek School he is the principal that come to mind first. Our condolences Rob, Barret and Dixon Beck
June 24, 2021

MCCARTHY DENNIS

Your father was a very special person who will never be forgotten. We don't have to tell you how kind, considerate and generous he was. We were in the community only a short time, but always felt that he would be a live-long friend. We talked, hunted , fished with Roger. He loaned me his car on the second day I met him, because I could not find my keys...what a great guy he was. We went to an evening class in Spirit where we each made a carpentry project. We always had a good time when we were around Roger. There are literally scores of little stories about Roger that I will always remember. He was one of the all-time good guys. May he rest in Peace.
June 24, 2021

McCarthy Andrew

I remember admiring the way Roger spoke and carried himself. He was a big admirable character from my youth. My mom and dad loved him and Betty, and talking to them after the loss of each of them reminds me to value and love my friends and family. A great prairie soul. All the best to his family and friends until they meet again.

Useful Links

Add Your Useful Link

We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our Obituaries. We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

To view the livestream of Sandra Van Schaick (Saturday at 11:00 am) or Glenn Kochendorfer (Monday at 2:00 pm) visit https://www.facebook.com/olivers.funeral.home/

Your Name:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Business Name:
Description of Useful Link / Service: