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Gardiner Rhoderick Obituary

Gardiner Williams Rhoderick, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 20, 2015, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Rod, as he was affectionately known, is survived by his wife, Alba Villavicencio; two children, Brenna Vucicevic and Gardiner W. Rhoderick III; two grandchildren, Rurik and Djula Vucicevic; his sisters, Sue Kidwell and Betty Stevens; brother, Raymond Rhoderick; in addition to loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and a host of long-time friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gardiner and Constance Rhoderick, Sr.

Rod was born June 12, 1938, in Castlewood, Virginia, the eldest of four siblings. He graduated from La Plata High School in La Plata, Maryland, and went on to travel the globe as an indispensible part of the United States space program. Upon his return to Las Cruces in 1994, he became the White Sands Complex Site Manager responsible for NASA space programs. He was deeply passionate about his work and had an indelible fondness for exploration, travel, reading, and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks a donation be made in the name of Gardiner W. Rhoderick, Jr. to the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium. Checks can be mailed to:

New Mexico Space Grant
c/o Gardiner W. Rhoderick, Jr. Memorial Fund
Box 3001 MSC SG
Las Cruces, NM 88001
1-575-646-6414

The family would like to thank everyone involved in his care. A memorial will be held at a later date. Please contact family for more information.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Cruces Sun-News on Jul. 26, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Gardiner Rhoderick

8 Entries

Jim Gavura

July 20, 2023

Still miss sharing a good Scotch and the enlightening discussions regarding just about anything and everything.
You left us too soon.

Butch Heacock

August 17, 2015

Proudly worked with Rod in Antigua, USNS Vanguard, Argentina, NGT White Sands and Tula Peak. Rest in peace Rod, God Bless... Irma & I send our love to Alba and family.

August 3, 2015

Although we were not in touch for many years my heart was saddened when I heard of Rod's passing. I started working with Rod in Alaska and eventually in Las Cruces. He was a great boss and my prayers are with his family. Rod you will be missed.

Dora Schrishuhn (Anderson)

Minerva Royo

July 30, 2015

Rod was a loving husband and father, and a great and loyal friend. We will miss him always, and offer our heartfelt condolences to his beautiful family.

Jim Gavura

July 30, 2015

From that first meeting on a bitter cold Alaskan day, we became great friends. We shared so many great times over the years, at work in the Space program, as well as at play. Our families have been so closely intertwined in an enduring friendship. So sorry to lose you, Amigo, may you be at peace and comfort. Thanks for the memories...

Santa Valenzuela

July 29, 2015

My condolences to you and your family. God bless you today and always.

Kelly Harris

July 28, 2015

Sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working for Rod during the 1990s and was one of the best. Rod see you and Trav on the big patio n the sky for a smoke!

Dana Stevens

July 27, 2015

You did much in life and will be missed by many. Your loving nephew.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

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