George "Rod" Roderick Frank Stafford

George "Rod" Roderick Frank Stafford passed away on Feb 14, 2026 in Calgary Alberta at the age of 70 years.

Born on July 19, 1955 in Calgary Rod spent his early years in the community of Wildwood. From a young age, he was active and competitive, playing a variety of sports. At 13 he discovered a passion for target shooting, a hobby he returned to in recent years with renewed dedication, spending countless hours perfecting his craft.

After high school, Rod began studying Engineering at the University of Calgary. He soon found his true calling and enrolled in the Nuclear Medicine Technologist program at SAIT, graduating in 1979. In 1977, he married Cindy Berg, and the following year they moved to Edmonton, where Rod completed his Nuclear Medicine practicum at the Cross Cancer Institute.

Rod and Cindy later settled in Leduc, Alberta, where they raised their two children, Curtis and Adrian, whom he loved and cared for deeply. During his healthcare career, Rod worked at several institutions, including the Charles Camsell Hospital and the Royal Alexandra Hospital, concluding his hospital service in 1996.

While building his medical career, Rod also dedicated himself to public service. He volunteered as an auxiliary member of the RCMP and later joined the Leduc Fire Department serving as Deputy Fire Chief from 1995 to 1998. In 1998, he moved with his family to Cochrane, Alberta, where he served as Fire Chief until 2001. Over the years, he continued his commitment to community safety through wildfire emergency response and work with several emergency organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross.

Rod was an avid volunteer, joining the Calgary Stampede Parade Committee in 1998, becoming vice chair, moving to Promotions Committee as vice chair and his final position recently within the Safety Committee. The highlight of his volunteering was being the founding organizer of the Children’s Hospital Parade from 2008-2019 with the help of his partner Cindy Oliver.

In 2016, Rod proudly joined WestJet as a Customer Service Agent and, in recent years, worked full-time at the WestJet Campus office as an Occupational Health and Safety Advisor. He valued his colleagues and took pride in contributing to a strong safety culture.

On December 1, 2022, after 16 years together, Rod married Cindy Oliver. They made their home in Calgary, sharing it with their many beloved pets. The couple had recently moved into a new house and were looking forward to preparing for their retirement years together. As a blended family Rod had two step children, Mitchell (wife Stephanie) & Madison (partner Keaton) and was a very proud grandpa to 6 beautiful grandchildren.

Rod was energetic, adventurous, and generous with both his time and his famously big hugs. He loved muscle and race cars and fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2024 by attending the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School in Las Vegas. He enjoyed vacationing in Mexico and Maui, playing pickleball, planning gatherings, and sharing a good Scotch with friends. Music was one of his great passions-his neighbors will fondly remember the booming songs that often shook the house.

A dedicated blood donor, Rod had recently completed his 179th donation and was eagerly anticipating his 180th-a milestone he was proud to pursue.

Rod will be remembered for his energy, his service, his laughter, and his ability to make every room feel warmer and louder in the best possible way.

Rod is survived by his wife, -Cindy Oliver, Son- Curtis Stafford, Daughter- Adrian Sanchez Avery & husband Hayden, Step-son Mitchell (Stephanie), Step-daughter Madison (Keaton), Sister- Gayle Dougall & Husband Morley and grandchildren- Blakely, Keaton, Whitney, Hannah, Roman & Ava. He was pre-deceased by his brother Grant, Mother Doreen, and father Howard.

A Memorial Service will be held for Rod at Pierson's Funeral Service (4121 - 17 Avenue SE, Calgary) on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm. The service will be webcast live at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87086393023. If friends so desire, Rod would be honoured if you considered donating blood or making a contribution to Canadian Blood Services in his memory.