Roger Rodoni

Roger Rodoni

August 13, 1940 to April 24, 2008

Roger Rodoni was many things to many people: teacher, philosopher, confidant, loving husband, true friend, father, grandfather, and a man who loved his dogs. Roger was born in Scotia to Jim and Eva Rodoni and, other than his years at Cal Poly, SLO, spent his entire life in Humboldt County. Proud of his long generational ties, he was a Humboldt County historian, and a third generation Native Son with an extensive collection of local historical documents and photographs. Roger loved Humboldt County.

Artist, blacksmith, cow man, scholar, rodeo cowboy, expert horseman, pilot, master of the deep pit BBQ and camp fire Dutch oven cooking and a skilled story teller. A teacher and student of life, he lectured, preached, philosophized and found the talent in every man. He was a great observer of people and their actions - a watcher and a listener. He had a presence when he spoke - one felt compelled to listen because there was always a message in there somewhere. You always knew where he was coming from - he said what he meant and he meant what he said.

Roger believed in God without fearing Him, and was accomplished at quoting the bible. His hobbies included camping, Western Americana and a keen interest in history. Roger was deeply connected to the land. He admired fine horses. He loved hunting as much for the company of his dogs and fellow hunters as for the hunt. Roger and his wife Johanna enjoyed participating in local events with their team of Belgian horses and vintage horse drawn wagon.

Roger was a friend to the environment and to environmentalists, in ways that few could see. He was a man who judged a person not by their politics but rather by their character. If you approached Roger with respect and good humor, he was your friend in a heartbeat.

Roger served three terms as a Humboldt County Supervisor, and was campaigning for a 4th. He was a powerful voice on the Board of Supervisors for individual rights and for the principles our country was founded upon. He was a member of Fortuna Sunrise Rotary, Humboldt-Del Norte Cattlemen’s Association, California Cattlemen’s Association, The Buckeye Conservancy, Farm Bureau, Grange, Fortuna Chamber of Commerce and Native Sons of the Golden West.

He is survived by his loving wife, Johanna; children, Ronan O’Day, Russell Rodoni, Ronald Rodoni and Monica Willburn; and grandchildren, Chauncey Willburn, Hanna Willburn, Kayla Rodoni, Kelly O’Day and Cade Angelini; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws as well as many friends from all walks of life. He will be especially missed by Busy Dog, Molly, Lou, Leftovers and Zeus.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday April 30, 2008, at the Belotti Hall, Ferndale Fairgrounds, Ferndale, California, at 2:00 P.M. Arrangements are under the care of Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary.

Memorial contributions can be made in Roger’s memory to the: Fortuna Sunrise Rotary, Roger Rodoni Scholarship Fund, PO Box 273, Fortuna, CA 95540.

Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.