WINSLOW – Rodney “Rod” Arthur Record passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, in the loving embrace of his family. He was born at home on July 4, 1941, in Arundel, Maine, the only child of Arthur Clement and Annette Mariange Bishop (Levesque) Record.

Throughout his youth he worked on the family farm with his beloved grandfather, George. He spoke French as his first language and learned English in school, graduating from Thornton Academy in 1959. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Maine, Orono. Rod enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964 and was stationed under a 68 MOS in Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War through his honorable discharge in 1966. Upon his return to the U.S., he earned his Master’s degree from UMO and began a lifelong career dedicated to the students he loved so much. In 1969, he married Lynn Poirier, who he said was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and they settled in Waterville.

Rod taught in several Maine districts, with the majority of his career spent in Waterville and Winslow High. At various times he taught Science, History and Physical Education, but is best remembered for his demanding and inspiring English courses. He worked for decades as a coach in football, winter track, and spring track, with stints as the head coach for each sport among his breadth of service. Rodney believed strongly in promotion of and access to physical fitness for both male and female students and shared his expertise in weight training with anyone interested by organizing after- school programs. His outgoing personality and irreverent sense of humor enabled him to connect with a wide audience and forge many friendships. He loved to make people laugh – especially at his own expense. His entertaining impersonations of Rod Stewart (“Hot Legs”) and Tom Cruise (“Old Time Rock ‘n Roll”) at high school talent shows will never be forgotten. It is impossible to quantify the impact that Rod had through his time in education, but the thousands of lives he touched as both a teacher and a coach stand as part of his legacy.

Drawn to discipline as well as service, Rod joined the Army Reserves at 40 years old. His military time was marked with achievements such as his Air Assault wings, Meritorious Service medal, Army Commendation medal, Army Achievement medal, West Point instruction duty, Southwest border drug interdiction mission and far too many more to mention. He would enjoy a distinguished 20-year career remaining in the enlisted ranks. He retired as a First Seargent in 2001 with his last Unit based in Scarborough (Company D, 2nd Battalion, 304th Regiment, 1st Brigade, 98th Division). So many of his fellow soldiers remained dear to his heart. He spoke of them often and with love.

Rod was a man of strong intellect with many talents. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed a wide range of books, from Greek mythology to Viking lore, Shakespeare to Steinbeck. He was a dedicated crossword enthusiast throughout his life, completing them up until two days before his passing. He was an expert in military history and operational tactics, memorizing details of related books and magazines. In short, the best way to secure a loss was to challenge Rod to Jeopardy, Scrabble or any knowledge-based game!

Rod’s zest for adventure was unbridled, whether traveling through Mexico in his twenties, or competing in the Kenduskeag canoe race in his sixties. He was passionate about the outdoors and had camped in every area of Maine, with many Memorial Day outings to Mount Katahdin when his family was young. He was extremely fond of the coast and dedicated to natural resource preservation and protection. He had the proverbial “green thumb” and could plan, plant and cultivate a successful garden like no other.

Rod never limited himself or his interests by societal restrictions. In 2000 he decided he wanted to learn to knit, inspired by the Icelandic sweaters he had seen in Reykjavik shops during an Army post. He joined a Yardgoods Center group, learned the basics and was soon knitting the extremely intricate sweaters he had admired – far too many to count, with multiple creations for his loved ones.

While Rod was passionate about many facets of his life, his highest love was for his children, Nicole and Derrick. When they were young, he invented games such as “silly sandwich” and “under the bridge,” and played with them every night after work. He taught about them the constellations, took them on walks through the woods to point out animal tracks and showed them how to build a durable lean-to. The family spent every summer at Kennebunkport beach, swimming in the cold water and enjoying picnics. For many years, his children believed him when he said the 4th of July fireworks were in celebration of his birthday. He dressed up in costume for Halloween each year as he took them out to trick-or-treat. He attended every dance recital, every wrestling match, and every graduation. He supported their interests with great enthusiasm and was extremely proud of their respective accomplishments. His unconditional love was returned to him in spades, and there is no limit to the gratitude they hold for their wonderful upbringing. Everyone should be so fortunate to have a father like Rod.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lynn; his daughter, Nicole Josephine of Portland, his son Derrick George and his wife Summer Michelle of Winslow; his grandson Graydon Richard of Winslow; his cousins James, David and Peter Nelson and their families; his brother-in-law Kim Poirier of Chelsea, his sister-in-law Lucie Poirier of Oakland, and his long-time friend Maynard Vicnaire.

He was predeceased by his parents and cousin Sandra Nelson; brothers-in-law Charles and Joseph Poirier, sister-in-law Bonnie Dexter; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rodney loved animals and had rescued many cats from shelters. All the neighborhood dogs loved him, with his canine fans including Bear, Liam, Millie and Simon.

Finally, the family would like to thank Inland Home Health nurses Morgan and Heather, and the entire staff at the Togus VA Medical Center for their dedicated, dignified care.

There will be no services, and the family will hold a celebration of life in the summer.

In lieu of flowers,

the family requests donations be made to:

Waterville Humane Society

100 Webb Rd.

Waterville, ME 04904

in honor of Rodney’s wish that every pet finds its forever home