RHODA KATHLEEN CUMMINGS (KIRKPATRICK)

Condolences & Memories (30 entries)

• I recently learned of your Mother's passing from Ruth Doll. Although we had never met I enjoyed a few chats with her on the telephone. My sincere sympathy to you. - Posted by: Lois Reilley (Cousin) on: Oct 28, 2012

• Ginny and I would like to express our condolences on the loss of your mother. She was a lovely person and enormously proud of you. - Posted by: Terry Dullum () on: Jun 24, 2012

• Burton, My sincere condolences to you my old friend on the passing of your mother. - Posted by: Martin Kramer (Long Time Friend of Burton's) on: Jun 20, 2012

• Burton sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Kenneth Burdyny (long time friend of Burtons) on: Jun 13, 2012

• Dear Burton, Your mother was especially kind to me and a joy to talk to. As your agent/secretary she was very efficient. All our messages were correctly relayed & returned. She made it a real pleasure for Larry and I to produce at the CBC the many shows we did with the Guess Who. My sincere condolences. Love, TB. - Posted by: Thérèse Rollier-Brodeur (TB) (Friend) on: Jun 04, 2012

• Dear Burton: I'm sorry to hear of your loss.. You would probably remember me as Johnny Gach's little sister, Lynn, who would serve the band coffee at #1 St. John's, the beautiful house across from the park. I beleive that's where it all began for you! Your mother must have been so proud of you! I know how difficult losing loved ones can be as you probably know that I lost my dear mother and brother, John, tragically years ago. I know that our loved ones are looking down on us wishing that we would go on living our lives well...just open up your heart and let your loved one in and she'll be with you forever....Do take care of you - Posted by: lynn gach () on: Jun 02, 2012

• I was very sorry to learn of your mom. I always wanted to meet her. Both our moms were the best moms. We have similar situations concerning our dads. Like your mom, my mom was my only parent. You were lucky to have a grandfather and grandmother too. I have been praying for you and your mom for years. Now she is whole and not in any pain. Now I will continue to pray for you as you go through this next season. I grieved my mom heavily for about two years, you knew my mom in California. She used to walk up to you, throw her arms around you and give you a big kiss! You were one of her "adopted sons", probably one thing you didn't know. Indeed moms are special, and you'll never forget the wonderful memories. The pain of loss will lessen, and the times the two of you laughed together will become important. She lives on in your heart and soul and always will. Hope to see you soon somewhere. Take care, and know you are being prayed for consistently. - Posted by: Mari Gottwald (Friend) on: Jun 02, 2012

• Hi Burton...The 2nd last time that we chatted, we were backstage @ the SJHS reunion on the Sunday, just before you went on stage and shared your feelings of returning to the stage where 'it all began' all those years ago... Later, that day I ran into Jimmy Jestadt, my childhood buddy from Cathedral Avenue...and I'd like to relate an event that he experienced years ago...He had been with the RCMP since leaving SJHS, (now retired from that line of work) And was working a case, 'undercover in London England...He did not explain about his case to me but instead told me of a stranger who had approached him at the pub that he was visiting...This lady came up Jim after he had been there only a short while and had asked him,"What part of Winnipeg are you from?"! Jim was in shock...How did he stick out in a room of strangers, in a place he had never been before? How could he be recognized?...After Jim admitted he was from Winnipeg, the lady introduced herself as your mom...They had a nice chat but more importantly she took the time to phone Mrs. Jestadt on her return to Winnipeg and let her know that her son was ok & doing fine...You have many, no doubt, wonderful stories/memories of your 'north end mom' and here is one more to help you at this time. - Posted by: Harold Abosh (SJHS Alumnus/fan/friend) on: Jun 02, 2012

• I remember our bond of common circumstances as both of us had similar family structure of only our mother and, for awhile, our grandmother. Great ladies trying to raise sons that love music. My mom is 98 and, although frail, still enjoys my visits at Meadowood Manor. I know, when she departs, I will miss her, as I am sure you miss your mom. I am still reminded of your poems when someone refers to your blog. It would be nice to chat sometime about then and now. My sympathy on the loss of your mother. - Posted by: Fred Dugdale (from St. John's H S days, friend, classmate, in school music productions, and local music groups) on: Jun 02, 2012

