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RHODA KATHLEEN CUMMINGS (nee KIRKPATRICK) On May 25, 2012 at Seven Oaks Hospital, Rhoda Cummings passed away with her son Burton by her side. The following is a remembrance from Burton... My mother, Rhoda, was strong.....very strong. In the late 1940s, she found herself in an abusive marriage with a year old son, and she had the strength to take her son (me) and leave the abuse for a better life for both of us. That was an era when very few women left abusive situations...many or most of them stayed and took it . As soon as I was old enough to appreciate that she had done that, I loved and respected her on a much deeper, more intense level. As a child with only one parent, I suffered for or missed nothing. My mother immediately went to work at Eaton's to support me, and remained employed there until she retired in her 60s. She was the one who encouraged and eventually forced me to pursue the piano lessons. Once, when I quit for a year, she eventually persuaded me to resume the studies. To this day I'm thankful for that. She meticulously saved and managed every bit of income she acquired through the years, giving me a childhood that most any kid would envy...all this without a husband for her or a father for me. Rhoda was well liked at Eaton's and actively pursued her many interests with life long friends she had made there. She loved sports, playing organized baseball, curling, and lawn bowling in later years. She must have been pretty good at the curling, as I have a photo of her as one of the Eaton's ladies curling champs. She loved going to the movies...and she loved social gatherings with her friends from work and church...and she loved sports. She instilled in me that same ardent fascination with sports. When I told her I was leaving high school in 1965, rather than over reacting and dramatizing, she advised me to pursue music as strongly as I possibly could. I think I tried even harder after that. In the later half of her life, she was able to travel a bit, and she told me repeatedly how she had loved Jamaica, Great Britain, Scotland and Hawaii...I recall one time when she visited me in Los Angeles, and we took the tour of the Queen Mary together. I could see her envisioning herself traveling the ocean on this magnificent liner, and it made me smile deep inside... My mom gave me the gifts of music, curiosity, and the love for life, besides all the material creature comforts any one could ever ask for. She did very well in school, winning scholarships at both Luxton and St. John's. I don't think I ever saw her prouder than the day I was received into the Order of Canada. I'm eternally grateful that she lived to see that achievement. Rhoda was a wonderful lady, mother, and friend. Those who met or spent time with her will know that first hand. We never wanted flowers or donations to any organizations...just remember Rhoda from time to time...that's more than enough, and I'm sure she would agree...someone is never really gone while you carry with you their memory... Burton Lorne Cummings June 2012 NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 23, 2012
Condolences & Memories (30 entries)
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In Memory of Rhoda Kirkpatrick Cummings ❤️ Condolences to her son Burton ❤️ - Posted by: Indiana Cummings family (Burton Cummings fan) on: May 15, 2025
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What a lovely tribute to your Mom. - Posted by: Fiona McCallum (lover of Burton's Music) on: Jun 20, 2021
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Please accept my late condolences. My own dear mother passed on in the year 2009. It is very interesting to note that my own father who was born in 1920 in Winnipeg lived in the house still located at 916 Jessie Avenue, - Posted by: Brian Bingham (fan) on: Dec 31, 2017
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Burton, although it has been a few years from your Mom's passing, I just want to let you know how much your Love and life with your Mom has mirrored mine!! I have lived in Vancouver for most of my life & have followed your musical career since 1970!! My mother just turned 90 this year & is going through a number of struggles. One major one is cancer!! We are all hoping for the best, but dreading the worst!! Burton, your song "Heavenly Blue" has always brought warm thoughts to me & my sisters. We have always enjoyed your musical influence over the years & have always looked to a lot of your songs for our courage!! I hope you hear and see my message to you Burton. Cheers, Dale Wallace - Posted by: Dale Wallace (Friend & Huge Fan) on: Oct 22, 2016
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I knew Rhoda from Eatons. She was a great curler and spared on my rink several times. You came to the office one day (above Woolworths) and you asked me where you could find your mother. I showed you where her desk was. Rhoda was a very special lady! - Posted by: Jim McDiarmid (Friend) on: Mar 27, 2016
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I knew you and your mom from the beach. I am so sorry burton. I am sure you remember my wife Debbie, she passed last march so I understand your pain. - Posted by: martino kelunick (friend from the rivercrest hotel) on: Mar 06, 2016
