Name: Celebration of Life for Harry George Rodenberger
Start: 2023-03-11T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-03-11T22:00:00.000Z
Location: at the Farm

Harry George Rodenberger
February 21, 1941 - January 23, 2023
Blaine, Washington - Farmer - Firefighter - Friend. As a regular reader of obituaries to see if he was there, we know that Harry Rodenberger would be reading this with a joke at the tip of his tongue or one of his more infamous colorful phrases. Though eager for more farm projects, the Lord called Harry home for other projects on January 23, 2023.
Harry was born on Orcas Island in 1941 to George and Grace Rodenberger. As one of six siblings, Harry quickly learned to make himself known, hence the rather brilliant colored red hair. The gold capped teeth thankfully followed at a much later date, though his smile was winning from the start as many could attest to. When not whistling with skill most would aspire to, Harry loved to sing, earning him stage roles as he attended Bellingham High School.
Though Harry had several careers, there were two that he seemed to have the secret manual to that left the rest of us in awe. As a farmer, Harry worked for the Green Brothers in Lynden and later ran both his own cow farm and horse ranch. There were few places that made Harry as happy as sitting up in the seat of his tractor or driving the cart with his horse Midnight. When not farming, Harry was a long-time firefighter in Bellingham. He was proud of his rather legendary direct communication style while in command, but he was prouder of all those he worked with in his time there. Harry retired as Battalion Chief after 27 years with the Bellingham Fire Department in 1997.
When not working, Harry was lover of music, sermons, traveling, and audio books. He was an extrovert's extrovert, so whether friend, family, or stranger, Harry was ready to talk, and his stories were often notorious. We will all miss his willing ear and advice.
Harry is survived by his wife Terry; his seven children Tracy, Mardi, David, Dan, Tim, Don, Casie, and their spouses; five siblings Harold, Retha, Keith, Sue, Darla, and their spouses; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews and other beloved family members.
A casual celebration (the man did love shorts after all) of his life will be held at the Farm on March 11, 2023, from 11am-2pm.

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

Published by Bellingham Herald from Feb. 5 to Feb. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Rodenberger

12 Entries

Daryl

October 3, 2023

Terri, Casey, and family, sorry about the passing of Harry, I just learned today of his passing...I always look for him out pruning the apple trees and on the tractor.he always said he wasn't afraid to die that he had already died 4 times...reading the previous comments I can relate to all his catchy phrases...all the best... Daryl

Andrew McAfee

March 9, 2023

He taught me more than I can explain. Thank you, Till we meet again, Love, Honor, and Respect.

Judy McCombs

February 24, 2023

Terry, so sorry that Harry has left you. I recall Harry telling 'colorful' jokes to the little old ladies at Homestead gym. I doubt they accomplished much after his interaction with them! My condolences.

Patty Holland Sweeney

February 10, 2023

Terry, I'm so sad to read of Harry's passing. He was such a wonderful man. He was a good friend of my parents. I remember as a little girl, going to his place on Samish Island with them for a pig roast. And then when you started at the hospital and married Harry I got to know you and found Harry again. You two were so good together. He will be missed by so many. He will always be in our hearts.

Donna Sundseth

February 8, 2023

Terry and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind and our family has enjoyed his friendship and sense of humor over the years.
Our sympathies,
The Hendricks Family

John Martin

February 7, 2023

Harry and I were in Showboat together at BHS in 1959. He was Captain Andy, I was Ravenal. He was larger than life and a great guy.

Daniel rodenberger

February 6, 2023

I am thankful for all the time I got to spend with you and will always regret not spending more. I tell of when you called one early sunday morning,
I was road tripping with 4, going to cousin marks wedding. I remember you saying "Danny, I want you to know I died this morning, and all I could think to respond was well dad, glad to hear your voice." I will miss your voice dad, your advice and that mischievous glint you could get in your eye.....
I love you dad, always will.

Kim Cramer

February 5, 2023

Terry, so, so sad to read of Harry's passing. To bad more people don't have his love, compassion, wit & humor!
Kim (former hskp at Joe's)

Rob Neale

February 5, 2023

Chief, it's hard to imagine you're really gone. Perhaps in body, but never in spirit. From our days working together at Station 1 to our shared command roles, your humor, patience and deep understanding of human behavior was always appreciated. You made me a better person and leader.

I suspect this page will fill many humorous and touching anecdotes from your time at Bellingham Fire Department, so I'll leave my condolences for Teri, Casey and the rest of your family.

Sounding Box 5-5-5-5 in your honor, Harry, RIP my friend.

Claudia Groom Marsh

February 5, 2023

Some people just make the world a better place.
Thanks for the memories Harry.
Claudia Groom Marsh

EMILY P GIBSON

February 4, 2023

I have no doubt Harry is busy with whatever remodeling projects in heaven that are needed - we miss our dear friend and Haflinger buddy. Emily and Dan Gibson
https://barnstorming.blog/2023/01/25/facing-a-rainbow/

Mardi Jorgensen (Daughter)

February 3, 2023

Love you Dad xoxoxo

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