He was a friend I had coffee with almost every weekend day over the last 2-3 years.He was an engaging fellow and always had a smile and kind words.
He will be missed by his family and firends.
Rest in Peace Bruce.
RODIE
Lt. Col. William Bruce Rodie, USAF, (Ret.), age 62, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 in San Antonio, TX. He was born in Hackensack, NJ to parents, Edward Bruce and Margaret Constantine Hardenbergh Rodie.
During his 25 years of service in the Air Force, he had some notable postings throughout his career. While at Vandenberg AFB, California, serving as the Squadron Missile Combat Crew Commander, he was able to fire a test missile into a pre-determined area. He came within 100 yards of the exact target, which, when dealing with a nuclear payload "shouldn't make too much difference on the outcome." His last posting was Howard AFB, Panama, where he served as Commander-Morale Welfare and Recreation and Services. Some interesting duties as the MWR Commander in an international posting were to "keep an eye on the slot machines and make sure the Mongolian BBQ comes out right."
After retirement, he was able to shift his focus onto his family's enterprises and affairs. He served as a Board Member and Co-Owner of the civil engineering magazine "PUBLIC WORKS". Through his tenure, Bruce oversaw daily and monthly operations until the prudent sale of the publication. After the passing of his father, Bruce stepped into his shoes and overtook the management duties of his mother's accounts as Trustee as well as serving on the board of the charitable Rodie Family Foundation. These responsibilities were deftly managed so that the fruits of his labor may be shared with the non-profit organizations that the Rodie Family Foundation annually supports. When he was not jetting out to California to help his mother with financial organization and documentation, he was cheerfully digging around in the dirt at his beloved school, TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas. Bruce's son, Christopher attended the school from 6th to 12th grade and has many fond memories through that time. Bruce's dedication and labor can be seen throughout the campus as he personally ensured the growth and beauty of the gardens; these are the same gardens that he and Sandy generously created and donated to the school years ago.
Bruce's education was heavily from life itself, but he also managed to eke out a few degrees in the meantime. He completed his Bachelor's in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University where he was a member of the Air Force ROTC detachment and a Brother in the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. He recounted the stories and benefits of his fraternity brothers many times throughout the years. From the University of Northern Colorado he received his MA in Public Administration. From the University of Montana he received his MBA. Of particular note, he was very proud to have received from the USA Small Business Administration the Small Business Institute Regional Award. While in the Air Force, Bruce completed some notable job specific education including Missile Launch Officer, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. Through these series of training modules and formal study, he was able to enhance his skills as a warrior and officer.
Bruce has been active in scouting since his youth; this passion of scouting was enhanced when his son entered Cub Scouts at the rank of Bear. He volunteered, attended trips, and provided unmatched support to Christopher on his way to the rank of Eagle Scout. After his son left for college, Bruce stayed on with Troop 285 as Assistant Scoutmaster while providing the same dedication and support to the many young men that have gone through the troop. Of particular note, he was able to share his love of photography with a select few by counseling them on their way to achieving the Photography Merit Badge. Although no one really knows where his obsession began, we do know that Bruce has been involved with beekeeping for over 40 years. At the time of his passing, he was serving as President of the Alamo Area Beekeepers Association. If you knew Bruce for any reasonable length of time, you would be hard pressed to not receive at least one box of honey still in the comb. As part of his morning ritual, Bruce would routinely venture over to the local Starbucks. Here he would meet with a group of retired professionals he affectionately called the "Brain Trust." He would speak of them fondly as he gained real joy from thoughtful discussion and heady debates originating from a group with such varied and deep life experiences. Reciprocally, Bruce brought a tone of friendliness and calm to the group and their discussions. This sense of calm and joy pervaded even to the staff of the coffee shop, especially whenever he was caring for his neighbor's Maltese, Bella.
Bruce has always been a likeable and unassuming man. His personality and charm gave him the tools to equally connect with generals and ground crew. He brought honor to his country, friends, and family by serving in the capacity he best knew how. His titles were many: Lt. Col, MBA, Board Member, Trustee, Missileer, Commander, son, brother, and father. He brought life and beauty not only to the gardens under his stewardship, but also to the people in and around his life. He was liked by many and will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him best. Godspeed, Lt. Col. Rodie.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Bruce Rodie and his beloved dog, Little Red. Bruce is survived by his son, Christopher Andrew Rodie; his mother, Margaret Constantine Hardenbergh Rodie; sister, Elizabeth Rodie McGaughey and her husband, Robert Edward McGaughey, III; and former spouse, Sandra Marie Rodie. The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., on Friday, October 28, 2011 at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 E.
SERVICE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
11:00 A.M.
TMI - ALL SAINTS CHAPEL
20955 WEST TEJAS TRAIL
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2011
11:30 A.M.
FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
1520 HARRY WURZBACH RD
Internment with Military Honors will take place at the graveside service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TMI Gardening Fund, 20955 West Tejas Trail, San Antonio, TX 78257, 210-698-7171.
