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Laurance Rhodes Obituary
Dusty was born on Oct. 14, 1938, in Richmond, Va., to Kathleen and Laurance S. Rhodes Jr. He joined the Air Force in 1957, which took him to a small radar site near Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada, where he met Rayanne Morriss, who would become the love of his life and they would share a journey for 51 years. He served in Vietnam and honorably retired from the Air Force in 1977 after 20 years of service. He and Rayanne then settled and made their home in Eagle River with their three daughters.
After retiring from the Air Force, Dusty worked in the human resources field for multiple financial institutions, MarkAir and the state of Alaska. Then he retired for the second time and was finally able to fully pursue his second love, golf!
Dusty was an amazing husband, father, "Papa" and friend. To his wife he was a companion for life, a forever friend and a special love who shared laughter, tears and a lifetime of memories and celebrations. To his daughters he was their greatest champion, life lesson instructor, best friend, mentor, financial adviser and favorite dance partner. To his grandchildren and great-grandchild he was the best loved "Papa" in the world. He taught them to play golf and poker, attended their sports activities and provided an endless supply of smiles, hugs and kisses. As much as he was loved as a husband and father, he loved being "Papa." Dusty lived life to the fullest and always put his family first; this is the greatest legacy he left.
In his fight against cancer, Dusty showed his remarkable spirit and determination to enjoy every minute of every day: golfing, taking sunny vacations and spending time with family and friends.
Dusty is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rayanne; his daughters, Shawn Rhodes, Lynee Mullen and Michelle George; his grandchildren, Ryan Bode (Jessica), Riley, Erin and Darby Mullen and Wylder and Hayden George; and great-granddaughter Jordyn Bode; uncle Roy Rhodes; sister Faith Caglia; sister-in-law Cathy Morriss; brother-in-law Peter Morriss (Yvonne) and many nieces and nephews. His family also included honorary members; Bill Lancaster, Bruce and Heather Morinitti, Laura Simkins and Alex Toms. He was preceded in death by his son, Laurance "Lee" Rhodes and son-in-law Andy Mullen.
The Rhodes family would like to thank all of Dusty's golf "buds" and the friends who supported him throughout his battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you honor Dusty's memory by teaching a child to golf or setting aside a day to spend with those you love.
A celebration of life will be held at Joy Lutheran Church in Eagle River at 5 p.m. Tuesday. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Catherine Morriss
February 10, 2024
My favourite guy in the world! xxx
Tanya Nugent
May 12, 2011
I just wanted to tell you that I was very saddened to read of Dusty's passing, today in the Sioux Bulletin. Every year I look forward to seeing Dusty's smiing face at the golf course...a sign that summer is here. I will miss seeing him around! My thoughts go out to you and your family.
Maggi Theiss
May 5, 2011
Very saddened to hear of Dusty's passing. Shawn, thank you for sharing your family with me and giving me the opportunity to meet and spend time with the wonderful man who was your dad. Wish we were closer so I could give you a hug. Please know that I think of you all very often and I cherish my memories of the time I spent with you. Miss you much and hope we'll have the chance to spend time together again sometime in the near future.
Heather Wagner
May 3, 2011
Dusty was a friend and mentor and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. His positive impact on everyone that he touched will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. Thank you for sharing Dusty with all of us.
Stacy Niwa
May 2, 2011
I had the pleasure of working in the human resources department at MarkAir with Dusty. He was an amazing man that brought a smile to everyone he encountered. So sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in our hearts and minds.
May 2, 2011
Rayanne,
We are so sorry to hear of Dusty's passing.
The Golf Courses won't be the same without him. Bill lost a buddy and I a friend.
May God be with you and bless you and your family during this time of sorrow.
We'll call you next week after we come back home.
Bill & Astrid Benz
EUGENE PLATT
May 1, 2011
Knew Dusty as an Airman, Golfer, and a
honest human being. It was an honor. His
trust was sought in business and admired
for his sincerity. I appreciated his generosity of his time with youth in teaching them the rewards of life in general. A good human being that passes
this way only once in awhile.Thanks Dusty
for your sharing beautiful life.
April 30, 2011
I had the good fortune to be a co-worker with Dusty when he worked in Labor Relations with the State of Alaska in the Anchorage office. I was in Classification so our work rarely coincided. But we were a daily bagel and coffee party each morning since we both were early starters, and I treasure our conversations and early morning wake-up jokes. He was helpful with advice on human relations issues, drawing on his wide expertise and common sense. And you could see his pride in family when he would relate the latest events.
I am truly sorry for the loss you are experiencing, and hope that this remembrance of an office friend extends the umbrella of care and support over your family at this sad time.
Sincerely, Joann Eakin
Lou Ender
April 30, 2011
God saw you getting tired
When a cure was not to be
So He closed his arms around you.
And whispered,
Come to Me
You didn’t deserve
What you went through
And so He gave you rest
God’s Garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best.
And when I saw you sleeping
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again
Dusty's kindness will never be forgotten. He made a positive impact on the people around him.
God Bless you
John Gose
April 30, 2011
It's hard to express how big a space is left with Dusty's passing. His smiling face and constant laughter will be greatly missed.
Mike and Mariann Gray
April 29, 2011
We were sorry to hear of Dusty's passing. I never met a guy who was always happy, regardless of the situation. He was a good friend. Our prayers are with you Rayanne, and your family.
Ron and Linda Miller
April 29, 2011
Rayanne and Family, It is with great sadness to hear of Dusty's passing. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Our prayers are with you and the family at this time.
Franco & Kristie Belk
April 29, 2011
Dearest Rayanne & Girls,
There are no words to convey my deep sadness. There was never a time that I didn't see that wonderful smile on Dusty's face or be greeted with a hug and genuine affection. Over the years we have been privilged to share in some of the Rhodes family's most joyous moments. Those are memories I will continue to hold close and to always remember Dusty's courage and strength and his deep abiding love for his family. A man of honor and integrity--Dusty has left an incredible legacy. May you each find comfort in your own special memories.
Though we are unable to be there with you, our thoughts and prayers go out to you in the days ahead.
April 29, 2011
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Kim Kerckhoff
April 28, 2011
Oh Lynee, how my heart aches for you and the girls as I read this. What a cool guy your father was....I felt it the first time I met him. May your find smiles in your memories and laughter through your tears as you remember.
Hugs
Lori Z
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