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Sumner Charles Rodriguez ’42

Sumner Charles Rodriguez ’42, September 27, 2005, in Madras, Oregon. Rod received a BA from Reed in economics. He joined the U.S. Army and served with the 127th Anti-aircraft Artillery Battalion in England and Germany. Following World War II, he entered law school at Stanford, graduating with a JD in 1949. That same year he married Adele Knerr and passed the Oregon Bar exam. The couple moved to Madras, where he opened a law practice. His success in his practice and in assisting the municipal development of Madras and Jefferson County reflect highly on his vision and gumption. "When I want something, I’m going to make it work," he once stated. Reed, he noted, taught him to follow his inclinations, and to have the courage to support what he felt was right. His efforts at promoting positive change in his community brought about the construction of a library, hospital, and museum. In retirement, he worked with the Bean Foundation, and, when time allowed, he worked in his woodshop, played tennis, hiked, and traveled. Survivors include his wife, two daughters, a son, and eight grandchildren.

Appeared in Reed magazine: February 2006

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