Herbert Rodebaugh

1920 - 2021

Herbert Rodebaugh
July 5, 1920 - April 17, 2021
Sacramento, California - On April 17th, 2021, Herb passed away peacefully at home. He was 100 years old.
Pre-deceased by his parents, Herbert Sr. and Gertrude, his sister, Ardath Schauer, his first love, Maree Rodebaugh, and his son, Gary, Herb is survived by his second love, Lynn Rodebaugh, his children Mark Rodebaugh (Marcia) and Robin Fair (David), his stepchildren Melissa Weaver (Andrew) and Mary Dixon (Randy) as well as 11 grandchildren – Catherine Saslow (Jason), Suzanne Kelly (Matt), Jennifer Sanders (Kevin), Maree, Julie and David (Amber) Cambra; Michael (Emily), Stuart (Leah) and Ryan (Alexis) Weaver; Matthew and Mitchell Dixon, and 3 great grandchildren – Samuel Saslow, and William & Andrew Kelly.
Herb made the most of his amazing life, starting with his birth in Philadelphia. He played football and ran cross country and high hurdles at Germantown High School, where he also met Maree. He attended Temple University for 2 years, competing in the high hurdles, and then was called to serve his country in the US Army Air Corps in World War II in the European Theater. Shortly after completing his service, Herb, Maree and Mark moved to Menlo Park, where Herb worked for the Saturday Evening Post. He later worked for PG&E and moved to Sacramento as a District Manager, where he retired after a full career. Herb and Maree were married for 35 years, and after Maree's passing, Herb met Lynn, who he was married to for 43 years.
In Sacramento, Herb immersed himself in the community. He worked with the state Governor's office under Governors Jerry Brown and George Deukmejian, as Director of the State Office of Citizen Initiative and Voluntary Action. Herb also served in local government as a Commissioner on the Sacramento County Planning Commission and was Chairman of the City/County Steering Committee for the formation of Cable TV Community Foundation. His many other memberships and affiliations included: Past President and member of the Navy League of the United States, Executive Director of Sacramento Region Community Foundation, Member of US Olympic Trials Organizing Committee, Director of Junior Achievement of Sacramento, Member of Mercy Hospital Foundation, Eskaton Board of Directors, as well as Chairman of the Board for KVIE Channel 6, UC Davis Division of Pain Medicine and the Track & Field Record Committee for Pacific T.A.C. Herb was also President of the following: Temple University Alumni (Northern California), Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, YMCA of Metro Sacramento, Safety Center of Calif, Camellia Festival Association, United Way, Comstock Club, Sacramento History Museum, Sacramento International Track & Field Assoc., Eskaton Associates, Rotary Club of Sacramento, and UC Davis Pain Center Executive Advisory Board. In his "retirement" he coached Track at Rio Americano High School until the age of 80. Herb gave so much of himself to the communities he lived in, even being voted Chamber of Commerce Sacramentan of the Year in 1979.
Herb was an avid fan of Track & Field and involved himself in officiating at local, regional and national events. His officiating culminated in serving as a Track & Field Official at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which was a major highlight of his life. He worked with Al Baeta to bring the 2000 Track & Field Olympic Trials to Sacramento, which put Sacramento on the map for hosting events of this level.
In his everyday life, Herb loved to ride his bike along the American River bike trail and watch just about any sporting event on TV. For many years he also volunteered to help at the Stanford football games. A lifelong Temple fan, Herb travelled the country to watch many football games. Around town Herb and Lynn could be seen at any number of community and charitable events, as well as being faithful members of St. Michael's Episcopal Church. At family events Herb regaled everyone with amazing stories from his childhood and military service. He was a master storyteller who made you feel like you were in the moment with him.
We would like to add a special thank you to those people that provided love and care to Herb – Val Lindsey, who has helped for several years, as well as Asi, Noni, Jobe and Advanced Hospice who were with us constantly during Herb's final month.
There will be a private family memorial. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation or a charity of your choice.