• Burton, You introduced me to your mother at Assiniboia Downs and her and I had a nice chat. She was a very nice woman and you can be very proud of her. Cherish your memories of her and put some words together in a new song. RIP Rhoda........ - Posted by: Ella Marchant (Friend I only met once.) on: Jun 01, 2012

• My sincere condolences to Burton. I truly hope he will savor every "sign" of her presence in his life. I would like to share a quote: I would not have you grieve for me today - nor weep beside my vacant chair. Could you but know of my daily portion here You would not, could not, wish me there. Rhoda will not be far away....... Keep well. Elvia - Posted by: Elvia Rosenburgh (Fan of Burton) on: May 31, 2012

• Burton, please accept my condolences on your Mom's passing. She and my Dad had a wonderful long relationship and were terrific for each other. I will always treasure my memories of our times together. Your Mom was a wonderful lady. - Posted by: Wendy Smyth (Victor Black's daughter - Rhoda's long time companion) on: May 30, 2012

• I am very sorry for your loss Burton. I will always remember Rhoda being very upbeat, always a smile on her face when she came into Mainwood Beauty Salon at Redwood amd Main Street for her weekly hairdo. She often spoke very proudly about her son. I still remember those "beehives" she used to rock. Nice Lady--fond memories. - Posted by: Marnie Hocken (I shampooed his mothers hair when I was a kid, working at the beauty salon, and spoke with Burton at) on: May 30, 2012

• I am so sorry for your loss Burton. I know how strong the mother-son bond can be. My two sons have been a treasure to me after my husband died 22 years ago when they were 9 and 10 years old. My son James also sends his sympathies. He met you when he worked at the hotel you frequented on Pembina Highway a few years ago. Also, over time, I have heard many stories about your years at St. John's from my mother-in-law. You may remember her as the school secretary, Mrs. Freddie McGrath. She remembered you fondly and talked about the many times you visited the principal's office. Even though I never met you, I feel I know you through the stories that she told me about you. She took a personal interest in your success and felt that she had a hand in how you "turned out" as she said because she intervened on your behalf on several occasions during your high school days. We were planning her 100th birthday party last year and I was going to contact you to see if you were going to be in town at the time. The greatest gift for her would have been to have you sing Happy Birthday to her. Unfortunately, she took ill and died last April, 3 months before she turned 100. Only in Winnipeg can I have two connections with someone whom I have never met. Be gentle with yourself and cherish your memories. Nobody can take those away from you. - Posted by: Pat Love () on: May 30, 2012

• Burton .... My thoughts are with you as you mourn the death of your Mom. She was a special lady and when she was in Lions Place, I used to play Whist with her. She truly was a lady and I missed her when she went to Riverview. I lost my Mom to Dementia 5 years ago and still miss her today. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers as you struggle to cope with your loss. - Posted by: Coralie Bornais (Friend) on: May 30, 2012

• DEAR BURTON, I'M LIVING IN CALGARY NOW. I WAS BEHIND ON MY PASSAGES UPDATES AND I HAD JUST FINISHED LISTENING TO YOU SING "HIS GIRL" WHEN I SAW YOUR MOM'S OBITUARY. I GREW UP KNOWING THE KOWBEL AND BACHMAN FAMILIES, AND MY COUSIN TREVOR BALICKY WAS LEAD SINGER FOR THE JIM KALE VERSION OF THE GUESS WHO AFTER YOU LEFT THE GROUP. MY MOM RAISED OUR FAMILY AFTER DAD DIED WHEN I WAS ALMOST 12 SO I KNOW WHAT A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP YOU MUST HAVE HAD WITH YOUR MOM. MY MOM DIED AT SEVEN OAKS BACK IN 2008. YOU REMIND ME OF BURT REYNOLDS! YOU WILL SEE YOUR MOM AGAIN WITHIN 100 YEARS WHEN JEHOVAH GOD RESURRECTS HER AGAIN IN HIS NEW SYSTEM. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES AND PROUD ALWAYS TO BE A WINNIPEGGER BECAUSE OF YOU, BURTON. I ALSO KNEW THE KEN KOSTICK FAMILY AND THE HOLOWKA FAMILIES OF ST JOHN'S HIGH SCHOOL. I PLAY THE KEYBOARDS, TOO, AND HAVE BEEN SINGING "HIS GIRL" A LOT LATELY. MAY JEHOVAH GOD AND JESUS CHRIST COMFORT YOU IN YOUR TIME OF LOSS AT THIS TIME. SWEET REGARDS, YOUR FAN, TIM SIMMONS - Posted by: TIM SIMMONS (FAN) on: May 30, 2012

