Search by Name

Search by Name

Dr. Stephen Alan Roderick

1944 - 2020

Dr.  Stephen Alan Roderick obituary, 1944-2020, Durango, CO

Stephen Roderick Obituary

Dr. Stephen Alan Roderick, 75, of Durango, Colorado passed peacefully on July 4, 2020 at Mercy Hospice House in Durango. Stephen was born October 27, 1944 in Decatur, IL to Marjorie Elaine Purdom and Grover Andrew Roderick, Jr.

Stephen received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL in 1966 and began his career as an elementary school teacher in Verdon, IL. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Iowa in 1972 contributing to the continued development of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. After teaching at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, he moved to Durango in 1980 accepting an appointment at Fort Lewis College. His career at Fort Lewis College spanned over 30 years. He held several positions at FLC including Dean of the School of Education, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. He was an avid supporter of Skyhawks Athletics. He believed deeply in the transformative power of education as well as the St. Louis Cardinals. It is to be noted that the best day of his life was January 16, 1956 when his brother David Curtis was born.

He is survived by his daughters Joslin I. Roderick (Peter David), Jennifer-Rebecca Roderick (Jason Borges), and Sethany A. Roderick; his granddaughter Amelie O. Borges; his siblings Sue Roderick, David Roderick (Judy Roderick), Robert Roderick (Carol Roderick); Vicki Swanson; his aunt Barbara J. McAtee; his niece Jamie C. Byall (Alex Byall) and their daughter Emma.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Stephen A. Roderick Endowed Scholarship Fund at Fort Lewis College. The family is planning a virtual memorial service. To be included in the memorial service or to share a memory please email [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Jul. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Roderick

Not sure what to say?





Judith Dozier Hackman

June 13, 2025

Stephen was my favorite cousin growing up in central Illinois. He and my brother John were the same age. He followed me at Macmurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Mary Ellen Long

July 3, 2022

I remember Stephen in my yoga class. Always a smile and hello. A short-term neighbor in Durango Hills

Jennifer Mackley

July 19, 2020

Steve was always one of my favorite dads. Always so kind and warm to our gaggle of girls. He was welcoming, genuine, caring. Ill never forget him taking my own dad under his wing at one of our weddings. Dad was recovering from heart surgery and was feeling a bit down. Steve stayed by dads side much of the night, just to make sure he had company and was doing ok. Thank you for everything, Mr. R.

The Pierces

July 18, 2020

I worked for Steve for many ears at Fort Lewis College. I have never known a finer man. The world needs more people like Steve. My husband and I were also friends with Steve and his family. What wonderful daughters to be so proud of. Steve will be greatly missed but will never be forgotten. At least he will never have to go the dentist again (Steve hated the dentist!).
Farewell friend, until we meet again - Danny and BJ Pierce

S Chambers

July 16, 2020

My deepest condolences on the loss of dear Dr Roderick. I hope that 1st Thessalonians 4:14 can help ease your pain and give you hope.

Colbe Galston

July 15, 2020

Mr. R was always so kind and gracious, even in the midst of many girlie shenanigans. A true class act who will be missed.

Nicole Fortin

July 15, 2020

Steve was always kind and let us girls into his home as friends of Beccas. He had a warm way about him and treated us as if we were his own daughters. Grateful to have known such a gentle soul.

Mary Ellen Long

July 13, 2020

Fond memories of sweet Steven. I was a neighbor on Sortais in 1980 and an yoga mate. I appreciated his humorous approach to aging. He will be missed. Sympathy for your great loss. He so loved you, his family.

Tim and Linda Walsh

July 11, 2020

Dr. Roderick was a wonderful educator, Dad, and caring individual. Condolences and love to his family. May his legacy of leadership in education that influenced so many students lives bring you peace in this difficult time.

Bernard and Phyllis Anderson in La Pas, Mexico

July 11, 2020

Ah Steven, you served us well at "The Fort" but you are too young to go! God bless you!

Paul & Michelle McNamara

July 11, 2020

So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Thinking of you and wishing your family peace as you remember Stephen.

Anne Putnam

July 10, 2020

It is a pleasure to have known Steve as a devoted and joyful dad to his daughters. I also enjoyed opportunities to work with Steve for the benefit of Fort Lewis College and to see his dedication to all aspects under his able leadership through the many years.

Donna Mae Baukat

July 9, 2020

My husband Stephen and I send our deepest condolences to Dr. Stephen Rodericks family and friends. It was an honor to have met Dr. Roderick for the few times when Joslin brought him to meetings, and when we introduced him to our Board of Directors over the past months. His smile was the best memory we have of Joslins wonderful dad. Thank you, Joslin, for sharing your dad with us, even though those moments seemed so brief. Our prayers continue to be for you and your family!

Donna Mae Baukat

July 9, 2020

I had the honor of meeting Stephen through his daughter Joslin. His smile and interest in what we were discussing during a couple of meetings he attended with her was most notable. His smile whenever we met is the best memory I have of Dr. Roderick. My husband Stephen and I send our deepest sympathy for your loss. We know how hard it has been for Joslin during his final hours. Our prayers are with your family and friends who share the loss of a man I would personally have wanted to know more closely, although I am glad to have been in his company while he lived.

Kathy Curran

July 9, 2020

Steve has been my yoga student since 2009. He brought a tremendous amount of joy into my life over the years and will be greatly missed. Steve was blessed to have such loving care from his daughter Joslin. It is a comfort to know that he died in the arms of his three daughters. Deepest condolences to his family and all those who loved this remarkable man.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

Make a Donation
in Stephen Roderick's name

Memorial Events
for Stephen Roderick

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Stephen's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Stephen Roderick's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more