AUGUSTA – Rodney “Rod” L. McCormick passed away on Jan. 29, 2026, just before a scheduled lunch date with his friend Cindy.

He was born on Nov. 29, 1944, as the youngest child of Edgar and Marjorie (Bates) McCormick. He cherished his upbringing in Aroostook County and if he ever missed a Houlton High School class reunion, we can’t think of which one it might have been.

Rod joined the United States Army in 1962. Following his discharge, he began working for IBM Corporation. He later returned to Maine and earned both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. He held jobs in social work and graphic design before joining the Maine Department of Agriculture as Assistant to the Commissioner. Later in his career, seeking less demanding work, he joked with his usual dry wit: “I was able to work my way all the way down to Research Associate Two.” When retirement day came, Rod felt it was a perfect excuse for a party and planned his own. The next 20 years he worked at having all the fun he could.

He took pleasure in walking his dog every day, and frequently his grand dog as well. As a gifted artist, he continued to draw and paint, even as his vision deteriorated. He relished Christmas and welcomed any reason to shop. Every December, he would carefully wrap presents and craft elaborate bows by hand for each gift. The packages were nearly too beautiful to open. But we did, while enjoying his second favorite Christmas tradition: Lil Smokies wrapped in pie crust.

He dedicated many hours over the years volunteering with community organizations including the Elks Club and American Legion. He particularly enjoyed participating in the annual Augusta Elks Club Rock ‘N Roll/Country/Variety shows where he was known for his outrageous hand painted costumes. It was not unusual for strangers to recognize him and ask, “Hey! Aren’t you the keyboard guy in the Elks show?”

Above all, “Rockin’ Rod” – his nickname in the local karaoke community – loved to sing and dance. He sang at home, in restaurants and in stores. He danced in the house, the backyard and on the deck. His happiest moments were spent singing duets with his beloved friend Serena, while his “flock” – especially Stacey – filled The Legion’s dance floor each Friday night.

Rod was fun and entertaining (a self-described showoff), and was also genuinely warm, accepting and honest. He had an extraordinary ability to forgive without hesitation or resentment, never keeping track of past grievances. He loved easily and cared deeply for those fortunate enough to be a part of his life. It’s no wonder he had an exceptionally large circle of friends. His friend Andy recently said: “I absolutely hate the idea of a world without Rod.” So many share this sentiment.

Alongside his friends, Rod also leaves behind his family in Idaho, with whom he spent a meaningful month before his health worsened. He deeply valued this time with his brother, James (Bonnie) McCormick, his niece, Debi (Ron) Hunt, and his nephew, Scott McCormick. Over the course of a thirty-two-year relationship with Lynn, Rod became an honorary father to Janis Maylin (and partner Rick Poulin), as well as a grandfather to Jeffrey Maylin. He is also survived by his children, Ross and Bethany McCormick, and by his grandchildren, Addison, Zachary, and Saben McCormick.

He was predeceased by both parents as well as an older sister, Dawn McCormick Frazier.

Rod loved a good party, and there will be one in accordance with his wishes. Please join us on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. at the Augusta Elks Club. Wear your dancing shoes.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.