J. Rodney Simmons
J. Rodney Simmons, 36, of Swan Lake, affectionately known as “Ribcage Rod” by friends and family, tragically passed away on June 14, 2009 in Swan Lake. He was born December 8, 1972 in Auburn, CA, the son of Kenneth Simmons and the late Sondra Faye Peterson who passed away in 2007 in Lincoln, CA. Rodney is also predeceased by his grandparents.
Survivors include his father, Kenneth Simmons and wife Janet of Modesto, CA; step-father, Rev. Bill Hawk and wife Jan of Billings, MT; a brother, Ben Richardson and wife Geldie of Auburn, CA and their three children, Benjamin, Jacob, and Noah; his sister, Rhonda Perry and husband John of Eagle, ID and four children, Thom Giles and wife Nichole of AK, Teesha Northcott and son Thomas of AK, and Clark and Elizabeth Perry of ID. His loving wife, Sarah Aczas of Swan Lake, and their two beloved Jack Russell Terriers, Dutch and Lump, along with their many other beloved pets, as well as many cherished friends and acquaintances, also survive him.
Rod grew up as a boy with an insatiable appetite for life that never left as he grew into a man. Rod lived many lives: as a youth in CA then later in his adolescent years learning to surf in Hawaii. In his teens he moved with his family to New York State where he was still chasing his passion for life. It was here that he met, and kept his closest friends. Soon, his passion for life lead him toward another passion, hunting. This brought him to Alaska where he lived, worked, and hunted for three years. Later, in Montana he became a licensed big game hunting guide. After moving his life to Montana, his path lead him to Sarah with whom he shared the last six years of his life.
In his passing, he will be missed in so many ways; by his family, friends, and the one he loved who loved him so much. Every early morning the wilderness will be quietly missing an avid, aware, intelligent, respectful, and passionate hunter; a man who loved the outdoors when there wasn’t a moment that passed that he didn’t have his mind on the next big hunt. Never a moment of Rod’s days were wasted. He was always moving, working, helping and spending time with the ones he so loved. He will be greatly missed by all. And every time we hear an elk bugle, see a flower grow into bloom, catch a fish, or even hike into the mountains, we will recall all these wonderful memories of a wonderful, loyal man who will always be cherished in many lives, in many ways, and will never be forgotten.
Rod’s funeral services will be held on Friday, June 19, 2009, 4:00 PM, at the Flathead Valley United Church of Christ, 204 – 7th Ave. W., Kalispell with Rev. Darryl Kistler officiating. A light reception will follow the services at the church. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home of Polson, MT is assisting the family.
Rod was such a good friend to my son, Scott McKenzie. When Scott moved so far from his family, I hoped and prayed he would find another “family” and Rod was part of Scott’s second family. Whenever I came to visit, he was always welcoming and eager to give me a big hug. I have a fun video I made of Rod and Sarah at Scott’s 30th birthday party last year. I always felt that Rod had a wisdom beyond his years and was an “old soul.” Maybe it was because he was so in touch with the natural world. As long as we are all alive, Rod will be forever remembered. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Though we are not able to gather with you in MT, Our hearts go out to all those that are feeling a loss. There are so many great memories and even better stories of and with Rod, that all we can do is smile. We were graced with Rod and Sarah at our wedding and wouldnt you know it, we killed Squirrel Fish while we were there. Rod couldnt go anywhere without hunting on his mind. It was a blast, full of great times and hard laughs. We hope that you will join us this summer Sarah, and remember that in our eyes, you have been and always will be family, and your stuck with us…Love Thom & Nicole
We’ll miss you buddy.
We loved you very much Rodney..you were your Auntie Lana’s Crocodile Dundee. We will never forget the summer of 2008 when you came to Michigan and spent time with all of us (your family). You will be truly missed but never forgotten.
We love you both, so much love……Kat and Dick
I just recently got aquainted with Rodney at the family reunion in Michigan last year. He and I had an immediate connection. His verve for life, finding out all he could of the family he didn’t know as well as he wanted, and his absolute openess of his heart made him endearing to me right from the start. He was full of love. That was very apparent. Love for family, love for strangers, love for nature and hunting….Just full of love. That connection was cemented during his dad’s surprise birthday party when we came out to celebrate that special day. He was thrilled to see us both, and didn’t waste one moment of time catching up, being genuinely interested in finding out about what was happening with us and telling us what was happening with him. When his Uncle Doug told me what happened, shock does not encompass what I felt. Incomprehension as to why such a bright light on this earth was snuffed out so soon. Not fair, makes no sense, and heartbreaking. But I’ve come to the realization that The big guy upstairs must have wanted to go hunting, and he took the best possible guide there was to join him. That must have been the reason. So at least he’s up there doing what he loves to do, watching over all the people he loved. There will ALWAYS be a wonderful place in my heart that he etched there so easily and quickly. Always. Much love, Lori
I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Rodney, I know how difficult this must be for my son in law Ben, he was so close to his brother, and my grandkids loosing their only uncle…. I remember how much Rodney love them and he was looking forward to spend time with them in Montana. Wishing all that got to know and love Rodney God’s peace
i will miss you. you were more of a true mountain man than i ever knew. give your mom a kiss for me