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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, March 6, 2013 | 6 Editorial In Rod's words "When I beat this, I will never forget just how much a simple, "Is there anything I can do?" can help a person in my predicament. Rest assured, just by asking, you have already helped. This will be my last column for the foreseeable future. I plan to return, but for now, I must concentrate all my energy on the task ahead -- saving my life and enjoying the rest of my Bonus Days." Former Oakville Beaver Managing Editor Rod Jerred wrote those poignant words about his all-out-war against melanoma on the front page last October. Rod, a member of Metroland Media Group's family for nearly 30 years and the consummate newspaper man, slipped away in the early hours of Saturday morning at Hamilton's Juravinski Hospital. The 58-year-old was rst diagnosed with the insidious disease some three years ago. Following surgery to remove an ugly mole on his arm, he and his devoted wife, Kathy, spent their waking hours enjoying their "Bonus Days." Life returned to normal and the chaotic business called news began to push away thoughts of the role cancer had played in their lives. "While the prognosis had always been favourable, there were many tense moments between initial diagnosis and surgery. I had dodged a bullet and been granted a new lease on life. "I promised to make the most of this gift by treating each day afterwards as a Bonus Day." In September 2011, Rod took on his dream job of overseeing the editorial departments at Hamilton Community News, After 25 years of commuting from his home in Stoney Creek to work in Oakville, he was excited to take this promotion. He was also happy to be able to have lunch with his wife of 27 years and walk his four-legged companion Teddy. "My wife and I made some changes together. We switched to a healthier diet; purchased new bicycles and actually rode them regularly; we turned our backyard into a garden oasis; rather than viewing a summer vacation as time off from work, we made it an adventure with a 16-day tour of Great Britain last June 2012." Unfortunately, the cancer returned last September and this time it was relentless. It reinvented itself as a malignant growth in his lower left jaw and then the cells saw no bounds. They made their home in his lungs, eventually working their way to his spine and brain. Rod was an incredibly brave man. In the face of this adversity he wanted his family, colleagues and own staff to know that he was ghting the disease every step of the way. He did not back down. He would not back down. His courage and spirit were indelible. His wonderful dry wit never left him. The Sheridan College graduate was devoted to community journalism. He knew the importance of storytelling; he knew the importance of impartiality. He also knew the importance of taking an unpopular stand when necessary. Under his stewardship, the Oakville Beaver won numerous accolades. "The role we played with every issue of the paper was to connect people with their community," said Rod just prior to moving on from the Oakville Beaver. Rod went much further than that -- he connected to our hearts. "Connected to your Community" 467 Speers Road, Oakville ON, L6K 3S4 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Editorial Department: (905) 632-0588 Fax: (905) 337-5566 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 51 | Number 27 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice ­President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Halton Region Editor in Chief Advertising Director NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY JILL DAVIS DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager SANDY PARE MARK DILLS Editor's Note: This letter was sent to Halton Editor in Chief Jill Davis and a copy was led with the Oakville Beaver. Letters to the Editor A man of compassion and concern for others in support of your own cancer journey. Such a trooper he was and always such a supporter of various cancer causes. From the rst day I met him about helping us publicize the Terry Fox Run, I was impressed with his compassion and concern for others. I posted his passing on my Facebook page and a young lady who went to school with my son commented that working with him during a co-op in high school fostered her desire to become a journalist -- she now works at CHCH. I have no doubt that she is but one of many who were inspired. We will have a sign in Rod's memory at this year's Terry Fox Run. It seems like so little but it is at least something to honour his memory. My deepest sympathy to you and the entire Oakville Beaver family -- and to Rod's wife and family. Director of Production MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager Director of Distribution CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager I am so overcome with sadness I had to write to you. I would never profess to know Rod as you and the Beaver staff did, but he touched so many lives and in so many ways that the loss to his family, friends and our community can not be measured. I remember being at the Beaver when he shaved his head Proud Official Media Sponsor For: Canadian Circulations Audit Board Member Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Canadian Community Newspapers Association Pam Damoff, Ward 2 Town Councillor It is with heavy hearts and great sadness we pass our condolences to the Jerred and Metroland Media families after the recent passing of Rod. We had the great pleasure of working closely with Rod during his time with the Oakville Beaver. It didn't matter what our needs were: more volunteers for daffodils, sponsorships for Relay For Life, support for advocacy efforts, jailbirds for Rod's spirit for the community remembered Jail `N' Bail or drivers for our Transportation Program; Rod was always eager to help us in whatever way he could. He was always one of our biggest champions. We always appreciated the time and guidance Rod provided to us. He was always happy to share his skills and expertise on what types of stories and photo opportunities would make people in our community stop, think and be empowered to make a difference. Words cannot express how grateful we always were for Rod and his editorial team's outstanding support. Rod's passion, leadership, enthusiasm and spirit for the community will be remembered by all of us. Rest in peace Rod. We will miss you. Proud Official Media Sponsor For: ATHENA Award Staff and volunteers, Canadian Cancer Society, Halton The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from it's readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to; ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline.