Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

The Paul Mortuary

390 Lighthouse Ave

Pacific Grove, California

Rodney Allison Obituary

Rodney Ransome Allison
~ 2013 ~

Monterey – Rodney Ransome Allison died of heart failure outside his home in Monterey on Wednesday morning, May 1, 2013. He was 69. Rod's mother, Sue Ransome, moved with Rod to Carmel from Belmont, CA in 1949 when Rod was five. He attended Peninsula schools, graduating from Carmel High in 1961. Two interests dominated Rod's life: the stage and Twelve Step
recovery.
Rod's mother had been an actress with the Ziegfeld Follies and a dancer with the Fanchon and Marco troupe in the '20s and '30s. Going through his mother's scrapbooks when he was eight, Rod decided that acting was for him. He made his acting debut at the age of 12 at the Old Wharf Theater here in Monterey playing the singing role of Anna's son in The King and I. In the '60s Rod attended the Pasadena Playhouse and became immersed in Los Angeles area theater. Ultimately he decided against a full-time acting career. He returned to Monterey and joined Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula's Pharmacy Department, where he was employed from 1971 through 1979. Rod became involved in local theater, performing at the Studio Dinner Theater, The Grovemont – later Pacific Repertory Theater, and others. He estimated that he appeared in more than 3,000 performances over the years. Rod appeared in commercials, industrial and medical films, and historical films including playing Walter Colton in a film made for the Stanton Maritime Museum.
Rod celebrated his recovery from alcohol and pill addiction "every day," giving credit to Beacon House and devoted participation in 12-step programs. He became a substance abuse counselor for Lackey's in Carmel, which later became Brightside. In 1986 Rod returned to CHOMP as a chemical dependence counselor in the hospital's Recovery Center. Over the years Rod helped thousands of alcoholics and addicts achieve recovery through his words and his example. He is beloved by fellow recovering addicts and alcoholics and their families for his humor, his listening, his humility, and his straight-forward counsel. He retired from CHOMP in 2010, but he never retired from helping others.
Rod's mother preceded him in death on November 1, 1996. Rod believed he was the last member of his family, but he discovered to his delight that he had two first cousins, Robert and Jim Ransome ~ Robert of Lodi, CA and Jim of El Dorado, CA. He enjoyed their relationship for the remainder of his life. Rod was a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild. He was a member of the Carmel Valley Gem and Mineral Society. He was a regular at the former Garden Health and Fitness Club, now Fit U Monterey.
Rod's license plate frame said, It's My Car and I'll Sing If I Want To. He died in his car in his driveway, listening to and no doubt singing along with, possibly improving on, Frank Sinatra.
Rod's life will be celebrated on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 12:00 noon at Saint Dunstan's Church, 28003 Robinson Canyon Road, Carmel Valley: traveling east on Carmel Valley Road from Highway 1, Robinson Canyon is the first right past Mid-Valley Shopping Center. Go immediately over the bridge and Saint Dunstan's is on the left. In the spirit of the man we celebrate, shorts are recommended.

Published by Monterey Herald on May 8, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Rodney Allison

Not sure what to say?





I was just telling friends about how we met, in the Redwoods at Big Sur. I looked you up - I'm too late, my friend. I'm sad today but I will always remember you warmly. Peggy

Peggy Foster Bacon

Friend

August 30, 2021

My dear friend since the '50s when we would sit on the ledge at the Sunset school and sing while you played your guitar. I am stuck in the Ozark Mountains, bedridden, losing my sight after over 55 years of multiple sclerosis, moving toward seeing you again. You were a bright light in my life, dear Rod. I saw the lovely words from Elizabeth & Dick Barratt and share memories from the Studio Theatre. Almost all our lives, the Monterey Bay area was such joy, especially shared with you. You are loved by the universe for your love, caring, and service. See you soon, sweet soul. With eternal love, Elida, your fellow elf.

Elida Austin Macy

Friend

August 27, 2018

Many warmest prayers for your family. Rod, was there and was my counselor a CHOMP rehab., way back in 1988. I have never forgotten about him and would think of him often. He made a difference and blessed my life.

Sandra Moore

December 30, 2013

Rod was my sponsor. He helped to guide me and listened to my plaintive cries when life did not proceed the way I intended. He was a good man and he will be missed by many.

Bill Lindsay

June 1, 2013

ROD ALLISON WAS MY GODFATHER. HE WATCHED ME GROW UP DURING HIS LIFETIME, AND HE WAS THERE FOR MY FAMILY & I WHEN MY FATHER PASSED AWAY IN JUNE OF 1987. I MISS YOU ROD.

DAVID JENSEN

May 21, 2013

May Your Family Find Comfort During This Difficult Time. Matt. 11:28-30…Come to me, all YOU who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh YOU. Jesus offers to help us pull our load! We do not have to do it in our own strength. With My Deepest Sympathy,

M D

May 19, 2013

Your friendship and counsel will always be with me in my actions and my heart. God Bless.

Paula Timmins-Montgomery

May 15, 2013

Just browsing the net and came across this :- he seemed a decent man -

Jason Harris

May 13, 2013

Rod, you where such a positive light in my life, always happy and upbeat. I will cherise the memories I have with you. You were an exeptable man.....I Love You..........Mary oh, p.s. thank you for remembering my birthday .... the one I share with your mother. You never forgot.

