Obituary of Rodney David Stairs

Stairs, Rodney David

In Loving Memory of Rodney “Rod” David Stairs July 31, 1935 – October 3, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rodney David Stairs of Fredericton, NB, beloved husband of Hazel Irene (Reicker) Stairs, on October 3, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.

Born in Hawkshaw, NB, Rod was the son of the late Ida Ruth (Kelly) Stairs and the late Hollie Abram Stairs.

Rod was an educator in the Province of New Brunswick. The majority of his career was spent in the role of School Principal at Burton Elementary and Geary Elementary. He retired after 35 years in the education system, and was always happy to meet and chat with former students. Rod and Hazel spent close to 60 years in Maugerville in a home he built for their family. He took pride in maintaining his home and property, and he was known for his beautiful vegetable gardens. He enjoyed camping, spending time at Grand Lake and traveling within Canada. His other interests included trains & railways; the weather almanac; family history, and watching baseball. Rod will long be remembered for his generosity, his kindness, his genuine good nature, and his handsome smile. He loved to share a story and to hear stories from others. There was nothing he loved more, though, than his wife and family.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children; Kirk Stairs (Evelyn), Valerie Dutcher (Lloyd), Esther Stairs, and Heather Roberts (Jason). He was a proud grandfather to Adam and Andrew Roberts, and he was a beloved uncle to Andy Fox, Mike Fox, and Nancy Fischer-Fox. He will also be missed by his step-grandchildren and their children; Morgan Perry (Brenden), Dallas and Lachlan; Erica Wilbur (Ira), Levi and Stella; Josh Muise (Lisa) and Phoebe.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his sister, Jean (Stairs) Fox, and two son-in-laws; Kelvin Wood and Phil Barton, whose memories he carried in his heart.

A private interment will be held at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday October 26th from 12:00 to 3:30 PM at Gibson Memorial United Church Hall, 183 Gibson Street. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Gibson Memorial United Church, or to York Care Foundation. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com