March 11, 2014
To the Rodick family,
I cannot tell you how sad Steve's passing has made me. I can still see him and Birddog in the hallways of LaSalle.
The Rodick boys were standouts. Not only were they cute, but they were so very nice and unaffected. They were friends with everyone!
Whether it was baseball games, football games, parties at the Rodick house, my house or someone else's house, we always had a good time.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that there are many, many people out there sharing in your sorrow. I pray that you find peace in your heart, knowing what good persons Steve, Birddog and Dutch were.
May the Rodick brothers watch over you as you continue your journey, knowing that you will see them again.
Shalom,
Bo

March 05, 2014
Doug, I have thought about you and your family so much over the past few weeks. I wanted to say some words that perhaps will help fill that hole in your heart, so here goes.... Growing up on the northside of South Bend was a magical time in the 60's/70's. Days stretched into early evenings playing dodge ball and kick the can. Summers were particularly wonderful with water fights, or going up to Monroe for a basketball/football/softball/baseball game.I was a total tomboy, and many times I was the only girl. My family life at home was crap, so I spent most of my days at the homes of my friends. I also loved to sing in the choir at both Monroe and Riley. There is no doubt in my mind that if I grew up on your side of town, I would have participated in the "We Singers" and been begging you and your brothers to allow me to play games with ya'll...P. S. I cannot believe how much Stephen looks like you...

March 03, 2014
I played football at Douglas County. Coach rode me hard about keeping my grades up. He was a a good man and will be missed.
~ Bill Chiles, Vidor, Texas

February 27, 2014
It was a joy to play with steve for four years.I am so sorry.
~ chris hoover, durham, North Carolina

February 27, 2014
RIP Ratso, may God Bless your Soul and family members. Your friendship was cherished by all Phelt Brothers and Sisters.
Keep Dr. Doom company in The Kingdom of Heaven.
~ Jeff ( chewey ) Ismay, Indy, Indiana

February 27, 2014
So saddened to hear of Steve's passing. He was a great guy, teammate and classmate at Hillsdale and will be remembered fondly by both of us. Our prayers are with all of you.
Mark & Cathy (Franco) Pearson
~ Mark & Cathy Pearson, Cheboygan, Michigan

February 27, 2014
So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Prayers are with all of you. He was a great guy, player and classmate at Hillsdale!
Mark and Cathy (Franco) Pearson

February 25, 2014
Prayers for peace and understanding are lifted up to the family and all that knew and loved Coach Rodick.
Steve and Kellie Gibson

February 24, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
~ Tom

February 23, 2014
So sorry to hear of Coach Rodick's passing. He had such an intense passion for life but soft spoken on a personal level. Thank you for your fire, thank you for the memories, prayers for the family....
DCHS '97
~ Andrew Kilgore, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

February 20, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
~ Jim Boyles

February 19, 2014
Good thoughts of him singing and playing with We Together Singers. I'll have to get a record playing and listen to my albums with remembrance.
~ Debi (Toothman) Roberson, Tomball, Texas

February 16, 2014
To the entire Rodick family, my heartfelt sympathy. Steve was a class act, and it's apparent from the comments in this forum that he continued to be loved, admired and appreciated throughout his life. Those of us who grew up in 'the hood' became family of sorts with so many shared childhood experiences and memories... I hope that you find peace knowing that he is with his brothers in heaven. RIP Stevie
~ Linda (Grenert) Hopkins-Laakso, Mishawaka, Indiana

February 16, 2014
I always looked up to Steve. He just seemed to have the right balance of common sense, low-key sense of humor, and can-do attitude. I also thought of him as a good friend.
I pray for his family and I hope that Steve has found peace.
~ Ted Wansley, Douglasville, Georgia

February 16, 2014
Thinking of Stephen's family during this difficult time, especially Doug and Kathy. You are in my prayers.
~ Kelly and Duane Dickensheets, Monticello, Indiana

