Rodney Charles Pilloud

Rodney Pilloud Obituary

Rodney Charles Pilloud

Rodney Charles Pilloud, artist and mentor, passed away of respiratory failure at the age of 77 on January 23, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. Rod was born in Bottineau, ND, on July 30, 1941, the only child of Alfred and Melba Pilloud.

An old friend of Rod's once described him as "...one of the most wildly talented individuals I've ever known." Creativity ran like a swift current through Rod's life, and he devoted much of his time to expressing that gift.

While a young art student at the UW Rod started a rock band, Crome Syrcus, that toured with most of the famous bands of the era. Robert Joffrey commissioned them to write and perform the score for his innovative ballet Astarte, which premiered in New York, with Rod's rock band in the pit. Astarte made the cover of Time on March 15, 1968.

Rod was a prolific painter in a wide range of media, notably watercolor. Through his business, Rain Girl Arts, he painted hundreds of beautiful pieces that hang in the homes of friends and strangers alike. An inventive author, Rod wrote poetry, short stories, and screenplays. A portfolio of his writings will soon be published. As an actor, Rod appeared in fourteen feature films, including Getting Even and Frances, and several television series, notably Northern Exposure.

Best known for his long career in theatre, Rod was Managing Director for the Poncho Theatre (Seattle Children's Theatre) in 1975 and later was Associate Artistic Director at The Empty Space Theatre. He directed and performed at theatre companies across the Northwest, including Seattle Rep, ACT, and Tacoma Little Theatre. He was a stage and production manager at Seattle Shakespeare until 2013.

Rod's gruff exterior belied a deep and enduring concern for other people; a rare individual that fostered creativity in others. From coaching a young actor to use his talents to greater effect, to helping a close friend become an artist in her own right, he was unfailingly generous with his time, experience and spirit.

Always playful, Rod had a quick wit and a gift for repartee, regularly exercising his wryly irreverent sense of humor. Married several times, he continually spoke of his former spouses with an affectionately mischievous grin. Rod was tough and resilient-after beating lung cancer, he knew he could "handle that dying thing just fine." And he did-with courage and resolve.

Rod leaves an empty space in the hearts of those whose lives are better because he was here. He will be remembered with gratitude for all he taught and shared; with respect for his intellect and accomplishments; and with love for all that he was. Rest in peace, dear friend-your life was a job well done.

Rod was preceded in death by his mother, Melba, father, Alfred, and stepson Don. He is survived by son Doug; daughter Darcy; grandchildren Michele, Loren, Meghan and Ryan; one brand-new great-granddaughter; and stepdaughter Lori.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and The American Lung Association.

Sign Rod's online

Guest Book at www.Legacy.com

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Published by The Seattle Times on May 19, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Rodney Pilloud

Sponsored by The Family.

7 Entries

Cecily Broman Hiatt

February 21, 2020

Feb. 21, 2020
I had the pleasure of being directed by Rod in several shows in the Seattle area in the early '80's, including 'And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little' at Driftwood in Edmonds, 'Gaslight' for an area dinner theatre, and a summer workshop at CTC in Seattle. He encouraged and mentored me as a young actor with enthusiasm, commitment and focus, and clearly had fun in the process. He pushed me to try different and unexpected choices. He zeroed in on my strengths and magnified them. I remember him as one the most passionate, original and funny directors I ever worked with.

August 15, 2019

I first met Rod thru the theatre.

He took a chance with me, having me compose music scores for many of his productions. These productions really got my name "out there", which then led to a non-stop supply of opportunities for the past 20 years or so. I really have him to thank for that.

He was my favorite director, without a doubt. Being a musician himself, the communication really worked. We developed a real process for it. He always put in the extra time and effort. I really was spoiled having worked with him, no director could touch his talent.

He did a painting as a wedding gift for us. That just really hit the spot.

I'll also never forget the countless coffee-shop meetings, philisophizing to no end about art, music, theatre, films, etc.

A really amazing and talented guy. Gonna miss him.

-Allan Loucks

Rex McDowell

May 21, 2019

I first met Rod in 1972 when he was working with Brian Thompson in the Seattle Parks Department High School Summer Stock program at the Bathhouse Theatre. I was still in High School. Rod definitely was not. He had the job of directing us in a series of 'Street Theatre' events that he created. We did a bunch of wacky things entirely of Ron's devising - at the Sea-Tac Airport (you'd never get permission from the Port today to do what he came up with there), on a State Ferry and at the base of the Space Needle on a busy summer afternoon. Those 'encounters' are still some of my fondest - and strongest & strangest - memories of performing. Thanks, Rod! Bon Voyage!

Sharon Harmon

May 21, 2019

So sorry to hear about your Dad Doug and Darcy. I know you don't remember me but I grew up with your dad and used to babysit both of you

Rochelle Flynn

May 20, 2019

I met Rod in 1982 when I went to audition for Centerstage Theatre's production of "Picnic". I liked him from the moment I met him. I was subsequently cast as "Rosemary". It remains my favorite iconic role and he will always be my favorite director. I worked with him later that year on a touring production of "A Christmas Carol" playing multiple roles. We were all over Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. He was great on that production as well. We never had a bad word between us. I last saw him in 2013. I will miss him and treasure his friendship always and talent always.

Betty Roley

May 20, 2019

I knew the Pilloud family since the 40s--was their neighbor in White Center where Al [his dad] owned a barbershop. Remained good friends till their death.

John Murray

May 19, 2019

Rod was a terrific friend and mentor since 1970. Our get togethers for coffee, dinner, drinks and conversation were always a highlight. He is greatly missed. Thank you for this beautiful obituary. Peace to all who knew and loved Rod.

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