Goulding family and friends
I was saddened when I heard this news. To the family and friends of Rod, I send you my deepest condolences. Rest In Peace.
In Loving Memory of Rodney Franklyn Goulding
With broken hearts the family announces the passing of Rodney Franklyn Goulding: a well-loved son, brother, spouse, father, and friend, who left our world on September 20th, 2025. There is no doubt that he is now standing next to his best friend and loving son Brennan who he missed so dearly, and that he was certainly met with wide open arms and a loud “Hey Rodness!”. He is also now reunited with his cherished parents, Frank and Norma.
Rod was born February 25, 1972, in Gander, Newfoundland & Labrador and Norma was so excited that she finally got her little boy. He was her pride and joy and as a young boy she would have to sing to him as he went upstairs to bed as he was afraid to go up there alone. Rod lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, resilience, and those fortunate enough to know him will remember his intelligence, his humour, his wise counsel, his often loud opinions, and his fierce love for his family and friends.
It was his dedication to family and community that truly defined him. He found his greatest joy in time spent with those he loved—whether gathered around a dinner table or a bar at the Fed, reminiscing and telling stories, or having a stiff drink of Lambs with those who dropped by. You would find him at the rink cheering on Brennan’s hockey skills, and in earlier years as a child showing off his own for his dad while hearing ‘Yayyyy Wabusshhhh’ from the stands. He was always up for a good party and a good laugh, no matter what or where. He was the nicest guy you could ever meet, but like Frank, he would argue with you until you no longer remembered what the argument was about!
Rod’s bond with his sisters was unbreakable. From unwavering support to good natured teasing, brother and sisters were connected, like peas in a pod, forever by love and memories.
He leaves behind his family; Wanda (late Gordon), Paula (Warren), Deanne, Dwayne (Deanne), Doris and Jerry, Nieces and nephews; Kelly, Tyler, Ashley, Amanda (Brent), Todd, and Lauren (Owen), all of whom dearly loved their Uncle Rod. There are many adored aunts, uncles, cousins and friends throughout Kirkland Lake and Newfoundland & Labrador who will carry his memory forward. Though our hearts ache with his absence, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched and the love he gave us all so freely.
Rod’s professional life is a testament to the values he held dear: leadership, hard work, honesty, and above all, love. He built a legacy of compassion and integrity. As the Director of Finance with Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, Rod cared for each member dearly and considered the members of the community his family.
His life reminds us that true legacy is not measured in years or accolades, but in the love, we leave behind. A celebration of Rod’s life will be held on Friday, September 26th at the family home, 3 McPhee Avenue, Kirkland Lake from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honour the life of a man whose impact will never fade. There will also be a gathering in Newfoundland & Labrador at a later date in October, after which he will finally be at peace and put to rest with his mom and dad.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be offered to the Kirkland Lake Salvation Army Food Bank in Rod’s memory.
A great soul never dies.
He is loved.