Hi, I'm so sorry to realize this of Rod. I was the 1st girl he met wen he moved to Perth in 2000. We hit it off and shot the breeze but I couldn't handle sum things that neither of us could change, the world, his discontentment. I've had a feeling for a while that he decided to leave the planet. I watched him mix for The White Stripes etc at the big day out. unique character that vagabond. Loved Sting. wat taste did Rod have....passion wired for sound. yr friend Kas

Hi, I'm so sorry to realize this of Rod. I was the 1st girl he met wen he moved to Perth in 2000. We hit it off and shot the breeze but I couldn't handle sum things that neither of us could change, the world, his discontentment. I've had a feeling for a while that he decided to leave the planet. I watched him mix for The White Stripes etc at the big day out. unique character that vagabond. Loved Sting. wat taste did Rod have....passion wired for sound. yr friend Kas

I am Frank Harding from Perth, now residing in Brisbane. I have many fond memories of the times I spent with Rodney, and the talks on the phone. A few days ago I was talking with my wife and son Jake over dinner about a 'Rodney memory' Jake said - I loved Rodney he was a great guy. Rodney and I met at Melville markets Perth where I was selling Records in the late 90's. I had set a carpet down on the ground and had many punters buying records looking like they were praying to Mecca. Rodney was amused and we got on from that day. When I left Perth to go live in the States I gave Rodney my old car which he kept going for years. I next caught up with Rodney when he came to stay with me in Brisbane early 2004. I was at a low ebb and had just separated from my wife. I would see my children little and Rodney came up with a bright idea "buy the boys Rats". Jake and Christian loved those Rats, looking forward to seeing them whenever they came to see me. I'll never forget his t shirt signed by Run DMC after he had mixed them - "Too much bass Rodney' He took great delight in that. We talked a lot on the phone through my dark times, my happy times, his dark times and his happy times. I re married and my wife Vilija had a few conversations with Rodney over the phone. We lost touch while going through one of the dark times. My boys played with Rodney when they were about 4 years of age, they are some of their earliest happy memories. As teens they remember him as a good guy. I remember his as a loveable ratbag, I have great memories of our music rants and raves. Sorry to hear that you passed away, condolences to family and friends RIP mate

clarissa castro

12 years ago

thanks so much frank, your memories sound like you knew him just as he was, loveable ratbag! I hope you are well and happy with your new marriage. Rodney was quite unhappy in the last year of his life, it all became too much and he knew he was loosing touch because he didnt want to accept the world as it is. I tried my very best and we did have some great times together, I loved his cleverness, his green eyes and so many silly yet considerable ideas! I am so glad you have some happy memories of him, as I do. I know in my heart that he rests in peace now. X from Clarissa

My name is Carl Marinkovich, I'm from Auckland, New Zealand. I lived in Sydney for 2 years in 1979 and 1980. I attended Vaucluse Boys High during that time, and was a friend of Rodney's. At that time I went by the surname de Silva. I thought I'd share some memories I have of spending time with Rodney in those 2 years. I'm not sure how we ended up being friends, I guess he kind of attached himself to me at school, as we shared a common love of music that wasn't trendy, we both skateboarded, and at that age that's enough to form a friendship isn't it. Plus I guess I was the new kid so I was keen to make new friends as I didn't really know anyone at school. I worked at Franklin's with Rodney, I think I got the job there first, then he got one as well. We spent a lot of time NOT working, but hanging out in the record store in the mall. Two lovely people, whose names now escape me (I think the guy was Rex), owned and ran the store and befriended us, we would talk music, and just hand out. Sometimes on the weekend we'd get the ferry over to Manly and skate at the skatepark, other times we'd head into town to check out the latest hi-fi gear at a shop on George St, and check out the second hand record shops (I think there were some in Pitt St from memory). I moved back to Auckland at the end of 1980 with my mum, and lost touch with Rodney. I have sometimes thought of him over the years and wondered what he was up to. I'm sorry to hear he passed away, I offer my condolences to his friends and family

clarissa castro

13 years ago

thank you carl, for sharing this with us. thank you.

Melissah Sims

13 years ago

Carl, I do remember you also. Thank you so much for your kind words & happy memories that you have shared. Rex & Bernice were the people who owned the Record store at Bondi Junction. My sister recalls you a little better than I do, being a bit older. When you mentioned De Silva, that rung some bells. Anyway may you have a happy long life ahead of you. Rod certainly had a fullfilling one is his journey in the entertainment industry. Not many live to a ripe old age, when you have been Rockin out from the Franklins days on. Thank you, bless you. Kind Regards Mel:)

My husband Dave and I used to sell Australian hats at street fairs in and around Austin, TX -- we still live in Austin today. Rodney was staying at a shelter when he walked up and asked us for a job for the day. He was great, and ended up living with us for a time. I think of him when I am in our large living room, which he painted with Dave in lieu of rent. He came through another time, too, and we tried to find him sometimes. Today I ran across two old area code 424 numbers with "Rodney" next to them, from when he went off to Los Angeles. We thought he would contact us someday. I am glad to see this tribute online, to see one good picture of someone who has only been in my memories.

Melissah Sims

13 years ago

Joan, thank you for your kind words. Rodney was my brother. I'm so glad you & your husband Dave have fond memories of him. He could be very helpful. He spoke of Austin Texas often. He is also very missed. And will live on forever in the hearts he touched. Thank you. Kind Regards Melissah.