• Hi Burton, on behalf of all the Kirkpatrick cousins please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Auntie Rhoda. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this emotional time. - Posted by: Lynne Willcock (cousin) on: May 30, 2012

• Dear Burton, May the ANGELS be with you at this time of loss. Of YOUR MOTHER Mrs. Cummings. - Posted by: Anna M. Bragg (Fan of Burton) on: May 29, 2012

• Burton: Our sincere condolences during this time of great loss and sadness. - Posted by: Bill and Sue-On Hillman (Friends) on: May 29, 2012

• YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB RHODA, RAISING AMAZING SON THAT STILL HAS HIS VALUES INTACT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTIONS. SLEEP PEACEFULLY KNOWING YOU DESERVE IT, GORDO. - Posted by: GORDON MATHESON (LONG WINNIPEG FAN) on: May 29, 2012

• I flew out to Winnipeg from England on a Guess Who pilgrimage and had the total honour and privilege of spending a day with Rhoda at her home. She was a truly lovely lady, full of love and pride for her son. She will be missed by many and even though I only spent one day of my life with her, it really was something and she is someone I will never forget. Rest in peace Rhoda. God bless x x from England with love - Posted by: Les Sharratt (fan of Burton, met Rhoda) on: May 29, 2012

• Burton, so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing, my deepest sympathies, Stand Tall, and be well, the Wee - Posted by: Russ Bodnar, (Wee Bod) (friend) on: May 29, 2012

• Very sorry to hear of your Mothers' passing. Though I never met her I'm sure her support for you was endless. It will be hard for you. Again, my sympathy. - Posted by: Fred Turner (Brother at Arms) on: May 29, 2012

• I was companion aide / friend to Rhoda for over a year. Dear lady and friend, she comforted me when my father passed away, and then I was there for her when her sister Pat passed away, and when she was not well and had to go to Deer Lodge and comfort her there till she was able to go back home. I feel we became good friends while I was there with her. She will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you Burton and your wife. - Posted by: Kathleen (Kathy) Edgaar (dear friend / companion ) on: May 29, 2012

• Rhoda was one of the true Winnipeg Eatonians for many years. We other employees looked on her in awe as "Burton's Mom". Those were the days. - Posted by: Allan Tucker (worked with) on: May 29, 2012

• I'm so sorry to hear of your loss Burton. I worked with your Mom in Eaton's, and she brought you to meet me because she knew I was a big fan of yours. She also got you to sign a photo of you and I that was taken at one of your concerts in about 1979. I showed it to you a few years ago after a Guess Who concert, and you were very surprised about how your hair looked! I remember your Mom as being a very kind and caring person, who was so very proud of you (and with good reason!) I hope the wonderful memories of your Mom help to lessen the pain you are feeling now. Maybe one day, you'll write a song about her. - Posted by: Lori Ryan (Friend) on: May 29, 2012

• I'm so sorry for your loss Burton. I pray God to envelope your heart with peace and may the wonderful memories you share bring some comfort to you and bring laughter or a smile at times during this difficult time. She must have been a good woman because of the wonderful man you are. - Posted by: Angela Stupak (fan of Burton) on: May 29, 2012

• Dear Burton: My mother Marie Kirkpatrick was a first cousin. When I was young and lived in Winnipeg my mother and I would meet Rhoda for lunch in Eaton's Grill Room. She was a gracious, lovely lady. Our families lost touch over the years and so you and I never met, but we have followed your successes...a credit to your beautiful mother and a sad loss. - Posted by: Barbara Dow (Second-cousin) on: May 29, 2012

• I remember when Burton and my brother drove to Minneapolis to see The Doors concert. She and my Father were upset that they had gone, and shared their views. She, truly was a strong, lovely lady. I pass on my condolences to you Burton. I, too have lost my parents, and it tugs at your heart strings. Peace be with you. - Posted by: Les Stokoloff (neighbor on Bannerman Av) on: May 29, 2012

• My sincere condolences to Burton. I met Rhoda 35 years ago at Burton's concert and found she lived near me. For many years she made a point to share videos, records and news of him with me since I was a big fan. She invited me over for suppers & games of Rummy Cube many times. I will never forget her kindness and how proud she was of him. She was a lovely lady! - Posted by: Janet Vogt (Friend) on: May 29, 2012