Patrick M. Rodey

Jan 22, 1943 -

Dec 24, 2023

Former Alaska State Senator and retired attorney Patrick M. Rodey died in Anchorage on Dec. 24, 2023, at the age of 80. Born in San Francisco in 1943, to James and Leora Rodey, their family was soon complete with the addition of his younger brother Daniel in 1944. With opportunities abundant, the family moved to Alaska in 1952. Thus began his enduring love of the state, the people of Alaska and the great outdoors.

As a youth, he began his first job bagging groceries at the Piggly Wiggly, not far from his family home on Spenard Road. He later worked for Peter Kiewit and Sons on constructing the Parks Highway before attending Chico State University and ultimately receiving his BA from The University of Alaska. In 1973, he graduated with his Juris Doctor law degree from The University of Arizona and was admitted to the Alaska State Bar Association in June 1974.

In 1976, Pat married Barbara Jean Coffey and had two sons: Patrick Michael Andrew, "Mike," in 1978 and James Patrick, "Jamie," in 1979. They joined Barbara's two daughters, Debra and Nikki.

Having been influenced by his father's prominence in Alaska's labor unions, Pat developed a keen interest in Alaska politics and began his political career working for former Alaska politicians Lt. Governor H.A. Boucher, U.S. Senator Mike Gravel and Speaker of the House Jay Kerttula. He was elected to the Alaska State Senate in 1974, representing his home district of West Anchorage. While serving in the State Senate, he was the 1978 Democratic nominee to the U.S. House of Representatives sole Congressional seat against incumbent Don Young. Although defeated, Pat garnered a respectable 44% of the votes. He continued to serve in the Alaska State Senate until his retirement in 1992.

During his 18 years of political service, Pat served as Majority Leader, chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, Community and Regional Affairs Committee, and the State Affairs Committee. He played a major role in shaping AHFC's programs for affordable housing. As an outdoor enthusiast and advocate, he wrote the law establishing the Alaska Waterfowl Duck Stamp Program which provided opportunities for stamp collectors and artists to promote Alaska's waterfowl programs while benefiting their habitat.

Pat was a lifelong member of the NRA and a strong advocate for protecting an individual's right to keep and bear arms throughout his legislative career. As an outdoor enthusiast, he supported funding the Rabbit Creek Rifle Range and shooting education.

While serving his district as Alaska State Senator, Pat was an attorney in private practice with Abbott, Lynch, Farney and Rodey in 1975-1983; Aglietti, Pennington and Rodey in 1983-1989; and later with Aglietti, Rodey and Offrett in 1990.

Pat was a respected statesman and friend to many throughout his political and legal career. He was a man of sharp wit and warmth of personality.

Known for being a kind and generous person who would give the shirt off his back to family and friends, he avowed, as a poor boy growing up in Spenard, to remember those who were in need. He followed this principal throughout his life, personally and professionally.

Pat was predeceased by his parents, James and Leora; brother, Daniel Rodey; nephew, Dan Jr.; and son, Jamie. He is survived by his son, Michael Rodey of Borringe, Sweden; daughters, Debra McNeely of Massachusetts and Nikki McKenna of North Carolina; niece, Kristina Rodey Grissom of Idaho; and seven grandchildren, Sigrun, Torvald, Aidan, Ciaran, Riordan, Ruari and Aron.

A service of remembrance is planned for July 2024 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Anchorage. Details will be updated once confirmed.