In Memory of Rev. Rodrigo “Rod” Emilio Solano-Quesnel (February 27, 1981 – July 11, 2023)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Rodrigo “Rod” Emilio Solano-Quesnel, who died on July 11, 2023, at the age of 42.
Rod was born on February 27, 1981, in Mexico City to Leticia Rosana Quesnel and Luis Pastor Solano Flores. He spent his elementary years in Mexico City and attended Montessori school from kindergarten through 5th grade. At age 10, he relocated to Ontario, Canada with his father. Rod adapted quickly to the new culture and learned English and French. Roman Catholic influences culturally dominated his early life as he attended Catholic elementary school and high school. He enjoyed opportunities for religious discussion and worship. Toward the end of high school, Rod felt more inclined to work in social sciences, with a sense to improve the world through socio-political action. In 2005, he received his Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management specializing in International Studies from Carleton University, Ottawa.
During his time at university, in 2001, Rod came across the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. There was an immediate affinity to Unitarian Universalism for him; he found his spiritual home; a congruence between UU’s approach to spirituality and his own. He quickly became part of the Young Adults Group, and shortly after he was a member of the Board of Governors and a Worship Associate. Rod also served as a member of the Internship committee and eventually became a Lay Chaplain. As a lay chaplain, he was challenged to be creative. He got involved in more dimensions of congregational ministry i.e., the Young Adults community, governance, liturgy, rites of passage, and the occasional sermon, and felt a strong desire to participate in worship services. All these experiences in spiritual discovery, congregational leadership, and worship participation, confirmed his call for the UU ministry. Becoming a UU-minister, he wanted to consistently find creative ways to his own spiritual integrity while catering to the diverse needs of the community at large. With this call, in 2012, he received his Master of Divinity from the Montreal School of Theology.
From 2013 to 2014, Rod served as a Lifespan Learning Program Assistant for the Neighborhood UU Congregation in Toronto. In 2016, the Neighborhood UU congregation ordained him. Rev. Solano-Quesnel served as a half-time developmental minister for the UU Fellowship of Ottawa, ON, Canada (2016-2021). During his tenure, he successfully co-facilitated a workshop – Growing in a Compassionate Presence. His ministry modeled friendliness and acceptance; he was responsive to concerns. He supported the Social Action Committee and worked very well with the Committee on Ministry using the committee as a sounding board and following up when needed. In 2018, he accepted a call from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda, ON, and served until his death in 2023.
Rev. Solano-Quesnel served the denomination as a member of the Unitarian Universalist community in Montreal. For the Unitarian Church of Montreal, he was active on the worship committee, served the liturgist team, and supported leading worship on Sundays. He also brought a creative perspective to board work and served as secretary of the board of management.
Rod was a boundlessly loving human being who nurtured positive change in the lives, communities, and world which he was – and is – part of. He listened thoughtfully to all who sought his ear, was intensely intentional in his actions, and exuded both childlike joy and understanding beyond his years. Rod was very human and far from perfect, but he was divine in his embodiment of love, grace, and connection. Rod was relentlessly himself and passionately committed to others.
He was a natural and entertaining teacher, conveying information with passion, clarity, and good humor. He had a passion for music, photography, and writing. He played and composed for the keyboard. He was a great fan of film and incorporated dance as a source of soul enrichment.
Rod is survived by his partner Sarah Wert; his mother Leticia; his father Pastor and stepmother Patricia; as well as many other loving relatives.
Visitation and the funeral for Rev. Rod were held at the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington, ON.
Flowers can be sent, or donations can be made by cheque or by e-transfer to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda, 2953 Olinda Side Rd, Ruthven, ON, N0P 2G0.
Notes of condolence can be written here.