Rod was born in his family home in 1941 to Paul and Hilda Maynard Hedley. Rod was the owner operator of Hedley Boat Company Inc. where he continued working until his recent illness. His grandfather, Captain Kenneth Hedley started the family business over 100 years ago.
Rod enjoyed living on Lake Ontario, was an avid fisherman and sailor and also helped save many Olcott properties during the 1973 flood by partnering with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Rod received an associate’s degree from Bryant and Stratton and attended UB. He was instrumental in the development of the Lake Ontario salmon and trout industry and past vice chairman of the Niagara County Fisheries Board.
Rod is survived by his beloved wife Sally of 53 years and cherished beagle, Pee Wee, nephews, David (Lisa) Hedley, Duane (Anna) Hedley, Erick (Barbara) Hedley and sister-in-law, Donna Hedley. Besides his parents, Rod is predeceased by his father’s second wife, Teresa Maynard Hedley and his brother, David Hedley.
Rod loved the Lord and was always involved in witnessing to people at the boat yard as he never retired. He attended Exley United Methodist Church, 338 Lake Street, Wilson, NY, where a candlelight celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 7 pm.
Flowers gratefully declined memorials appreciated to Niagara Hospice or Exley United Methodist Church in Wilson.
Please go to www.sherriefuneralhome.com and leave a condolence for the family.
