I am Rodney’s younger cousin. He was just 6 months older than me. Our mothers, Chrys and Joyce, introduced us at quite an early age, but he was already a big boy, and somehow we didn’t really hit it off. But eventually, the time came for Rodney to go to University in Liverpool and it was my parents’ pleasure to accommodate him in Birkenhead in our attic bedroom for 3 years. A fair half-board rent was agreed, but Mother soon found she was out of pocket due to Rodney’s unexpected appetite! Rodney would come home from university each day, describing with wonder his experiences across the Mersey, which seemed implausible, but we eventually realised that Rodney was one of those people to whom implausible things just happened. It was much later in life, when we had each made our separate careers, that our paths regularly crossed again at Rod’s memorable decennial birthday parties. On one occasion, in deepest Somerset, the venue was decorated with the flags of the innumerable countries from which the guests came, reflecting Rod’s amazing capacity to make friends all over the world. We learned from him and his beloved mother, Joyce, of his tireless work for the Samaritans, and his long hours as a duty solicitor, liable to be called out at all hours to assist those apprehended by the law, and we enjoyed visits to the arboretum with Rod and Joyce, with her artist’s eye, together.
Rod’s was a selfless life, one that was so well lived, and which brought joy and humour to all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his remaining nearest and dearest.
Show more
Show less