February 16, 2014
My brother (Scott McIntyre) called to tell me of Steve (i cherish he knows me so well). The Rodick men, here and gone, are indeed God's gift to their family and friends. I sorely miss Dutch deep in my heart, and have meaningful memories of not just Dutch, but Bird Dog and Steve (and wasn't Doug there too!), singing with We Together Singers and playing softball at Keller Park. Dutch was my true friend and light of my life for many, many years, married or not. We shared so much quietly...his talk of his family and smile at all things difficult, his passion for living and loving...these are things that seem so inherent in the entire Rodick family. I love you all and wish you to know that you are in my thoughts in a humble way. I add my prayers to the tons of those whose lives have been touched by this very special family. I will keep you all in my heart until I join Dutch, Stevie and Bird Dog in heaven. Since we never know what will come, bittersweet memories will be the dreams of us left here to cherish our memories of them. I too would cherish a picture, and if I can wrest the albums from Tommy Gravenor -- he has both of the We Together Singer albums on which the boys were singing and playing guitar -- I will do my level best to get them to you. Please contact me at aquariangrasshopper@gmail. Thank you too Doug, for all your kindness at Dutch's funeral (the earring). All my love, Leigh Anne Robison

February 15, 2014
Coach impacted me and the youth we served in more ways than he probably knew. He will be missed dearly. I hope he finds a way to work through all of us as we continue to do the work we do. RIP Coach
~ John Antonucci, Osceola, Indiana

February 15, 2014
My Deepest Sympathies to the entire Rodick family. I knew Steve, and Bird Dog and Dutch from We Together Singers.
I'm so happy to know that he devoted his adult life to helping kids. He will be sorely missed.
~ Bobbi Miller-Turnage, Mishawaka, Indiana

February 15, 2014
My Heartfelt Condolences to the entire Rodick family. Although I didn't know Steve that well I feel for your loss. There's hardly a day that doesn't go by though that I don't think of my dear departed friend, Bird Dog. Especially when I hear an Eddie Money or Moody Blues song that I wish so badly that he was here and we could once again sing along together. It would mean so much to me if you could get in touch with me to catch up and most importantly if I could get a picture of Bird Dog to cherish for the rest of my life. Again, my condolences. michaelshannon903@outlook.com
~ Mike Shannon

February 15, 2014
I have so many good memories of Coach Rodick at CHHS. Such sad news. Praying for comfort in the days ahead.
~ Maggie Ginn, Wellington, Alabama

February 15, 2014
Steve and I worked together for years and I fondly remember all the great talks we had about life, family and friendship. He made my day brighter every time we spoke. I will miss him an my deepest sympathy goes out to his family. Love ya coach !!! Godspeed my friend !
~ Joe Dolniak, South Bend, Indiana

February 15, 2014
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers to family and friends of Coach Rodick. DCHS Class of 1991.
~ Woody Camp, Luquillo, Puerto Rico

February 15, 2014
Rest in Peace Steve.

February 14, 2014
So sad to hear the Rodcik Family has to bear the loss of another great son. Will always remember all the boys singing. Such fond memories. Always faced life with a smile. So sorry for you all The Clifford Family
~ Karen Clifford Hart, Granger, Indiana

February 14, 2014
With my deepest sympathies. Steve coached my kids at Chhs.He was a great coach and a good friend. Thanks for being one of the good guys.
~ Betty Burnette, Douglasville, Georgia

February 14, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Rodick family. Coach Rodick was an amazing influence on my days at DCHS.
~ Katie Heavner Lambert, Villa Rica, Georgia

February 14, 2014
May the family and friends of Steve take solace and comfort in knowing how he affected the lives of so many students and those who worked with him for the better. I taught with Steve at Douglas County High and was so impressed with his abilities and ebullient spirit. He was a force of nature and will be missed.
~ Michael Brantley, Douglasville, Georgia

February 14, 2014
Our sympathy to the Rodick family. May you find peace in your wonderful memories with Steve. He was always one of my favorite teaches and coaches at DCHS.
~ David/Kathy Martin, Denver, Colorado

February 14, 2014
My condolences to the Rodick family. Coach Rodick was a very good and inspiring man to my son. He coached him for four years at CHHS in Douglas County. May the Lord give you his unmeasurable peace that you can depend on.
~ Stephanie Dunson, Douglasville, Georgia

February 14, 2014
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Steve I hope you are at peace, I will always remember you and the good times we had and the effect of knowing you had on my life, rip my brother.
~ pete sapienza, mt. sinai, New York

February 14, 2014
My condolences to the Rodick family on the loss of Steve. I was a teammate of Steve's at Hillsdale and have many fond memories of him. May he rest in peace with the saints and angels.
~ Mike Bell, Souderton, Pennsylvania

February 14, 2014
Our condolences to you, Doug and to your entire family. May your brother rest in peace beside your other brothers and with our Lord. Liz & Jim

