Roderick Gardner

Roderick “Rod” Llewellyn Gardner was born in Havre, Mont., during a blizzard Dec. 6, 1934. He passed away following a gale force windstorm in Langley, Wash., Dec. 12, 2014.

Rod’s parents, Harry and Billie, moved the family to Portland, Ore., and both worked as ship welders during WWII. Rod has always loved the sea and became a merchant seaman like his grandfather and brother. As a merchant marine, he delighted in traveling the world. While in port in Seattle, he met the love of his life, Marlene Cox. In 1962 they were married. Later, Rod became a welder and worked for Lockheed Shipyards for 23 years. He would often point out sections of Washington state ferries he had helped build or repair.

Rod was also an enthusiastic connoisseur of history and spent many family vacations seeking out historical locations. He was an avid crossword puzzle fan and never let an unknown word escape his dictionary.

Upon his retiring from the shipyards, for long-standing health issues, Rod and Marlene moved to Langley. Staying fit to the end Rod, and Marlene, were among the early morning walkers in Langley. He always wanted to be where he could see the water and loved living in this seaside town.

Rod greatly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He managed to make history come to life when telling stories to his grandchildren. At his core, Roderick was simply a good man.

Rod was the last surviving member of his siblings, Larry, Rod, LeeLee, Charlie and Linda. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Marlene; by his children, Sherry, and her husband, Casey, and Michael, and his wife, Kimberley; and by his grandchildren, Angela, Michelle and Grace.

The family wishes to thank the workers of Hospice and a special thanks to our dear friend and neighbor, John Ball. By Rod’s request, there will be no service.