Difícil falar sobre isso, mas você (Clarissa) sempre foi brilhante. Seus filhos se orgulharão muito desse carinho que você têm pelo Rodney e lembrarão dele como sendo o homem que fez sua mãe feliz. Tenho certeza que você está sendo forte. Com carinho. Norb.

clarissa castro

13 years ago

Norberto, mas que surpresa, e que lugar mais inesperado de te reencontrar! Agradeco tuas palavras suaves e queridas, mas como foi que voce me encontrou?? Nao sei teu nome completo mas sou clarissa de castro lima no FB. Vou ao Brazil em meados de agosto, vamos nos encontrar! Beijinho da Clara

Norb Land

13 years ago

mande email: nlandmann@msn.com

It is close to a year since you left us. I know deep in my heart that what you did was an act oif unconscious courage...time is going slow at the moment and I have the most beautiful flashbacks of our good times together. The bad times have dissipated into thin air and I can see the beauty you had inside, shining through so high, from wherever you may (not) be. Little guy louis also misses you and tells me about things that he learnt with you. Gabe feels compassion. The boys will be all right. We all hold you so close to our hearts. RIP

Norb Land

13 years ago

oi. que pena que ele se foi. meus sentimentos. bj. Norb (nlandmann@msn.com)

Not a day goes by where i don't think of you....... I really hope now that you are at peace. I don't know why you wanted to leave the rest of us to deal with the torment.... But" OMG" what a exit. Everyday will hopefully get easier with time. That wonderful busy mind is now resting & you are with Ma & Pa... & all those friends Rocking out!!!!!! That you truely loved. All i can say my beautiful one. Is what a waste. I will love you forever & ever. xoxoxo

Well our team has made it to the Grand final. Wish you & Dad were here to see it.... up those MIGHTY ROOSTERS!!!!! Go the chookies. xoxox

After we were together for 3 months, he started to have some calm moments, reflective moments, more so than the non stop talkative nature that was big part of him. I was a bit confused, thinking that something was not right because he started to be really quite and calm when we were together and I was not resisting his crazy intense, dazzling love, he even stopped doing the DJ thing, playing one different artist, one after the other, and giving me a verbal run on even how and why the songs were created, he would play an album and let it run and one day after what seemed a never ending silence, he turned around to me and started laughing, I started laughing and he stopped all of a sudden, looked at me deep in the eyes and said, "being with you is like going on all those rides at Luna park that you mother never let you go on..."

Rod took Michelle & i to the easter show one year as we could never afford to go. This was when he had his very 1st job, while still at school as a trolley boy at Franklins. Wow what an awesome time we had. We went on every ride & came home with a bunch of stuffed toys that he'd won for the both of us. Happy Times. xoxox

We took buses everywhere, we tucked in together in the back seats, as together as could be and he would whisper in my ear, 'I am a lucky man, being with you is like listening to a Jimmy Hendrix melody. Then my stop would come, I had to get out without him and he would never let that happen, he would always end up rushing out too in the last minute. And when he took me to the bust stop in the morning, I would hop in, he would wave goodbye and when the door was in about to shut, he would jump in, sit next to me, hold my hand and travel til work with me... The first time he took me to the bust stop, I hopped in, the door shut and he was distraught, so he ran after the bus, waving maddly and blowing me kisses til I could not see him anymore. None else has ever done anything like that for me, or with me. No one. Only Rod.

well when me and rodney and my friend went to bowling and it was his turn kim and me louis when he was picking up the ball we put the ball in the zero points place and e got no points abd we laughed our heads off also im clarissas son louis

Driving around late one Sunday evening & looking for a Bottle Shop open. We stumble upon a Bottle-mart. And as we pull up at the drive through. He sees a lady working there. And looks at me as says " I wonder if she knows the song"? I said i don't know? " Why don't you ask her? So he did & she said no. " So i dared him to sing it to her & he did!!! It was so funny. Karen Carpenter's "Close To You". Like from the ad on TV. That would have been Oct 2009. CLASSIC Rod Style......................

I never actually had the privaliage of meeting Rod but heard many stories about him. From what Ive heard he sounds like he was a man with a big heart who had a lot of love to give. If he was anything like his 2 beautiful sisters he was a beautiful soul. Rest in Peace Rod.

I remember when he took me to the Elton Jack Show. He had worked for him. We caught the bus into town & were runnning up to people on the bus just smiling in their faces. Everyone on th bus looked miserable that's why we did it . Boy it was so funny. I met the whole band & had a top night. Wished i had of spent, many more..... xoxoxox

I still can hear his passionate descriptions of Memphis and Beale St, the Blues Challenge and the snow, the people who lived on the streets and and amazing band that played for tips, we spent endless hours on the phone while he was away. Just before he returned he got a gig at the hard rock cafe and, once again I could hear the excitement in his voice, I could see him doing what he did best, his work with such dedication. Crazy and beautiful man.

Witt, enthusiasm, passion, introspection, reflexion, happy moments, impulsiveness, the love of good music and good food, tenderness, sweet and crazy love as I had never felt before for anyone. Rodney woke me up from somewhere I was long due to snap out of. It was so hard listening to all he had to say because he always had so much to say and it was tough stuff. I didnt want to listen, many times. Ironically enough, it all comes back to me, my sweet baby, now that you are gone. And I will go forward. For me, my kids and for your memory.

You brought music into my life at such a young age. I miss you dear brother with all my heart. Sleep with our other 2 Angels & be forever in peace. xoxoxo