Press Releases

November 18, 2006

Rodd Hotels & Resorts Reflect on the Life of David Rodd

David Rodd, a gentle giant in the region’s tourism industry, has died.

Rodd was 66. He died peacefully at the Prince Edward Home in Charlottetown with family at his side. He was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in June 2005.

John Cudmore, President & COO of Rodd Hotels & Resorts, reflects on his years being mentored by David as an honor. Cudmore states, “The entire management and staff, feel the same. Everyone who worked with David held him in the highest regard.”

From his early days, Rodd assisted his parents, the late Sally and Wally Rodd, in the operation of the family tourist business that they started from two cabins in Winsloe in 1935.

David Rodd graduated from Mount Allison University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and returned to the family business in 1966.

Rodd Hotels & Resorts, under the leadership of David enjoyed the good years of tourism and strategically navigated through the challenges. Rodd led the development and expansion of Rodd Hotels & Resorts from a single motel in Charlottetown to the largest privately owned hotel chain in Atlantic Canada with 10 properties throughout P.E.I., New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. His family also own and operate five Burger King Franchise’s in Nova Scotia.

Alan Holman described his close friend as a man of great accomplishment who never sought the limelight.

Rodd received numerous awards for his role as a leader in the development of the hospitality industry in P.E.I. and throughout Atlantic Canada.

A member of the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame, Rodd received the first-ever (P.E.I.) Premier’s Award for Tourism and was named the 2002 Ernst Young Atlantic Canada Tourism/Hospitality Entrepreneur.

Holman said Rodd quietly appreciated all the recognition and was particularly touched by receiving an honorary degree from the University of Prince Edward Island.

He served on the boards of numerous tourism-related organizations, including director of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. Rodd extended his reach to many other areas of the community as well — Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Canadian Cancer Society, and Canadian Heart Foundation, to name a few.

Bob Weeks, Editor of ScoreGolf wrote “David, I will miss you, but your mark in Atlantic Canada is indelible.”

Rodd is survived by his wife, Linda, four children: Mark of Halifax, Christina Pace of Halifax, Kris of Charlottetown, and Summer Murphy of Halifax.

-End-

For Additional Information Contact:

Mary Ellen Dougan,
Director of Marketing
Rodd Hotels & Resorts
Tel. 1-902-629-2310
mdougan@roddhotelsandresorts.com

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