Roderick Groves

Roderick Trimble Groves



Roderick Trimble Groves, 81, died on February 26, 2018, in Albuquerque, NM.

Rod Groves was born on April 22, 1936 in Madison, Wisconsin. He was the third of four children of Dr. Harold and Helen Groves.

He graduated in 1958 from the University of Wisconsin with a BA in Political Science; in 1965 he received his PhD in Political Science, with a specialty in Latin American Studies, also from the University of Wisconsin. His passion for Latin American politics was enhanced by his field research first as a PhD student in Venezuela in 1963, followed by a sabbatical in 1972 in Colombia. His major academic post was as professor of political science at Northern Illinois University from 1965-1971.

In late 1971 he began his career in academic administration. He moved to Springfield, Illinois where he worked at the Illinois Board of Regents and eventually became the Chancellor overseeing the administration of three institutions of higher learning: Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois, Springfield), Illinois State University, and Northern Illinois University.

In 1995 he took early retirement and moved with his wife, Judy, to Albuquerque. His retirement years were robust and filled with meaningful work. He rekindled his lifelong passion for painting and became a prize-winning local artist. His work is currently on view at the Yucca gallery.

He was also an active member of the First Unitarian Church where he has served in numerous leadership positions, including serving on the board twice.

Rod is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judith Lathrop Groves. In addition, he is survived by his daughter, Sharon and her spouse, Ann, of Washington, DC; his son, Keith and his wife, Shizuka, and their children Andrew and Kyle (his grandchildren) of Waikoloa, Hawaii; his brother, Thomas of Boise, Idaho; and his sister, Susan of Berkeley, Calif.

He was a talented, kind, and beloved husband, father, friend, colleague, and neighbor. He will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on March 10, 2018 at the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Rod's name to the First Unitarian Church and designate either the Building Fund or Moms Demand Action-NM for Gun Sense in America.