Rodman McClintock

1945 - 2024

RODMAN (ROD) LYNN MCCLINTOCK

October 6, 1945 – June 28, 2024

Bakersfield – Rodman (Rod) Lynn McClintock, of Bakersfield, California, was born on October 6th, 1945, in Los Angeles, California. He was the eldest child of Rodman and Eileen McClintock. Rod passed away peacefully on June 28th, 2024, in Bakersfield, surrounded by family and loved ones after a long and courageous battle against Alzheimer's disease.

Rod enjoyed an exciting and joyful childhood that would make any young boy envious. He spent his early years on his grandfather's "Mataguay Ranch," located northeast of San Diego. Rod fondly recounted stories of shooting guns, fishing, swimming, and even riding horseback to the bus stop during the school year. One favorite story was about dove season, when his father and grandfather would place him in the driver's seat of a Jeep, put it in gear, and have him drive across the fields to stir up birds for the shooters. The adults would take turns chasing him down and turning him around for another run.

During his teenage years, Rod attended East Bakersfield High School, where he met many lifelong friends and the love of his life, Laura Hay McClintock. One of his greatest memories from high school was the legend of "The Pie Wagon." He and his surfing and skateboarding buddies bought an old pie delivery van and converted it into a makeshift camper, traveling along the scenic West Coast from Mexico to Big Sur during summer breaks. Their adventures landed them features in several surfing magazines over the years.

Rod epitomized the definition of a hard worker. He graduated from Cal Poly SLO after being drafted during the Vietnam War and working summers in the Forest Service to pay for tuition. After graduation, he became a teacher at Foothill High School, where he taught for 35 years before retiring in 2008. During his tenure at Foothill, he coached several sports and had a positive, lasting impact on every player who experienced his competitive, hard-nosed, yet caring coaching style. Until the day he passed, Rod was hard-pressed to go anywhere in town without encountering a former student or player who would approach him with a warm smile and a funny story. Several years after his retirement, Rod was inducted into the Foothill High School Hall of Fame, an honor he was extremely proud of and celebrated by wearing his H.O.F. ring everywhere and showing it off to anyone willing to listen.

Rod was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Laura Hay McClintock. Together, they raised four wonderful children and created a lifetime of beautiful memories with family and friends. Some of their best times were during their annual summer trips to Pismo Beach, where extended happy hours, great food, wonderful company, and deep laughter often lasted until the early hours of the morning.

Rod is survived by his son Kyle (Mallorie) McClintock, daughter Myriah (Dusty) McKenzie, stepdaughters Joan (Steven) Van Alstyne, and Sally Parks. He leaves behind five grandsons: Brady and Grant Parks, Calum and Briggs McKenzie, and Jake McClintock; and one granddaughter, Tommie Jo McClintock. He is also survived by his brother, Brian (Teresa) McClintock, and was preceded in death by his sister, Jo Anne McClintock.

Although Alzheimer's may have taken away Rod's warmest recollections, it will never rob us of the wonderful memories we have of him. His quick wit and sharp sense of humor could bring the house down, and he always prided himself on his ability to make people smile. He would take comfort in knowing that a smile will come across our faces each time we remember him.

Our family would like to send a special thank you to Olga Hall for taking such great care of our father. We would also like to thank Jethro and Cecilia Lazaga at The Trinity for your dedication to making his final journey in life as comfortable and compassionate as it could have been. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rod's name to the Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County (ADAKC).

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