Obituaries

Rodney L. Price was born on December 19, 1931, in Oakland, California, to Walt and Celia Price.
He grew up with his three brothers, Wally, Rene, and Mike. Rodney attended Castlemont High School, where he was active in the Police Athletic League (PAL).

After high school, Rodney proudly served four years in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

In 1956, Rodney married the love of his life, Marge Price. They first made their home in San Leandro before moving to their first home in Fremont in 1961. There, they raised their two sons, Jeff and Mark, and made Fremont their home for many years.

Rodney worked hard throughout his life and spent more than 40 years as a Teamster truck driver. Over the years, he drove for Montgomery Ward, Safeway, and Airco. He retired in 1992.

Rodney loved the outdoors, especially camping, fishing, and boating. Some of his favorite places were Lake Almanor, Lake Spaulding, and Bullard Bar Reservoir. He enjoyed spending time on the water in his fishing boat, and eventually his love of fishing led him to get a deep-sea fishing boat. Many happy memories were made outdoors, surrounded by family, friends, beautiful scenery, and, of course, many fishing poles.

Family was at the heart of Rodney's life. He was very proud of all of his grandchildren. He had two grandsons and two granddaughters, as well as 12 great-grandchildren and one great-grandson. Rodney loved spending time with his grandchildren and creating special memories with them. He took his granddaughters on memorable camping trips, creating adventures they would always cherish. His grandson Nathan fondly recalls trips to the Nevada City pool, along with camping and fishing adventures, and even times spent shooting guns together.

Rodney loved supporting his grandchildren and attending as many of their sporting events as he could, often traveling great distances to be there. He even traveled in his camper to Oregon and Washington to watch his grandson Matt play college football, camping along the way and enjoying the adventure between games.

Another great passion in Rodney's life was painting. He painted for approximately 50 years, and during his later years, he could often be found in his art studio painting nearly every day. He loved talking about painting and enjoyed sharing ideas and "talking shop" with his painting mentor and friend, Olaf.

Rodney gave his paintings away freely and generously. Friends, family members, loved ones,
visitors, nurses, firemen, and countless others who crossed his path received one of his paintings. For Rodney, giving away his art was a way of giving a piece of himself to others. His paintings will continue to be treasured reminders of his generous spirit and his love of creating something beautiful.

Rodney also had a special place in his heart for dogs. He almost always had a dog—or two—by his side. He especially enjoyed going to the dog park with his family and his beloved dogs.

Rodney will be remembered as a hardworking man, a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather, a Navy veteran, a loyal friend, an outdoorsman, a dog lover, and a gifted artist. But most of all, he will be remembered for the love, generosity, humor, and kindness he shared with the people around him.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy that lives on through his family, his artwork, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Rodney gave freely of his time, his talents, and his heart. His paintings may hang on many walls, but the greatest part of his legacy lives in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.