Harry Rodenberger

Farmer, firefighter, friend. As a regular reader of obituaries to see if he was there, we know that Harry Rodenberger would be reading this with a joke at the tip of his tongue or one of his more infamous colorful phrases. Though eager for more farm projects, the Lord called Harry home for other projects on Jan. 23. 

Harry was born on Orcas Island in 1941 to George and Grace Rodenberger. As one of six siblings, Harry quickly learned to make himself known, hence the rather brilliant colored red hair. The gold capped teeth thankfully followed at a much later date, though his smile was winning from the start as many could attest to.

When not whistling with skill most would aspire to, Harry loved to sing, earning him stage roles as he attended Bellingham High School. 

Though Harry had several careers, there were two that he seemed to have the secret manual to that left the rest of us in awe. As a farmer, Harry worked for the Green Brothers in Lynden and later ran both his own cow farm and horse ranch. There were few places that made Harry as happy as sitting up in the seat of his tractor or driving the cart with his horse Midnight.

When not farming, Harry was a long-time firefighter in Bellingham. He was proud of his rather legendary direct communication style while in command, but he was prouder of everyone he worked with in his time there. In 1997, Harry retired as battalion chief after 27 years with the Bellingham Fire Department. 

When not working, Harry was lover of music, sermons, traveling, and audio books. He was an extrovert’s extrovert, so whether friend, family, or stranger, Harry was ready to talk and his stories were often notorious. We will all miss his willing ear and advice. 

Harry is survived by his wife Terry; his seven children: Tracy, Mardi, David, Dan, Tim, Don, Casie, and their spouses; five siblings, Harold, Retha, Keith, Sue, Darla, and their spouses; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews and other beloved family members. 

A casual celebration (the man did love shorts after all) of his life will be held at 3RFarm on March 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.