Roderick "Rod" Andrew Drohan

Rod was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on July 4, 1966, the youngest son of the late Marguerite and Raymond Drohan. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Carol Ann, and their two children, Nicole and Jonathan. Rod also leaves behind his sister Maureen MacNeill (Alan), brothers Raymond Drohan (Nell Ross) and Peter Drohan (Wanda), along with many nieces and nephews who adored him as their fun and dependable uncle.

As the baby of the family, Rod spent much of his childhood riding shotgun with his father. He was curious and handy, always tinkering with cars, radios, and just about anything mechanical — skills he learned from his Dad and carried with him throughout life. In 1985, he graduated from Sydney Vocational School before heading to Toronto for a taste of big city life. There, he soaked in countless concerts and most importantly, met Carol, the love of his life.

Rod later built a career out West as a dedicated pipefitter, spending nearly 25 years working tirelessly to provide a joyful life for his family. Once home, his time was sacred, especially during summers. No jobs or sports for his children Nicole and Jonathan in July or August — just time spent together in his favourite place: New Campbellton.

New Campbellton was Rod’s sanctuary — and he was the heart of it. He spent his childhood years there with his parents, siblings, and many friends, riding dirt bikes, swimming in the Bras d’Or, enjoying bonfires and storytelling. Three years ago, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving there full-time into the home he built. He was the center of the community and the anchor of our family gatherings. He would always say, “Why would we leave? Everything is here!” His love for New Campbellton was contagious, and we will carry that love forward for years to come.

Rod was known as a star on the dance floor and a lover of live music. He and Carol would often joke that they would win dance contests at bars because they were always together swaying to the music taking home door prizes and even once a patio set for their moves. Always the first one to bring life to a party, he had a way of making everyone feel special. He was the kind of person you could call when you needed help or a good time.

He shared an especially close bond with his son, Jonathan, passing down his tools and talent, taking pride in watching him grow into a capable and kind man. Nicole, his cherished daughter, was his motorcycle co-pilot—and he was her unofficial manager, proudly cheering her on with every new project.

One of the family’s most cherished memories was seeing Chris Stapleton in Memphis. They were the last ones dancing in the arena, cleaners kindly asking them to leave, but Rod wouldn't have had it any other way.

He was deeply loved and will be missed more than words can express. We the family would like to thank the amazing staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for his excellent care. A visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 4 from 6 until 9pm at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa Church, 381 Whitney Ave. on Thursday, June 5 at 11am. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com. Donations in memory of Rod can be made to The Canadian Amyloidosis Support Network (at amyloidosiscanada.org)