Rod Keller Memorial Golf Tournament to raise money for memorial scholarship fund

On Aug. 12, friends, family and well-wishers of LCol. (ret’d) Rodney Keller and his family will gather at the Guelph Country Club for the Rod Keller Memorial Tournament.

Arranged by LCol.(ret’d) Keller’s father-in-law, David Sharpe, the tournament will help to support the LCol. Rod Keller Memorial Scholarship Fund.

In July 2016, the LCol. Keller passed away suddenly in Guelph, ON.

During his 26 year career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Keller served as an Engineer Officer in the Canadian Army. He deployed on several missions including NATO operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1997 and Operation APOLLO in Afghanistan. In 2009, he assumed command of Canadian Forces Base Suffield.

The Rod Keller Memorial Tournament on Aug. 12 will honour the memory of the CAF veteran who contributed so much to both his community and country.

“It’s nice to see his legacy carry on,” said Sharpe.

The tournament is expected to have an attendance upwards of 50 people. Besides a day of 9 hole golf, the event will also include a silent auction and prizes.

Proceeds from the tournament will go towards the Rod Keller Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Rod Keller Memorial Scholarship Fund will be awarded to one deserving member of the 1882 Wellington Rifles Army Cadets, the cadet unit LCol. Keller had been a part of in his youth.

The $1,000 annual scholarship will go towards that cadets’ post-secondary education.

“When our oldest child graduated from high school at the end of June last year, he was awarded a Memorial Scholarship. As we were driving home from the graduation ceremony, my husband, Rod, and I spoke about what a wonderful legacy a scholarship was – to leave behind a gift that would continue to help young people for years to come. Rod died three days later,” said Laura Keller, LCol. Keller’s wife.

Sharpe and his family are looking to raise a minimum of $10,000 towards the scholarship, which is sponsored through the Guelph Community Foundation.

“It’s just a fun afternoon, good time, for a worthy cause,” added Sharpe.

The Rod Keller Memorial Tournament will be held Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Guelph Country Club. Registration and lunch begin at noon, followed by the shotgun tee-off at 1:30. Dinner will be at 6 p.m.

Registration is $110 per golfer and includes lunch, 9 holes of golf, cart, and a steak dinner. There is also a dinner-only option for $50.

To register call 519-265-2579 or email [email protected].