Rodney "Rod" S. Pinkham

HOLDEN - Rodney “Rod” S. Pinkham passed away March 30, 2022, at the Bangor Veterans’ Home with family by his side. Born in Holden, Maine on August 1, 1932, to Raymond and Alice (Summerson) Pinkham, Rod remained a proud resident throughout his life.
He was a graduate of Brewer High School and University of Maine. His education was interrupted by two years of service with the United States Army in Korea. Shortly after leaving the army, he met his wife – Joyce E. McCullough of St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada at a nurse’s dance. They shared 66 happy years raising a family and building a cherished partnership.
Service to others defined Rod’s life with many contributions to his community. He served the town of Holden as a member of the Planning Board, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and past member and Chairman of the School Committee. In addition, he coached Pop Warner Football for the Brewer Recreation Association and coached his son’s basketball and baseball teams.
Rod was a dedicated member of the Ralph J. Pollard Lodge #217 AF & AM of Orrington, and the Scottish Rite Bodies of Bangor. Ill. Brother, Rodney Pinkham was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, honorary member of the Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the United States of America on September 26, 2000 in Pittsburgh, PA. He joined the Anah Shriners in 1964 with a strong commitment to help Maine families gain access to extraordinary medical care for their children at Shriners Hospitals. He served in many capacities as both a member and past President of multiple shrine clubs including Bangor, Brewer, Hancock County, Northern Penobscot, Washington County and Waldo County. His dedication resulted in appointments as Ambassador, Assistant Circus Chairman, Circus Chairman, and several Director positions. In 1997, Rod was honored to serve Anah Shriners as Potentate with support from his “Lady Joyce” and many friends.
After retirement, Rod continued to serve the Shrine as President of the Northeast Shrine Association, as a member of the Imperial Shrine Circus Committee, and as second Vice President of the newly formed Shrine Circus Association of North America. Additionally, he served as President and Assistant Marshall of the Imperial Shrine and was Director of the Board of Governors for the Springfield Shrine Hospital for Children in Massachusetts for 12 years.
Rod enjoyed many opportunities in his personal career, initially, as a city planner with the City of Bangor Engineering and Planning Dept. Then, he moved into sales as the Northeast Representative with the Chemical Corporation. Later business pursuits included being owner and President of Seacoast Subaru (now Stanley Subaru), Ellsworth Motors, Border Motors of Calais, as well as Vice President of Apex Custom Lease Corporation of Ellsworth. Professional contributions included being Director of the Maine Municipal Association, Corporator for the former Penobscot Savings Bank, and Director and President of the Maine Automobile Dealers Association.
In addition to his wife, Joyce, Rod is survived by his daughter Kathy Pinkham (partner Karen Hussion) of Walpole, Massachusetts, son Randall Pinkham of Holden, grandson Dustin Pinkham (partner Samantha Jones) of Ellsworth, sister Ethel Haselton of Cape Neddick, Maine and Vero Beach Florida), and many nieces and nephews. Rod was predeceased by his brother Carroll Pinkham and wife Jacqueline, sister Marjorie Blum and husband Barton, and brother-in-law Forest Haselton.
Rod will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a loyal friend and a passionate dog lover. He enjoyed traveling, spending summers at Branch Lake, and valued the friendships he and his wife made along the way.
The family wishes to express deep appreciation to the caregivers at Bangor Veterans Home for their affection and excellent care of Rod over the past years. We are grateful to know that our Husband/Dad/Grandfather had the dedicated caring VA family around him at a time when COVID protocol kept us away.

The Family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments 3-5pm Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street Bangor where a Masonic Memorial Service will be conducted by officers and members of the Ralph J. Pollard Lodge #217 of Orrington. All are welcome. A private family graveside is planned in the future.

Those who wish to remember Rod in a special way can make gifts in his memory to the Anah Shrine Center, 1404 Broadway, Bangor Maine 04401 or the Town of Holden Historical Society PO Box 44 Holden, Maine 04429. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.