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I just came across your tribute - long overdue. You are as cute as ever and I'm so happy for you. - Posted by: Christina Short (Fan of Burton) on: Jan 25, 2016
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I am so sorry for your loss. My mom died May 4, 2002. You were both very lucky to have each other and she sounds like she was a wonderful person. - Posted by: Pamela Ziola (Fan) on: Aug 29, 2015
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I'd like to say how touched my husband and I were by the things you had to say about your mother on 7/5/14, in Atlantic City. We are both so blessed to still have our mothers. They are both still in good health and we owe so much to them! My mom stayed in an extremely abusive relationship in which we all suffered at the hands of a man who was abused beyond words! Your mother is very respected by me for taking her son out of that life and becoming his 'everything'! You were very gracious to my husband and I backstage and took the time to sign my movie 'Melanie'. That kind of being a real person comes from somewhere, considering the success you are. It seems that you take the time to care for the people that love you! Thank you to your mother for raising such a wonderful man and may God Bless You even after the day when you are in her arms again! With all my love and appreciation, Lynda Campanell - Posted by: Lynda Campanell (Just one of Burton Cummings many adoring fans, who just had the honor of meeting him backstage in At) on: Jul 07, 2014
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Sorry to hear about your loss. - Posted by: pete (friend) on: Apr 21, 2014
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Just sending my condolences to you about your mom. I read the story you wrote and she was a great lady to have a son like you. I have been listening to the Guess Who songs every dsy on youtube. I wish I could of met you both. - Posted by: Jean Garrison (none) on: Oct 26, 2013
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Dear Mr. Cummings, so sorry for the loss of your precious mother. I share your admiration for my own mother, who married my father in 1955. My dad was 18 years older than my mom, but their marriage ended after 19 years of marriage due to my dad's drinking issue. My husband, Hugo, and I feel like you are family because you resemble my hubby so much. He's 51. We even have a 5-year-old, James, who looks like you when you were a tot. I am 43 years and my Dad was born in 1918. I was raised listening to Al Jolson music. Like you, I was surrounded by a wide array of music. It would be the joy of our lives to meet you one day, but we live in the tip of texas in Pharr, a place you probably never heard of! May God bless you always, Karen and Hugo Garcia. - Posted by: Karen Calderon-Garcia (admirer) on: Jun 30, 2013
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A great tribute to a wonderful lady, mother, and friend. Your Mom was super proud of you.<3 - Posted by: Diana.Park (fan) on: Apr 11, 2013
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Dear Burton, I had intended to write way back in late May but am only doing so now. Sincere condolences to you on the passing of your Mom. I remember seeing her in some of your CBC television specials (e.g. "Burton Cummings:Portage and Main") and the love and admiration you had for her shone through then and evidently continues to this day. Take Care. Krish - Posted by: Krishna Rajballie (Longtime fan of Burton Cummings) on: Jan 03, 2013
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Burton, so sorry for your loss. You had a wonderful Mother, she will always be with you..in your heart. - Posted by: Sue Fox (friend) on: Dec 10, 2012
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To the Mother of one of the greatest voices of our era, I can only say rest in peace. Burton, your tribute is the best gift you could have given her. You have truly honored your mother. I wish you speed in healing your hurts, and much success as you go forward with your life as a self proclaimed `mostly sober Irishman`. Good luck and I`ll be listening for you back here in the `Peg! - Posted by: Paul (Admirer) on: Oct 25, 2012
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Dear Burton, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom, I was so proud to have met her and truly enjoyed my stay at the Royal York, I was a guest of Marty Kramer. Your last performance I met your Mom in the lobby, she was standing there waiting for me, she looked beautiful in a gold shimmering 2 piece suit, her question to me was, "How do I look Colleen " ??? Well she was dashing, I'm sure Burton you remember!! As Rhoda and I were escorted to our table, we were seated waiting for your concert, your Mom leaned over to me and said, Burton has to play and sing tonight "MACK THE KNIFE" she had tears in her eyes at that point and yes more tears when you did dedicate the song to her !! From the bottom of my heart Burton please accept my sympathy and condolences in the loss of her, she was a wonderful woman who worked so hard in raising you and teaching you the piano, Heh, I am truly honoured to have spent an evening with Rhoda in your birth home and saw the piano she taught you to play instead of going out on the street and playing hockey !!! Now do you remember me !!! Hugs and Kisses to you my dear, she was a special lady, I will remember her forever !!! - Posted by: Colleen Cheryl Anderson (Friend from 1980 Edmonton, Ab and 1983, the Royal York Hotel Toronto, Canda ) on: Aug 18, 2012
