Rodney "Rod" Allen Rysavy

Rodney Allen Rysavy of Red Deer, AB left his “tent” at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on August 13, 2022, at the age of 43 years after a short but intense battle with kidney Cancer.  Rod was born on September 20, 1978, in Outlook, SK to Ray and Shirley Rysavy.  He married “his favorite” Julaine Rysavy (Olson) on May 3, 2003.

Rod is survived by Julaine; son Joel Rysavy 10; daughter Denae 8; parents, Ray and Shirley Rysavy of Outlook, SK; siblings, Jody and Nita Rysavy of Saskatoon (children Bailey (Ben Potter), Jacob, Savannah), and Trevor and Lesley Rysavy of Calgary (daughters Dinah and Eve).  As well, Rod will be lovingly remembered by his in-laws, Ted and Sandee Olson, Rod and Janey Olson (son Aaron), Brendon and Marie Olson (sons Everett and Estevon) as well as numerous aunts; uncles; cousins and the many friends who consider him family.

Rod was predeceased by his brother Monte Rysavy (1969), grandparents Jim and Ann Rysavy, grandmother Lucina Warren, grandfather Alvin Dutcher; his grandparents of the heart, Earl and Ellen Bacon, and his mother-in-law Sharon Olson.

Rod loved life.  He was a lifetime learner, always trying new things, taking courses, or researching to learn new or improve his old skills, and he loved exploring new places.  Rod made everything fun.  He consistently was making and building fun things for the kids; pallet hide outs, veneer tech decks, bike ramps, sewing purses.  He could turn a piece of garbage into a game and insisted that “I’m bored” were swear words in the Rysavy home.  It didn’t matter if it was mountain biking, basketball, understanding the Bible, or the art of cooking, baking or magic tricks, Rod LOVED to coach, especially his two biggest fans and sponges, Joel, and Denae.

Rod was a man of all trades, a true farm boy, if something was broken, he could figure it out and fix it.  Rod loved the outdoors and spent much of his life exploring the outdoors and enjoying all of God’s creation.  He stopped at the sight of a cool flower, bug, mushroom, or rock and would carefully study it with sheer delight and in awe of God’s nature and creativity.  Rod especially loved exploring on his bike because he could get further and see more with less time and effort.  Rod loved being a part of the cycling community in Red Deer, especially the Savy Mountain Riders Bike Club and the dreaming up and building of mountain bike trails with whoever he could drag along.  Rod was a great listener and he appreciated Savy Cycle bike shop as a place for people to come talk bikes, get what they needed to get out biking, but most importantly a place for people to feel heard and valued.  Rod loved being able to work from home where his kids could drop in to see him anytime to talk about their day, show him their newest coolest gadget or trick or get his help fixing something.  Gathering with his church family was a high priority to Rod.  He understood the value of authentic community, a place where he wasn’t expected to fake it and have it all together, but instead be deeply known and still loved and cared for and a place for him and his family to offer the same love and grace.  He invested himself and his family to nurture that community; to serve, encourage, and love others.

Rod will be lovingly remembered for many things including his unashamed and engulfing bear hugs, his love and faithfulness to his family, and his unshakable faith in Jesus.  Rod trusted God and fought hard for healing on earth but God had something better for him.  So, although we grieve such an enormous loss, we rest in knowing he is present with Jesus, and we carry on with whatever God has in mind for us until it is our turn to join him.

On Friday, September 2, 2022, interment will take place at the Alto Rest Cemetery, 101, 26575 – Hwy 11, Red Deer County, AB at 10:30am.  Following the graveside service, a celebration of Rod’s life will be held at CrossRoads Church, 38105 Range Rd 275, Red Deer County, AB at 1:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend and for those who are, please enter the church by the south main doors. Although handsome in one, Rod was not a huge fan of a suit and tie and he won’t be in one for his own funeral.  So, if you are able to come celebrate with us, come in something comfortable, breathable, and practical.  That’s how Rod would like it.

For those unable to attend, the service will be viewable online (during and after the service) at https://www.crossroadschurch.ca/livefunerals

You can share pictures and stories to the Memories of Rod Rysavy Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/421269636562087.

Email condolences to Rod’s family can also be sent to meaning@telus.net. Please indicate “Rysavy” is in the subject line.

 Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944