Kingston, September 27, 2024 – It is with great sadness that Sail Canada shares with the Canadian sailing community the passing of Past National Team Leader and one of the architects of the Learn to Sail program, Roderick (Rod) Coleman Miller, on September 14, 2024 in Ottawa, ON.
Roderick (Rod) Coleman Miller grew up in Ottawa, where he was a member of the Britannia Yacht Club (BYC). A lover of the sport for the regattas as well as for the fun of it, he became one of the best International 14 crew in Canada.
He was the team leader of the Canadian National Sailing team for many years, including at Pan American Games and at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where Canada won three medals.
At the 1976 Olympic Games held in Montreal, he was a race committee chairman for the sailing competition held in Kingston.
From his obituary: “He has always taken a special interest in youth sailing and was one of the architects of the national Learn to Sail Program.”
In 1974, he received a Special Achievement Award by the Government of Ontario “in great recognition of a distinguished contribution to the field of fitness and amateur sport.”
Rod was a teacher at the elementary school level. He also played hockey for the Ottawa Senators Junior B team and was the quarterback for the Carleton University team, where he won the Male Athlete of the Year award.
“On behalf of the Sail Canada community, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Roderick (Rod) Coleman Miller,” said the Chair of Sail Canada’s Board of Directors, Kate MacLennan. “Rod was a great athlete, notably in sailing, and shared his passion and knowledge to contribute to the development of the sport in the country by helping to develop the Learn to Sail program.”
A reception to celebrate Rod’s life and contributions will be held at the Britannia Yacht Club (2777 Cassels St., Ottawa, ON, K2B 6N6) on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 1 pm to 3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Colin Blandy Fund, Britannia Yacht Club at 2777 Cassels St., Ottawa, ON, K2B 6N6, have been specified. The Colin Blandy Fund was established in 1977 by members of BYC to provide financial assistance to young sailors.
Community members can read his obituary at https://colefuneralservices.com/tribute/details/9323/Roderick-Rod-Miller/obituary.html.
About Sail Canada
Established in 1931, Sail Canada is the national governing body for the sport of sailing in the country. Sail Canada is a leading international sailing nation, proud of its world class athletes, lifelong participants and inclusive culture. The organization and its members are committed to excellence by developing and training its leaders, athletes, sailors, instructors, coaches and officials. With the valued support from our partners, the Provincial Sailing Associations and our member clubs, schools, organizations and stakeholders, sailing is promoted in all its forms. By setting standards and delivering programs from home pond to podium for Canadians of all ages and abilities, from dinghies to keelboats, cruising to navigation, windsurfing to powerboating and accessible sailing, Sail Canada sets sail for all, sail to win and sail for life.
A sport in the Olympic program since the first Games in 1896, except in 1904, the pursuit of success in these Games is what fuels the focus of Sail Canada as Canadian athletes have so far achieved nine Olympic and five Paralympic medals.