February 14, 2014
Growing up on Brookfield Street was ideal in many ways. We weren't "rich" in $$$ but we were a family that spanned that whole block. The Rodicks, the Sovinskis, the Kurzes, and more. OH! the sweet memories...and some not so sweet hahaha. Love you! Steve will get to hang out with my brother Steve again..and Dutchy! Look out!!! Love to you, in this difficult time. He certainly made his mark in this world.
~ Karen (Kurz) Kagarise, South Bend, Indiana

February 14, 2014
We are both so deeply sorry for your loss. We know Steve from Church and cursillo. He was such a kind and caring person. The Rodick family are in our prayers. May God ease your pain.
Tom and Paula Sulentic

February 14, 2014
You didn't grow up at Holy Cross and LaSalle with out loving the Rodick's. God Bless Steve and family, may he rest in Peace
~ Pati Grembowicz Banik, Elkhart, Indiana

February 14, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I worked with "Coach" at The Children's Campus. He touched many young lives and we shared lots of laughs in a job that could be stressful. He will be missed.
~ Carol Derucki, South Bend, Indiana

February 14, 2014
It's very sad to learn of Steve's passing. We had alot of laughs on and off the field of play. Many good times and memories with Steve in Little League, grade and high school and after. Our most sincere and heart felt condolences to Doug and the entire Rodick family.
~ Jerry Hoffman Family, South Bend, Indiana

February 14, 2014
Heartbroken would be such an understatement as to the news of the passing of such a wonderful man. So many wonderful memories growing up with his children. We are all lucky that God shared Steve with us as long as he did. Ashley, Wes and TC please know that you guys and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers through this hard time. Keep your head up, you have a very special angel shining down on you.
~ Jill Godwin, Winston, Georgia

February 14, 2014
I worked with Stephen at The Childrens' Campus and he worked great with kids. I am sorry for your loss. Your family are in my prayers.
~ Richard Behnke, Mishawaka, Indiana

February 14, 2014
Steve thank you for the friendship and many conversations we had in college. It was a pleasure to be your team mate and to experience the things we did. RIP my friend you will be missed. God bless your family and make them strong.
Harold stevens
~ Harold Stevens, Ft. Wayne, Indiana

February 14, 2014
My sympathy goes out to the whole Rodick family. I've known Steve and his family for years as we went through grade school, high school, and were in We Together Singers. He was always a good friend and will be greatly missed. May the lord be with the family at this time and help all who knew Steve to remember the good times that they shared with him.
~ Ann Miller (Wolz), Mishawaka, Indiana

February 14, 2014
RIP Steve you were a good guy for the short time I got to know you and your family you all have a special place in my heart always! God Bless
~ Dawn Rajski, South Bend, Indiana

February 14, 2014
I will always remember Steve for his kindness and great smile. He was a dear friend while at Douglas County H,.S. He will be missed. My prayers are with you Betty and the rest of Steve's family.
~ Ginny Hubbell Anderson, Villa Rica, Georgia

February 13, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family. Steve was a good friend.I will never forget his larger than life persona,his booming voice and caring nature for everyone he touched.RIP Steve.
~ Randy Spriggs, South Bend, Indiana

February 13, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to family. Sharon McBride
~ Sharon McBride, South Bend, Indiana

February 13, 2014
Condolences to a very special person and family.
~ Diane Kovach, South Bend

February 13, 2014
Rest in peace my friend. We shall cherish the memories of him forever. He played for me at Central before he went to LaSalle HS where he left a great legacy. I had a chance to meet him again and renew our friendship after he returned to South Bend from Georgia a few years ago. Our thoughts and prayers to his family in these difficult times.
~ Greg & Barb Humnicky, South Bend, Indiana

February 13, 2014
To Greg and your family--I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Betty Smith Monhaut Ledsome, Valparaiso, Indiana

February 13, 2014
Steve "Mr. Rodick", was the boys coach at Clay Middle School when I first met him. Such a handsome, approachable man. He always had a stearn way of keeping the kids in line and a big smile and wink right behind it. I had the chance to become good friends with Steve through the years. He had many many friends and loved ones. I will miss you Steve. Love you
(((Tracy Bergman)))
~ Tracy Bergman, South Bend, Indiana

February 13, 2014
Prayers to family and friends of Rodick. I had the pleasure of working with him and learning quickly the positive impact he had on many. He was a genuinely nice individual.
~ Christi Mccarey, Niles, Michigan

