Donald Rodney Lee
January 1, 1937 – March 25, 2026
As published in the May 11, 2026 World-Spectator
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Rodney Lee, Friday, March 28, 2026, at the Pasqua Hospital, Regina, Sask. at the age of 89.
Rodney was born, January 1, 1937 a home in the RM of Moosomin, Sask. The third son of John David Lee and Margorie Alice (McAuley) Lee. Rod was raised alongside his three brothers on their family farm near McAuley, Man.
Younger years were filled with working on the farm and attending school in McAuley. As a sportsman, Rod enjoyed horseback riding, baseball, and hockey on the winter pond at the farm with his brothers and neighbours. At the age of 15 he played senior hockey alongside his brother Jack with McAuley, Reeder and Virden.
In 1956, he travelled to Flin Flon, Manitoba where he stayed with the McAree family, worked for the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co., and played hockey with the Flin Flon Bombers, winning the 1956-1957 Memorial Cup.
In the fall of 1959, he was invited to play professional hockey with the Nottingham Panthers in England. Returning to Canada in 1960 he continued playing hockey with local Senior teams and well into his later years with “Old Timer” teams and friends. His accomplishments and awards over the years have been a considerable pride to him and his family.
In August 1960 Rod started employment with TransCanada Pipelines in Rapid City, Manitoba and transferred to Moosomin, Station 25 in 1962 where he worked and enjoyed the company of many life-long friends, retiring in 1998.
In 1961 Rodney married Margaret (Swanston) of Welwyn, Sask. They welcomed daughter Heather and son, Scott.
Rodney and his family resided in McAuley after joining TransCanada, moved to the TCPL resident compound in 1974, to their new home in Moosomin in 1988 and to Sandstone Villa in 2015 where he enjoyed the company of many dear friends.
In retirement, Rod and Marg travelled extensively and closely followed their grandsons’ activities.
Always the sportsman, Rod remained very active enjoying pickleball and golfing, including curling into his 90th year and recently was able to watch his great-grandson discover his love for hockey.
He enjoyed the friendship and fellowship of his community. He was involved with the Elks, Moosomin Golf Club, the United Church and always took interested in what was going on in his children and grandchildren’s lives.
Rod’s quiet leadership and calming presence was valued by his family and others.
He is loving remembered by daughter Heather (Kevin) Wood and Son Scott (Carla) Lee, grandsons Tyler (Courtney), Mark, Josh (Kinsley) and great-grandchildren Alexis, Layne and Bryn.
He is also remembered by brother Craig (Beth) Lee, brother-in-law Bruce Swanston, sisters-in-law Jolayne Swanston and Ellen Swanston, nephews and nieces, cousin, Betty Smart.
Rodney was predeceased by his wife Margaret, of 55 years, brothers Delbert and John (Jack) Lee, brothers-in-law Bob, Ted, Donald and Herb Swanston, sisters-in-law Beatrice and Ellen Lee, and Sharon Swanston.
Funeral service was held April 10, 2026, at Bethel United Church with Rev. Dr. Mel Konkel officiating. Interment followed at Moosomin South Cemetery.
Memorial tributes may be made to Bethel United Church or to Moosomin and District Healthcare Foundation.
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