Rod Greene

Roderick Dale Greene was born on March 17,1946 . . . yes, St. Patrick’s Day! He was the fifth of six children born to Dale Clarence Greene and Florence Jean (Bott) Greene, naturalized Canadian citizens. His siblings preceded him in death: Verna (Morris) Wiley, Doris (Leonard) Fisher, Harvey (Rachel) Greene and Lynne Marie Greene. Lynne Marie went to Heaven when Rod was 11 and she, 9. This loss heavily impacted Rod as well as his entire family.

Rod attended Dye School in Flint, and eventually Ainsworth High School. While in elementary school, one of Rod’s teachers told him if he couldn’t get his hair out of his eyes she would put a ribbon it. Rod went home and told his big brother, Harvey, who went to the teacher and said, “If you put a ribbon in Rod’s hair, I’ll put a ring in your nose!” Needless to say, Rod’s locks of curls remained.

Following High School, in April of 1966, Rod enlisted in the U.S. Army. Young men were being drafted at the time; Rod thought he might do better to simply enlist. He served just under one year in Ben How Vietnam, and was serving during the Tet Offensive. Rod received awards for exceptional competence in his work and for rifle shooting. He was honorably discharged from the Army in April of 1969.

After his service to our country, Rod worked at a few jobs, ultimately hiring in at General Motors in Flint. He worked during the heyday of GM, primarily for Fisher Body Coldwater Road.

After sailing through his GED, Rod enrolled at Spring Arbor College, utilizing his VA benefits. For his sophomore year, Rod transferred to the University of Windsor, then back to Spring Arbor College, where, in January of 1973, he began dating his future wife, Carmen Trevan. By March of that same year, they were engaged and they eloped in May!

Rod and Carmen moved to Flint, where Rod had his job waiting at GM. In July, they became expectant parents, welcoming their son, Jason, on February 25, 1974. Such joy he brought to their lives!

Six months later, they were surprised with the knowledge that their Bundle from Heaven, Jennifer would be joining the family! She brightened their world on May 5, 1975.

Rod left GM after about 6 years and was told by his former college roommate of openings for employment at SPSM ~ the State Prison of Southern Michigan.

Only weeks after taking the exam, Rod was hired. In December of 1985, Rod moved to Carmen’s parents’ home in Spring Arbor and commuted to Lansing for his training, graduating in the top of his class. Carmen and the kids followed in January, and their lives became rooted in the community as well as Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church.

Carmen had attended a high school in southwestern New York state, near Letchworth State Park, which became one of Rod and Carmen’s favorite places on earth!

Rod enjoyed absorbing the soothing sounds of Lake Michigan, woodworking, was an avid reader and liked working outside - chopping wood, mowing the lawn and more. Rod also led the Celebrate Recovery program at Spring Arbor Free Methodist church for several years, which he loved. The friendships made there were special to him. Rod was also active in his church here in Grand Rapids, Lifestream Free Methodist. He served as a Delegate, on the Board and enjoyed helping on work days. He especially enjoyed the fellowship of Forrest VanValin and Joe Rozich. He helped in the kitchen at events and, with Jason, helped to “guard” the church during services.

Quiet, courageous and hard-working are only a few of the adjectives that may be used to describe Rod. His life was faith-centered, rich in family and sprinkled with friends. Although he experienced a fair share of challenges in his life, as do we all, Rod had great compassion and empathy for others. A good listener and guarded advisor, he made you feel he was a “safe” place. He embodied the principles of his faith. Rod was easy-going, rarely overly fretful. He disliked complaining, and when tempted to do so himself, would get that slight grin on his face and say, “It’s Tuesday, (or whatever day it was), and I don’t complain on Tuesdays!” His sense of humor was dry and his timing remarkable! A devoted husband, father and grandpa, Rod was a role model for many, His parents, siblings, nieces and nephews and all who really knew him, had the highest respect for and greatest of love for him!

After several years of the effects of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and Diabetes, Rod entered Faith Hospice, Trillium Woods. The care he received and the support our family was given, was wonderful! He went to be with Jesus, and be reunited with Jason and other loved ones, just before 4 a.m. on March 14th, three days before his 75th Birthday. Our days with Rod were far fewer than we would have chosen. He will be ever-so-missed by all who knew him.