February 13, 2014
You've climbed that mountain, we'll see you on the other side. Rest in peace my friend...
~ Julie

February 13, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to Coach's family. Truly enjoyed his friendship, you will be missed greatly.
~ David Hayes, South Bend

February 13, 2014
Stephen is my namesake. He was great friends with my parents at Hillsdale and I remember playing with his children years ago. He will be missed by many! My prayers are with his children in these difficult times.
~ Stephanie Shashaguay, Kissimmee, Florida

February 13, 2014
Our family is so sad to hear of Steve's passing. He had a positive and powerful impact on all four of my children when they were in high school and my husband and I always appreciated his work and dedication to also spend time supporting and participating with the athletic booster clubs. We've missed him and want to express our sincere sympathy to all of his family and loved ones.
~ Annette & Charlie Branson, Douglasville, Georgia

February 13, 2014
Sorry to hear the sad news. I remember playing Babe Ruth baseball with Steve over 40 years ago. He was always one of my favorite teammates and I have thought of him often over the years. Peace to the family.
~ Kirk Forster, Indianapolis, Indiana

February 13, 2014
So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Prayers for all the family..
~ Sue Anduze, Douglasville, Georgia

February 13, 2014
It was always the Rodick boys against everybody else on the sandlot football and baseball games. So sad to hear about Steve's passing, their team gets smaller yet again. Our thoughts and prayers for the Rodick family. Jeff St. Clair and family.

February 13, 2014
i am lost for words, Steve coached my son at Chapel Hill High School, my son worshiped him, our prayers go out to all that loved him~

February 13, 2014
Wishing the family peace & great memories, a very special young man is no longer with us to impact our lives & make us smile
~ David Magley, Canada, Ontario

February 13, 2014
Peace in Heaven. My condolence to the Rodick Family.
~ Michael "Jake" Jacobs, Prior Lake, Minnesota

February 13, 2014
Chris, you and your family are in my prayers. I didn't know Steve, but met him when he was teaching or coaching at LaSalle. Hope you're able to cope quietly and then begin to heal. Sincerely,
~ Sheila Fell (Smith), South Bend, Indiana

February 13, 2014
You were loved by so many! I will miss you very day!
~ Jeanne shashaguy Kuipers, Spanish Fort

February 13, 2014
We were blessed to have many years of a close friendship with Steve and his family. He was a great man. dad, and friend and we will miss him. May God bring some peace to his family at this sorrowful time.
~ Teresa & Mick Condon

February 13, 2014
My wife Teri and I share our condolences on Stephen's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family!
~ Tim Switalski, Anacortes, Washington

February 13, 2014
Alway in are hearts

February 13, 2014
I'm so sorry, my thoughts are with the family..
~ Paul Medich

February 13, 2014
Our hearts are heavy in the passing of Steve and we are thinking of the whole family and our prayers and sympathy are sent to you.
Caroline & William Clark

February 13, 2014
The Waite family's thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rodick family. I will always remember the great fun times growing up with Steve at Holy Cross and LaSalle as well on the football field from 6th grade through high school. God Bless you all.
~ Pete Waite, South Bend, Indiana

February 13, 2014
I grew up with the Rodick's, and went to school with Steve. He was truly one of the good guy's. My sympathy to the family.
~ Richard & Vicki Albright, South Bend, Indiana

February 13, 2014
It was great to spend time with Steve in Hillsdale in October 2012 at the football reunion. I really enjoyed catching up. He was great Charger! Godspeed # 28.
~ Steve Rentschler, Cincinnati, Ohio

February 13, 2014
Our Love & Prayers are with the Rodick family & his dear Mom. (((Tom & Myra Bergman)))

February 13, 2014
I watched Steve play ball for years never missed a practice he was a best bubby to my husband Paul at the time we shared dinners pizza nights and A tone of laughs, dancing, playing with Adam, He will be missed. I am very sad to get this news. My sympathy's To Steve's family and children.
~ Jeanne Shashaguay Kuipers, Spanish Fort, Alabama

February 13, 2014
So sorry about the loss of another dear child in this family. My thoughts are with the family...
~ Vicky Kovacs-Teeter

February 13, 2014
Family and loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult of times. Another bright light extinguished far too early. Please carry only the good memories with you to comfort you in your time of bereavement. God bless you all.

