The community of Swan River, Manitoba, Virginia, and Portsmouth are mourning the loss of four individuals who passed away tragically. Rodney Calvin Morgan Hather, aged 42, passed away on March 1, 2024, in Swan River, Manitoba. He was born on September 16, 1981, in Swan River to Anita Quill and Kelvin Genaille. Morgan Jack Copeland, aged 18, passed away on March 20, 2023, in Grimshaw, AB. He was born on May 13, 2005, in North Battleford, SK, and raised in St. Walburg, SK. Additionally, Stewart Hamilton Gamage, born on January 17, 1950, in Norfolk, Virginia, and grew up in Petersburg, Virginia, passed away on March 19, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia. She was predeceased by her parents, F. Mason Gamage and Claudia Teass (Ney), and her husband, Joseph Stettinius. She is survived by her sons, Graves Tompkins (Colleen) and Forbes Tompkins (Caity), her grandchildren (Brooks, Walker, Teddy, and Bryce), her sister, Anne Ferrell Teass Smith (Gary), her brother, F. Mason Gamage, Jr, and her beloved nephews, cousins, and their families. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Ted Stettinius (Sarah), Cricket Stettinius, Virginia McMullan (Mike), and Carolyn Rankin (Johnny). Charles L. Crowder, known as 'Sleepy,' passed away at the age of 82 on Saturday, July 25, 2009, in Southampton Memorial Hospital, Franklin. He was a native of Portsmouth and an Army veteran of World War II. He worked for Nick Wright Auto and retired from NASA Langley Research Center. Survived by his wife Lucy Ann Worrell Crowder, one brother Robert B. Crowder, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place in Courtland today, and a graveside service will be conducted at Olive Branch Cemetery, Portsmouth, on Tuesday. Donations may be sent to Vincent Grove United Methodist Church.
Rodney Calvin Morgan Hather was a beloved member of the Swan River community. He leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting impact on those who knew him. Morgan Jack Copeland, at the young age of 18, had a passion for mechanics and enjoyed spending time with friends. Both individuals will be remembered for their unique qualities and the joy they brought to the lives of others. Stewart Hamilton Gamage was the founder of S. Hamilton Consulting, focused on women's leadership, social justice, and racial reconciliation. She served as Program Director of Morven at the University of Virginia and worked in various public and private sector roles, including Vice President for Public Affairs at William and Mary and Chief Operating Officer of APCO Associates. She also held positions in government, including Policy Director in the Office of the House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Associate Deputy of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House. Stewart graduated from William and Mary and earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. She was involved in various initiatives and organizations, including Light Up Ukraine and the Phoenix Project. Stewart's impact in Virginia and around the world will be felt for decades to come.
The families of Rodney Calvin Morgan Hather, Morgan J Copeland, Stewart Hamilton Gamage, and Charles L. Crowder are receiving condolences and support from their loved ones and the community during this difficult time. A Celebration of Life will be held for Morgan J Copeland on March 28, 2024, at the Grimshaw Legion. The details of Rodney Calvin Morgan Hather's memorial service have not been provided at this time. A funeral service will be held for Stewart Hamilton Gamage at Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia, on April 5. Charles L. Crowder's visitation took place in Courtland and a graveside service was conducted at Olive Branch Cemetery in Portsmouth. The communities stand together in offering their deepest sympathies to the families and friends of Rodney, Morgan, Stewart, and Charles, as they navigate through this heartbreaking loss.