We'll all miss him. A nice guy and yep, truly a tough son of a... Rod's voice, his presence, his smarts and his strength are really going to missed by all of us who ever had a chance to work with him. Everybody probably already knows the visitation and funeral arrangements. But, if you have a memory of Rod and would like to leave it as a comment, under this post, or e-mail it in, that would be kinda cool.
Thanks, John
7 comments:
Anyone who has worked with me for more than a couple shifts knows that I am a voracious when it comes to passing out "firefighter" stickers to all the little ones in our community. I will always remember him as one of the friendliest souls while I was a probie. During this time while I wasworking at 18's, Rod was the one who showed the me the finer points ofs ticker presentations and that a glove pouch worn on the belt is FAR better used to carry stickers. So, now you all know who to blame. =)
-Alex Mickschl
2-C
A gentle giant, a man who never had a harsh word for anyone, a person who always had a smile, a hello and a hardy pat on the back for all. We are all better people for having crossed paths with brother Rod.
Chuck Mauro
Rod was a special man. He was big in stature with an even bigger heart. His voice was gruff, but he had a kind and caring soul.
I remember well when I first really got to know Rod. I was a newly promoted driver and was assigned to Station 2, the old 2's, "Rod's Place". He still had his Volkswagen Van back then, tucked in behind the station. I remember how intimidated I was by Rod when I first met him. I hadn't had much contact with him prior to working with him. He was a big man, with that wry smile, and the stories. Lot's of stories about the crazy things he had done in life. That intimidation didn't last long. I remember the strength and sincerity in his handshake. He made me welcome. He made me feel comfortable. He made me his friend. We worked together for many years. We rode bikes together. We did biathlon's together. We had a lot of fun. I have missed those times. I will miss him.
Rod was many things to many people. He was a dedicated husband. I know that Brenda will miss him terribly. Not a day will go by that she will not have fond memories of him. His passing will create a void that will never be filled. He was a supportive and loving step-father. He loved Brooke as his own daughter, and it showed. Her life will be better because of the contributions Rod made to her life. And then there's Caleigh. I never saw Rod off the job when she was not at his side. He loved that little girl more than life itself. She had a big, loveable, walking, talking teddy bear all to herself. A special little girl, with a very special grandpa. And he was a friend. I guess it is fitting, that in a life cut much too short, he was with his friends, doing what he loved to do. I know they will all miss him, and save a special place for him in their memories.
Rod relieved me the morning of his "last shift". His hand shake that day was as strong and sincere as the one so many years ago. The gruff voice was still there. So was that smile. God be with you my friend. You were a special human being. You will be missed.
Your friend, Rog
Posted by Roger Libby
The ways I will remember Rod are when he is on his bike. We had many enjoyable rides to work together and occasionally we would go to a Police Fire Olympics. He was very happy when his weels were singing to him. The other fond memories center around Rod's love for his grand daughter. It was always touching to see how much he loved her.
Thanks Rod, for the good times, Larry
I did not have the opportunity to work with Rod nearly as much as I would have liked, but the time I did get to spend with him has impacted me in so many ways...I can say without hesitation that I am a better (and more knowledgable) firefighter because of his willingness to share tips, tricks, and firefighting lore with me --usually in the form of a humerous anecdote. Rod's advice and wisdom helped me to be a better father during a particularly bad time with my 18 year old daughter. He always had a good word, a smile, a joke, or a story. I remember distinctly the first time I met him, because it felt like meeting an old friend that I hadn't seen for awhile instead of a stranger. I only got to work two fires with him riding "the seat", but they were good fires. I miss ya Litz.
Alex Draeger
I met Rod at the "old" 2's back in 83. I will never forget that eventual smile and the aura that he had. I would come to know Rod through the years as a big guy with a big sense of humor and a passion for the job. He was so good with the new folks on the job.I admired him for that. Rod and I used to talk about music quite a bit, particularly the stuff from the 60's. There was an old novelty song called "transfusion" that we used to split our sides over. I really miss that huge laugh. A few years ago he burnt me a CD which was old Beatles covers. He told me his favorite was "In My Life". Rodney, I am really going to miss you and all you gave.And you gave me a ton.
Bruce Moline
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