George H. Rodda

George H. Rodda

July 04, 1930 - March 27, 2016

George H. Rodda

July 04, 1930 - March 27, 2016

Obituary

Rodda, George H. Jr., 85, passed away on March 27, 2016 after a lengthy battle with Lewey Body Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and Congestive Heart Failure. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Bush; daughters Melanie Rodda Smith (Jeff), Rosalee Rodda and Susan Schmid (Fred); stepdaughter Rebecca Yamano (Kevin); grandchildren Kevin, Connor and Janelle Smith; Hannah Rodda; and Kylie, Kelsie, Kaitlin, Keira, and Keegan Yamano; sister Elizabeth Fryer (Richard) and sister-in-law Nancy Barnes (Fred).

George was born on July 4, 1930 in Gebo, Wyoming to Gurtha Olin Rodda and George Rodda Sr. He spent his childhood years in Pasadena, California and attended Pasadena City College and then graduated from The University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s degree in Music. He proceeded to obtain a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and a Juris Doctorate from Western State University.

During the Korean War George served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. He had a profound love for our country and for the American Flag and all it represents. He could not see the colors being presented or hear a patriotic song without shedding a tear. There was a very special place in his heart for this Nation.

George’s career as an attorney offered him many interesting opportunities to represent over 1,200 non-profit institutions and to be acknowledged as the leading authority on the history, application, administration and appeals relating to government land law. He participated in several “landmark decisions” and argued in front of the United States Supreme Court.

George devoted many years to community service including 15 years on the Board of the National Council for Resource Development, 13 years on the Board of KOCE TV, President of the Newport Beach United Fund, President of Orange County Youth for Christ, President of the Newport Beach YMCA, Secretary of the Orange County Council of the YMCA and Vice President of Regional Youth for Christ.

Because of his extensive background in the field of music, George worked for 19 years as the Minister of Music on staffs of various evangelical churches.

George was very active in the Orange County Republican Party working on the California and Orange County Republican Central Committees, serving as Orange County Republican Finance Chairman, working on the Nixon Advisory Committee, and co-founding the Orange County Lincoln Club.

George Rodda worked tirelessly as an elected trustee in the Coast Community College District from 1969-1985. Throughout his tenure as a trustee, he held numerous elected positions and served as a member of various Boards and Committees. One of his highest achievements is that he was the most honored trustee in the 107-year history of the Junior and Community College movement in America and for which he received medals from Presidents Reagan and Bush for his services to the Nation.

A graveside service will be held at noon on Monday, May 9 at the Riverside National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

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4 responses to George H. Rodda

  1. Becky Yamano says:

    Lovely tribute. We look forward to celebrating George’s life.

  2. Loved George. Not only a long time friend, but he was also one of my brilliant CREATIVE attorneys. Both Gladys and I will miss him greatly… especially on July 4th. GREAT MEMORIES.

  3. We knew George for a short 6 years and we were always impressed with his integrity, vitality and upbeat personality. His sense of humor is one to remember. God Bless you!

    Ken and Marsha Ellingboe

  4. We didn’t know George very well or very long, but when we were in his presence we enjoyed his sense of humor and tun he had with his friends. We wish you, Joanne, peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead.

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