RJC has embarked on a crucial next step in educating students for lives of faith, service, and peacemaking: the RENEW Campaign, a $10 million initiative to renew and restore the facilities that serve RJC’s thriving academic and dormitory programs. As we share more updates in the months to come, we are honoured Eldrid Roth and his family have chosen to generously help RENEW RJC in memory of Phyllis Roth. Here, two of Eldrid and Phyllis’ children, Adam and Dan, share about this gift.
RJC was a big part of the Roth family life.
“All my family attended, it’s what you did. Our grandfather donated the football field so my aunts could attend. Our uncle taught science and our mom was a bookkeeper at RJC,” said Adam Roth, (RJC grad of 2001). “Our family history is at RJC, it’s our family tradition.”
With a generous gift made in memory of Phyllis Roth, Eldrid Roth and his family are ensuring RJC can continue to be part of many families for generations to come.
“Our parents always had in mind to give a substantial donation to RJC. They enjoyed their connection to RJC,” added Dan (RJC grad of 1997). “We knew they supported RJC but understand now more fully their generosity and their connections to RJC.”
After graduating from RJC in 1969, Eldrid drove truck. On one trip to Winnipeg, he met Phyllis. After relocations to Winnipeg and Saskatoon, they settled in Rosthern and raised four children, who were introduced to RJC at young ages.
“Mom and Dad did everything together,” said Adam.
“They were a happy couple,” added Dan.
Life lessons were learned alongside Eldrid as they’d help Dad clear snow, flood the ice, prep the RJC rink, dig the elevator hole, store chairs after grad. “I remember Dad saying, ‘RJC needs this done’ so we did it,” said Adam.
Phyllis worked at RJC for 15 years (1987-2002) where lots of memories were made before and during her children’s attendance.
“Mom was welcomed into RJC world – they made her feel like family,” shared Dan. “The RJC lifestyle was big part of our family life, it was our life, we lived there. When we started attending, it was comfortable.”
While still at elementary school, the kids thought it was “cool” they got to go to RJC after school and eat in the cafeteria with the RJC students before hockey practice.
“Mom would receive the collection plates so I would put a love note in for my mom,” remembered Adam. “I’d pop into her office between classes to say hi.”
Adam and Dan each shared the impact RJC had on them through experiences and friendships: RJC is a “unique place where you wake up in the dorm and get to hang out with friends all day” amidst classes, choir practice, volleyball and basketball road trips, singing at churches, and visiting with everyone at midnight snack.
“I loved everything about RJC,” said Adam, who now lives in Red Deer, AB. “My siblings and cousins, we were part of sports teams, in the same social group. RJC builds the community and makes it fun.”
One particular May canoe trip helped bond these friendships for life when the boats tipped in ice cold water, leaving supplies wet and students stranded on a rock. “Situations like that create tight ties and friendships,” said Dan. “I’m still very close with some of my RJC friends.”
“RJC taught us how to build healthy relationships,” Adam shared. “If you have enough fish swimming in the right direction, others will follow and latch on. We had such a strong core at RJC, all moving the same way. We created our own little community.”
“I hope future kids can enjoy RJC,” added Dan. “I hope kids can experience what I experienced, with this gift to RENEW.”
RJC also taught the kids that “even though things are hard, you still do them and you come out other side and a better person for it.”
This gift to RENEW is made in honour of Phyllis, remembering the vibrancy, passion and joy that she brought to everyone’s life.
“This is great that Dad wants to honour Mom, that she’s not forgotten,” said Adam and Dan. “RJC was a big part of all of our lives.”
After Phyllis passed away in April 2025, her name was also included on the RJC memorial plaque. Thank you, Eldrid, Adam, Dan and Roth family for supporting RENEW ensuring RJC can be a part of family life for many more young people for generations to come.
Interested in learning more about RJC RENEW and this pivotal moment where meaningful investment will allow us to continue delivering excellent education in a safe, modern, and inspiring environment? Please reach out to our Developmet Office at development@rjc.sk.ca.
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