The Rev. Rodger Talbot

The Rev. Rodger Talbot died peacefully, on February 18th, just before his 95th birthday. We are grateful for so much, his extraordinary life, and now his life beyond death. His life, faith and ministry were shaped by the people and communities he served. New to ministry and newly married to Donna (Klie), he moved from southern Ontario to the good people of the Presbyterian Church in White Rock, BC. They then spent 6 formative years in Japan, serving the Korean Christian Church in Japan, and developing many lifelong friendships. Returning to Canada he gave leadership to the International Ministries of the Presbyterian Church in Canada before taking up community-based ministry in the diverse Toronto neighbourhood of Flemingdon Park. An activist pastor, he worked with others there to build community, to affirm and advocate for residents’ dignity and rights – many of whom were new immigrants to Canada. A return to the church’s national office brought new insights to international ministries. After retirement, ever open to new adventures, he and Donna accepted an invitation to the Presbyterian Church in Mauritius, where he served as minister of a small village church. In his 90s, he appreciated being part of Armour Heights Presbyterian in Toronto. He lived life fully, thankful for family and the many who were like family to him. He was deeply proud of his children, Michael (deceased), Patti (George) and Ian (Penney), and his beautiful grandchildren, Dean, Benjamin, Mikayla, Liam, Zachary and Brendan. He loved the extended Klie family and 7 decades of family times at the cottage on the farm in Essex County. In his final years, he enjoyed being active in the Teddington retirement community in Toronto, and was thankful for care provided by its staff. We will miss him. We know, however, that there is rejoicing in Heaven as he is gathered into God’s loving embrace and is greeted by his beloved Donna, son Michael, sister Gwen (Talbot Brennan) and the many beloved ones who preceded him. A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, May 13th at 2pm at Armour Heights Presbyterian Church. Details will be posted at: www.armourheights.org