Born in Pasadena California, the family moved to Fremont California when Rod was only two years old. There, he  graduated from Washington High School in 1968. He was only 19 years old when he opened his own tooling machine shop. He sold the shop and pursued his dream of being a truck driver! After meeting his wife Vicki Anne Patterson from Solvang California, he was excited to land a truck driving job with Crown Zellerbach and they moved to Gilroy California. The family lived on the famous 6th Street for 35 years. After retirement they sold their home and moved to Woodland Estates in Morgan Hill.

Rod will be deeply missed by his mother Mary Frances, two brothers Jay and Brad, wife Vicki and their three children Amy, Alison and Rodney. His nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren will miss his playful nature.

Rod could often be found tinkering in his garage. He had a genuine love for his family and friends.