Rodney Joseph Champoux Obituary (2023)

Rodney Joseph Champoux (aka Papa Rod), age 79, died peacefully in his home, on May 19, 2023. Rodney attended St. Martin's High School, in Lacey, Washington, for three years and completed his senior year at Yakima Central Catholic High School. He belonged to the first graduating class of Yakima Central Catholic High School in 1961. Rodney met and married the love of his life, Patsy Davis, in 1961. After fulfilling his service in the Navy, he worked at Boise Cascade for 18 years, and as head custodian of St. Paul's School for almost 25 years. He found fulfillment and lifelong friends at St. Paul's. Rodney had many interests in his life consisting of piano, organ, guitar, singing in and directing the choir at St. Paul's Church, directing the Sweet Adeline Chorus, Men's Barbershop Chorus, and singing in his own quartet, The Apple Town Tune Company. He also loved the outdoors, hiking, hunting, birdwatching, and fishing. Rodney is survived by his wife of 61 1/2 years, Patsy Champoux, his children, Brian Champoux (Laura), Tim Champoux (Brenda), and Jennifer Bohnstengel (Jim), his grandchildren, Michelle, Kristen, David, Caitlin, Ryan, Anthony and Jessica, his great-grandchildren, Grace, Karissa, Quinn, Jayden, Payton, Zanon, Braylon, River, Holden, Remington, Kamryn, his great-great-grandchildren, Logan and Leighton. He is also survived by siblings, Vicki, Candy, Debbie, Danny, Pam and Mary. Rodney is preceded in death by his parents, Zanon and Delores Champoux and brother, Terry. A special thanks to Colleen and Jeff Wilmoth for their loving help and support during this difficult time. Rodney's charitable endeavors include Catholic Charities, St. Paul's Church, and Christ the Teacher School. A Vigil will be held on June 1, 2023, at 5:30pm, at St. Paul's Chapel. A Funeral Service will take place at St. Paul's Cathedral, on June 2, 2023, at 10:00am, followed by inurnment, at Calvary Cemetery, and a Luncheon at the St. Paul's Gathering Hall. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Vigil St. Paul Cathedral Thursday, June 1, 2023 5:30 PM 15 South 12th Ave Yakima, Washington 98902 Memorial Mass St. Paul Cathedral Friday, June 2, 2023 10:00 AM 15 South 12th Ave Yakima, Washington 98902 Reception St. Joseph's Parish Catholic Church Friday, June 2, 2023 12:30 PM 212 N 4th St Yakima, WA 98901 Reception in St. Joseph Parish Hall. Following Memorial Mass.