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I was a cousin of Vic Black, Rhodas special friend in her last few years. My husband and I used to go to the Swinging Gate to hear the Guess Who's. Vic and Rhoda came out to Victoria a few times and I saw quite a lot of them. What a great tribute you paid to your mother, Burton. Marian Greenway - Posted by: MarianGreenway (Friend) on: Jul 14, 2012
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Rhoda was so proud of you Burton. She shared her pride with those of us in The Deveron Fan Club and was very generous with her support of the club and membership. She also had a great sense of humour and was most tolerant of our many visits and the disappearing bird bath. She will be missed but remembered with much love and many smiles. - Posted by: Corinne Mooring (Friend) on: Jun 26, 2012
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A wonderful mother ! May she RIP My deepest Sympathy to you,Burton..... - Posted by: Ella Marchant (Met her only 1 time......At the Downs) on: Jun 26, 2012
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Dearest Rhoda had the strength and conviction to walk away from a potentially harmful situation for the sake of her own safety and happiness and that of her beloved son. This act of courage may well have changed the course of history. Remarkable. - Posted by: Don MacIver (A friend to Rhoda's dear son Burton) on: Jun 25, 2012
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Sorry sorry about your Mom, Burton. Such a huge loss. She was your biggest fan and you were hers. That will never change. Hugs and healing to you. - Posted by: Christine Groom (chart chick) (fan) on: Jun 25, 2012
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Burton, your tribute to your best friend and Mom is beautiful. I have a memory of riding the bus with her from south River Heights downtown one day a long time ago. She was so proud and rightly so. I shared with her the stories of you performing at David Thompson/Elmwood High, where I attended in a class with Craig Hamblin.......now that's a long time ago. She and I had quite a conversation and at the time I was amazed that she rode the bus to work?? She was a humble person who worked hard to provide for you..........truly sacrificing for the pride and joy in her life. What a beautiful memory you have writing. Condolences on her passing. - Posted by: Lila Gattinger () on: Jun 24, 2012
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Burton, This is the truest love song you have ever written. You could not say any more. Ed - Posted by: Edward Smith (School buddy) on: Jun 24, 2012
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I had the pleasure of meeting your Mom in February 2007 at the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg, quite by accident, as she sat directly behind me and tapped me on the shoulder to say "sorry" when her walker had bumped my husband's chair. What a thrill it was to turn and face this lovely lady. I could see in her eyes how proud she was when I told her I had travelled all the way from Nova Scotia to see Burton's show. She said "you came all that distance to see my Burton?..." Also, a bit later during the show, she tapped me on the shoulder again and gave me a candy when I started coughing. (I saved the wrapper...) Just wanted to share this little story. Burton, I will never forget your Mom, and as you asked, I will think of her often. My condolences once again, and God Bless... - Posted by: Leona Russell (Acquaintance) on: Jun 23, 2012
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Rhoda left her footprints on many hearts. She was so proud of you Burton. I feel blessed to have known her. - Posted by: Crystal Caron () on: Jun 23, 2012
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Rhoda's compassion, tenacity, fortitude and most of all, love of life will live on in those who knew her. Most of all, her many attributes and memory, will live on in her son and his legacy. We, who love Burton, owe her a huge debt of gratitude. - Posted by: Jacqueline Savoie (friend and fan of Burton's - pleasure of meeting Rhoda as well) on: Jun 23, 2012
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Dear Burton - Although it was under bad circumstances with the passing of your mother Rhoda, I am glad to have finally met you and I could see how much love you had for your mother in your eyes when you talked about her - Posted by: Susan Moshenko () on: Jun 23, 2012
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My dad Gene Telpner was fond of receiving calls from Rhoda to update him on Burton's many successes. The Telpner family sends our condolences. - Posted by: Ron Telpner (Friend) on: Jun 23, 2012
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Rhoda Cummings was a good friend of my mother, Ruby Thompson. They were lawn bowlers at River Heights Club. A special memory was when my mother went to the Grey Cup in Winnipeg. When asked how she enjoyed the game, she said Rhoda Cummings boy sang O Canada. When I told Rhoda the story, she quietly asked me, "Does your mother know he sang for the Queen?" We have always remembered Burton Cummings as "Rhoda's boy" Your mother was a wonderful friend, to my mom. - Posted by: Deborah Thorvaldson (Daughter of Rhoda's friend Ruby Thompson) on: Jun 23, 2012