May 12, 2013

mary

May 12, 2013

Fondest memories of Rod for many many years. He always made me feel so good. We are the poorer for his passing. He touched so many lives and made such a big positive difference in the world.

Lynna Hilts

May 11, 2013

Thank you SO much for your part in my recovery. I will miss running into you!

Henry Rippere

May 11, 2013

Such a huge loss to my and to the entire recovery community. Such a wonderful human being. I will miss seeing you on Thursday afternoons, Rod

Nancy Paravicini

May 10, 2013

I never saw Rod without a smile. I also never saw him in long pants! Thank you for being a dear friend to my dear friend.

Sharon Breimhorst

May 9, 2013

I am sure going to miss you my friend

Lynnette Smick

May 9, 2013

always positive and with thoughts of future plans. your pal from the gym, steve

May 9, 2013

I met Rod when we were in the summer production of Annie Get Your Gun at the Studio Theater. For the past 45 years his kindness, generosity, sincerity and compassion were rivaled only by his effervescence and joie de vivre. It is devastating news that he is gone for the many, many people that loved him. A truly great man.

R. Smith

May 9, 2013

So sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind. He gave himself to helping those in need. That must have been the reason he was put here on earth. What a great human being. God bless him.

May 9, 2013

Rod we will miss you, great guy with a great attitude about life.

Steve Cate

May 8, 2013

I met Rod in 1986 when we got to work together at the Recovery Center. He was a great friend and coworker. I will definitely be at his Memorial, to help celebrate his life.

Ellie Parrish

May 8, 2013

Rod..you were a fine friend ,a mentor and very instrumental in my sobriety.Your experience,strength,hope,kindness and loving smile live on in so many of us.Thank you dear one.

Ellen

May 8, 2013

Rod was in many of our productions at the Studio Theatre during the 1980s and it was always a pleasure to work with him. He was a great raconteur and got along well with everyone. He was so courtly to his darling mother Sue, who came to all his plays. He always gave her a box of Godiva or See's chocolates to enjoy during the show.

Dick and Elizabeth Barratt

May 8, 2013

Rod - I will miss your bright humor and your love for LIFE. You were a light in my darkness.

Jo Finnell

May 8, 2013

We all hope to be of service to others. Thank you good friend for your service to hundreds.

Gail Twilegar

May 8, 2013

So sad u left us....rest in peace...josie

josie rodales

May 8, 2013

Rod was wonderful person to work with. "His guidance" helped us all. He was a true gentle man. I know he and Betty M. are laughing and walking together. He lived a "good" life. Rest in peace, Rod

Lynda Baker

May 8, 2013

Well, Rod I should have taken you up on doing lunch two months ago, but you will remind me no "should, could or any of the wouldeds". I met you back in 1996, as a patient and you as a counselor, but I find out that we became friends really fast. You are one of the few people, that come to my mind on a daily basis. So much gratitude I have from and for you. I still remember back in 2004, I was in your aftercare group. You knew that I did not like 12 step meetings. So I ended up staying in that group for three years, two years as co-facilitate. It kept me sober and sane throughout and after. Rod, you will be missed and I feel so blessed that you came into my life. Be at peace

Terrence Hargens

May 8, 2013

rod was a great friend and human being. i met Rod in 1969. he will be missed

peter walters

May 8, 2013

rod will be missed, he was a great human being and a great friend since 1969

Peter Walters

May 8, 2013

Rod's obit certainly captured the essence of the great guy Rod has become in sobriety.I dated Rod briefly long before either of us got sober. When our paths crossed in sobriety I was delighted to see him and always received a fantastic smile and hug when we would bump into each other at meetings or sober events.So long my old friend,until we meet again.
Mary Ann

Mary Ann

May 8, 2013

"Let go, let God" is an oft-heard adage around "the rooms", but for those of us who had been blessed to have this gentle spirit in our lives it was "Let go, let Rod"...

He made an indelible imprint on my life and I will be forever grateful for his wisdom, gentle counsel, and heartfelt compassion, warmth and understanding.
I will miss his sparkling, clear eyes, his resonant voice and laugh, and his knowing smile.

The last time I saw Rod was in the lobby of CHOMP. (Ironically I was accompanied that day by another friend and mentor that has since passed away) Rod & I agreed we would connect some time soon...We never did.
I am a better person for having known Rod and I only wish I could have expressed my love and appreciation to him just one more time... Carpe Diem my friends! Carpe Diem!

Dean Hanvey

May 8, 2013

Tom and I will miss your bright smile. It was always a pleasure to see you .
May you rest in peace.

May 8, 2013

Rod - thank you for being and for being you.

Maggie W.

May 8, 2013

Dearest Rod, How sad I am and how much sadder the world without you in it. Thank you for being a part of my world, however briefly. You changed my life and I am eternally grateful, my friend. Save me a spot. See you when I get there.

Toni Berry

May 8, 2013

Rod, I was brought to tears when I heard the news on Friday. You were an amazing man who has helped so many. Rest In Peace my friend. :'(

Kelly D.

May 6, 2013

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Make a Donation
in Rodney Allison's name

Memorial Events
for Rodney Allison

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

The Paul Mortuary

390 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

How to support Rodney's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Rodney Allison's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more