H. Rodney Kempel, 69

H. Rodney Kempel, 69, died Dec. 16, 2008, at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, because of complications of a cerebral aneurysm. Rod was born Jan. 29, 1939, in Minot, N.D., to Harold and Helen Kempel. He spent his childhood in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1957, at which time he moved to his beloved Montana.

Rod spent most of his life in Missoula, attending the University of Montana for two years prior to beginning his business career with Pacific Steel & Recycling in 1959.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1966.

Rod spent his entire career with Pacific Steel & Recycling. As manager of the Missoula recycling branch, he was successful in the growth and development of the facility. Rod was an "idea" man, always looking for ways to promote the company and the employees who worked for him. He trained and mentored many employees who are leaders within Pacific today. Rod retired in 2002 after spending 43 years with the company.

Rod married Karen Buescher, his wife of 23 years, on Jan. 5, 1963. They shared the joy of raising two children together, Michelle and Michael.

Rod could be counted on as a "fly under the radar" supporter of many community efforts in the Missoula area. He had many interests and was passionate about all of them. He loved snow skiing and was instrumental in the formation and development of the "New Run" at Snow Bowl, for which he served on the board of directors for a term. He also was an avid tennis player.

What he loved most about skiing and tennis, however, was teaching others, especially children. He had a natural gift for understanding the mechanics and fundamentals of a sport and always was willing to share his knowledge with others. Over the years, he taught many people to love the game of tennis and the thrill of skiing knee-deep powder through the trees. Another activity Rod enjoyed was flying. He spent many hours in flight, often times giving a ride to young people for their very first airplane rides.

Rod followed his passions to the fullest; he loved deeply with his huge, sensitive heart and he took great pride in his children and grandchildren.

While Rod enjoyed many activities throughout his life, his greatest passion was playing the banjo. He played it all his adult life, though during his child-rearing years his banjo took back seat to more important issues. Rod's banjo family was huge. They were located all around the world. He had very close banjo buddies as far away as Germany and Japan. He was very proud of having played with the best banjo players in the world. In the U.S., there are thousands. He traveled the U.S. at first, by air, meeting other banjo enthusiasts at conventions and shows in cities across the country.

Later he traveled by car, in part because of the complications of traveling with a tuba. He started playing the tuba to assist several banjo bands with the bass element so necessary for balance. Always a valued part of the group, he played in pizza parlors, night clubs, jam sessions, parties, on stage, off stage, on the beach, in the mountains, in the desert, in back rooms, on back porches, and in front of the TV. Rodney loved his banjo. Furthermore, he loved his banjo family ... and his banjo family will greatly miss him.

In 2002, after his retirement, Rod moved briefly to Boise, Idaho, where he met his wife, Judy Ferrell. They returned to Montana, remodeled the cabin on Flathead Lake and married June 6, 2006. A team they were -- working, playing, traveling and making music together. Rod was happiest when the two of them were side by side playing banjos. In 2007, Rod and Judy became snowbirds, spending their summers at the lake and wintering in Mesa, Ariz.

It was Rod's wish that there be no formal service. There will, however, be an informal gathering of his family and friends this summer in Missoula (to be announced at a later date).

Memorials may be sent to the University of Montana Foundation, P.O. Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59803. Checks should be payable to the University of Montana Tennis Team and noted "In Memory of H. Rodney Kempel."

Rod is survived by his wife, Judy Kempel, of Mesa; mother, Helen Kempel, of Mesa; sister, Nancy Beach, and Bill, of Lynnwood, Wash.; daughter, Michelle Rich, and Paul, and Michelle's children, Allison and Zachary, of Portland; son, Michael Kempel, and Heidi, and their children, Oliver and Griffin, of Helena; nephews, Shawn and Steven Nutz, of Seattle; and his great aunt, Margaret Hanson, of Williston, N.D.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Kempel.

"Our wish for you, Dad, is to float as flawlessly on the clouds above as you did on the knee-deep powder down here. Behind you, we wish you bright sunshine and a clear blue Montana sky."