Rodd Frye, 94

Rodd passed away on Nov. 10, 2020, with his loving wife, Vicki, at his side. He leaves behind six cherished children, Steve (Beth Blacker), Kristin (Bill) Kavanagh, Lisa (Tony) Dawson, Tim, Erik (Sheila), and Missy (Larry) Case; brother, Dave (Kay); 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law Gary Field and Tony (Dawn Russell) Field; many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

Rodd was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Jan. 22, 1926, to David H. and Beatrice E. Frye. He was one of five children, including twin sister Marilyn (Dolly), and brothers Cortlandt, Harvey (Nik) Sr., and David. He attended Benson High School in Omaha, Nebraska, and Wilson High School in St. Paul before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps (Carlson's Raiders) at the age of 17. He served two years in the South Pacific and was awarded the Purple Heart. Following his discharge, he attended Augsburg and St. Olaf College, where he earned a degree in education.

During his college years, Rodd discovered Glacier National Park and met his first wife, Lois Ann, while both were working at Lake McDonald Lodge. The resulting union produced six children, 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. This summer job also turned into a lifelong love of Glacier and the surrounding area. His passion for Glacier and the outdoors were instilled early in his six children: camping, hiking, canoeing and skiing were among just a few of the many activities they enjoyed together.

Dad was proud of his family and their accomplishments. He would always encourage his kids to strive for more and to make a difference in the world. Rodd loved a good joke, either the telling of or being told one. His grandkids and great-grandkids loved being the brunt of his funny interactions. He loved music, whether playing or listening. With this love came his efforts to strum the bass fiddle, a little piano, the occasional bongo, and harmonica. Jazz and Big Band music were his favorites, but he instilled in all of his kids a love and appreciation for music of many varieties.

He began teaching in the St. Paul Public Schools in 1955, where he spent the duration of his long career. Rodd's passion for education and the outdoors was realized as one of the founding contributors behind Belwin Outdoor Education Laboratory, a cross-disciplinary facility, now the Belwin Conservancy. Originally focussed on relating the science curriculum offered by the St. Paul Public Schools with aspects of nature and the environment, Belwin was an idea ahead of its time and provided an opportunity for many urban students to realize their first experience of nature beyond the city.

Rodd had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed a variety of positions as a seasonal ranger in Glacier National Park for 12 summers. He packed up his young family at the end of the school year and drove to Montana, trailer in tow, to spend three months at various cabins and ranger stations on the shores of Lake McDonald. The park was a special place that touched his soul, imparting a love that endured for the rest of his life.

Next to Glacier National Park, Rodd’s favorite place was his cabin near Nisswa, Minnesota. Some of his most memorable moments at the cabin were spent on lazy summer days with grandkids, relatives, friends, and one of his many canine companions.

He was preceded in death by his parents; twin sister; and two brothers. Rodd led a rich, productive and outstanding life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s chosen charity.

A celebration of Rodd’s life has taken place in Minnesota.