Rodney Norman Palmer passed away peacefully on June 10, 2023. A much-loved family man, he is dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Margaret; sister Marilyn (Don); daughters Susan (Jeff), Lynn (Martin), and Sandra (Ratan); and grandchildren Kaitlyn, Heather, Emily, Jack, Serena, and Sonia.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Rodney and Evelyn Palmer, Rod’s family settled in the Vancouver area after the war. During his teenage years in North Vancouver, he developed his passion for fishing, which continued to grow after the family moved to Kamloops, BC.

In 1953, Rod returned to Vancouver to attend UBC, where he studied zoology and biology. At UBC, he chose fencing as his required sport. He continued to compete in fencing for several years after graduation and was successful at the regional and national level. While at UBC, Rod worked for the Department of Fisheries & Oceans during summers.

Following graduation, he was employed in the department as a fisheries biologist. Over the next 15 years, he was engaged in salmon studies in many areas in BC, including the Nass River, Skeena River, Fraser River, Rivers Inlet, and Johnstone Strait. In later years, he served in senior management positions in the Pacific Region. Rod retired from Fisheries in 1986. He then worked as a consultant specializing in the history of salmon fishery regulation and salmon stock assessment.

Rod retired in 1994. Following his Fisheries career, he authored a book titled Inspector of Fisheries – A history of salmon management in British Columbia: the first 100 years.

Rod married Margaret in 1961, and they settled in Richmond, BC, where they raised their family. They spent most of their retirement years in Nanaimo, BC.

Rod had a strong connection with the natural beauty of BC and thoroughly enjoyed fishing its lakes. He was also an avid runner, completing seven marathons, and an active participant in the BC Senior Games. He will be remembered as a respected family man, outdoor enthusiast, and valued member of his community.