February 13, 2014
Stevie was the sweetest, most supportive and encouraging person I have ever known. No one was ever a stranger. Always an ear for others' problems. Another Lion sleeps tonight. Thoughts and prayers to all of the family. Heaven has received an AWESOME addition!
~ Brenda Nixon, Charlotte, North Carolina

February 13, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Kurt and Chris Stein and family, Goshen, Indiana

February 13, 2014
Rest in Peace, Steve...
~ Dale Strzelecki, Granger, Indiana

February 13, 2014
God Bless. I will always remember the fun we all had in gym class at Clay High.
Lou Greenwalt, Class of 85

February 13, 2014
sincerest sympathy on the loss of your brother, son, father, uncle and friend.
he had quite an impact on so many. he will be greatly missed
your friends, Marco and Roberta
~ Marcoantonio Arellano, South Bend, Indiana

February 13, 2014
Condolences to the family. My kids were influenced by Steve at Douglas County High School. They always felt he was a good man and a fabulous coach. I got to know Steve through youth baseball in the county. We will miss Steve!
Steve Graham and family
~ Steve Graham, Winston, Georgia

February 13, 2014
My thoughts and preyers to the Rodick family, rest in peace Stevie with your brother's....
~ Patty Lord, Gaddard, Granger, Indiana

February 13, 2014
Steve was a great Charger teammate and a better man. I was saddened to learn of his passing and wish the entire Rodick family, my deepest condolences.
~ Christopher Doyle, Fishers, Indiana

February 13, 2014
God Bless. I will always remember the great things you have done for the children in our community. Miss working with you.
~ Kelley King, Niles, Michigan

February 13, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rodick family. Marlah Murray

February 13, 2014
So sad and sorry for your loss. Steve was such a great person, he will live on in our memories. Prayers for his entire family during this difficult time. Special hug to my friend Chrissy.
~ Debbie LaPine, Portage, Michigan

February 13, 2014
I first met Steve after he made Cursillo #80 in South Bend about eight years ago. Two years later, we worked together on a Cursillo team #82. He was a good guy to be around, his talents will be missed as well as his casual wit. My prayers go out to all of Steve's family.
~ Dave Garwood, Edwardsburg, Michigan

February 13, 2014
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
Chris & Allison Ryan
~ The Ryan Family, Marietta, Georgia

February 13, 2014
DVery sorry to hear of the passing of Stevie. He was always a good person to be around. May God Bless the the Rodick family.
~ Ric Coleman

February 13, 2014
There are so many good memories of Steve, especially from back in the day at St. Anthony's. We are so sorry to hear of his passing and want the entire Rodick family to know how very sorry we are. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very very sad time.
~ Kevin and Nancy Bikowski, South Bend

February 13, 2014
Our sincere sympathies to the Rodick family.RIP Stevie.
John & Renee Cook, Green Valley, Arizona

February 13, 2014
My kids and I will always love and cherish our memories of uncle Steve...prayers of healing and peace go to the Rodick family. Kay, Annie and Nick

February 13, 2014
GREAT GUY TO BE AROUND IN THE OLD SOFTBALL DAYS... GREAT TEAM MATE WHO ENJOYED THE GOOD TIMES DOWN AT THE CLUB!
~ ALAN KOWALEWSKI, SANTA ROSA BEACH, Florida

February 13, 2014
So sorry to hear. Prayers for Steve's family.
~ Richard Rains, Rocky Mount, North Carolina

February 13, 2014
Ahh, Stevie! What a great guy. The song is love.
Prayers for the Rodick family especially Greg and Doug.
Kay

February 13, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow.
David Barryessa

February 13, 2014
you will always be known as Coach we will miss you.
~ Diane O'Neal Ingram, Newell, Alabama

February 12, 2014
As a teammate of Steve's at Hillsdale College, I am saddened to hear of his untimely passing and want to express my sincere sympathies to all in the Rodick family. I have nothing but fond memeories of him and the time we spent playing for the Chargers.
~ Brian Parr, Grand Blanc, Michigan

To most of you, he was Steve, to 3 beautiful people he was Dad, perhaps you had another nickname for him, but to me and countless others he was Coach Rodick or simply, Coach.  It has often been said that the true measure of man is the impact he makes on others.  Well, this story is the impact Coach made on me and I know that he made on countless others. 

