Roderick D. Arvin

Roderick Dale Arvin, 80, died at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital on Tuesday, July 28th, 2020, after his heart and kidneys proved themselves maddeningly weaker than his character.

Rod was born on July 12, 1940 in Loogootee, IN to Leland S Arvin and Mary Hope Arvin, née Armstrong. A 1958 graduate of Wayne Memorial High School, he went on to earn an electrical apprenticeship with Ford Motor, where he continued to advance throughout his career.

Rod loved fishing and horse racing, even owning a racehorse named “Uncanny” in his younger days. He was an active member of his community in Indian River, MI, where he belonged to the Sportsman’s and Snowmobile Clubs and played Euchre every week. The perennial host, Rod’s welcoming dimpled smile, Saturday morning French toast, and twinkly eyed tales told laughingly over a hand of Euchre will be lovingly and indelibly remembered by those lucky enough to enjoy his corner of Indian River.

Rod was a phenomenal husband to Nancy, the love of his life, who he married shortly after reconnecting at their mutual 30-year high school reunion. “Rod Dale” and “Nance” traveled the country in their RV, enjoying each other’s company and facing life’s challenges while seemingly never sweating the small stuff. Rod was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great-grandfather, friend, and confidant, and he will be sorely missed.

Rod is survived by his wife, Nancy, children, David, Kelly, and Kevin (Barb), their mother, Carole Lazar, sister, Donna (Norma), stepchildren, Sandra (Dave), Timothy (Barbara), David (Karen), and Christopher (Julie), 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a multitude of loving friends. He is preceded in death by his brother, Charles, and son, Philip.

A life well-lived and not soon forgotten. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Shrine of The Cross in The Woods (https://crossinthewoods.weshareonline.org/).

The family is being cared for by Stone Funeral Home & Cremation Services