I met Coach my ninth grade year, it was his first year of coaching for him and he was our head coach on the 9th grade team.  So, my class was his first and the bond we developed was very special.  I remember my first impressions of him were impressive, all the guys wanted to be him and all the girls just wanted to get a chance to stare at him.  Very few people can cut the sleeves off of almost every shirt they owned and still look cool…..well, coach, you pulled it off.  You pulled off most everything except that perm one year…you could have skipped that one.

I played quarterback and defensive back for him.  We went undefeated in our 9th grade team and our bond began.  The next year I played varsity and Coach moved up to an assistant on Varsity.  This was the most difficult year I ever had in sports for a number of reasons but he was always there to talk and encourage me after a tough game or practice.  Over the next two years things grew from a coach to a mentor and most trusted advisor to life….not just sports.  Sure, I can name a number of things in sports that you did for me…things like working your butt off behind the scenes to help me get a football scholarship so I could afford to go to college….or the year that you were not coaching wrestling (so you were not getting paid) but I needed someone to wrestle with in practice to get ready for the region and state tournaments so you would come out and wrestle with me, just to help me out.  Or when I didn’t have a single family member in the stands to watch me wrestle in the region finals, but you came.  Or when I had the best football game of my life but the team lost and I asked you if you thought I played good enough to be able to get a scholarship and you bit my head off for not thinking enough about the team after a loss and as I hung my head in shame and walked away you yelled at me to stop and as I turned around, you looked at me and smiled and said, “yes, you did”.  As I think back on that moment, I smile as I know I made you proud.  I could name countless other things that were about sports, but your legacy with me and with so many others goes well beyond sports, it was about what you taught us about life and the character of the young men we were becoming.  You taught us that it wasn’t about the actions of a young boy that matter but the character of the men you wanted us to become.  I remember the things you taught me that you never knew you taught me.  For example, seeing you as a father showed me how I wanted to be as a father.  I remember seeing little Ashley wrapping her arms around your leg so tight when she was barely taller than your knee.  I remember seeing you at Taylor’s tee ball games and you were the proud father.  And then there was seeing you with Wes, he was old enough to see you for the man you were, the man so many idolized and admired and we were so jealous that he got to call you Dad.  The only parenting mistake I ever saw first hand in those years was your poor decision to let me and my girlfriend babysit for you on multiple occasions.  I am grateful for those were the times when I saw your kids interacting with the Dad they loved. 

Our relationship went well past high school as you continued to follow up on me in college and you became more than a coach but you became my friend.  I think it speaks volumes that the only faculty member invited to the class of 92’ 10 year reunion was, Coach Rodick.  We stayed friends and I was so proud to introduce my wife to you and your family.  As I became an adult our relationship began to change as things in both our lives changed.  I began raising a family and building a business and you began a long fight with demons.  I remember coming to South Bend to see you and talking about how it was time for that mighty man so many of us knew to come back out.  I was never more proud of you than when we saw each other next and I could see that the man I admired so much was back.  I was extremely proud to be your friend.  It was a tough and constant battle, but you fought, I will choose to remember that man….the man that was great, the man that fought and the man that cared so much for others.

I think you can tell how much someone means to you by when you reach out to them….not necessarily how often but when you reach for them.  For me, I can name the 2 lowest times of my life.  First, after my junior year of high school, I had issues at home and I had to move out.  I was 17, no money, no car and nothing more than a friend and girlfriend that were there to help.  So, who did I reach out to for help, Coach Rodick.  That’s who I called, that’s who stepped up and got me taken care of.  I will never forget the talk we had several months later after football practice.  My dad had come to the practice and you saw him standing by the field and you grabbed me and told me it was time to mend the fence, he was my Dad and I  needed to be a man and forgive the past and go back home.  So, I did and from that day on, I have had a great relationship with my father, thanks coach.  The other point in my life that was easily the lowest time of my life was 2 years ago.  My roommate from college and dear friend had lost a long battle with cancer.  A few months later, I finally allowed myself to morn and I spent a night alone in my basement with a bottle, music and just my thoughts.  I have only cried a handful of times in my life and that night I cried like a baby, so bad I couldn’t speak.  Who did I call that night?  I called the person that I knew had always been there for me, I called Coach.  At 2am, you answered and listened to me cry over the death of man you didn’t even know.  In the midst of fighting your own demons, you were still able to pull me out of a terrible hole I was in.  I will remember that call for the rest of my life. 

In closing, I was say this….high school made you my coach and mentor, my college years and early adulthood made you my friend but maturity and later adulthood taught me what you really had been all along, my hero.  You will forever be spoken of and remembered as my hero.