David Lee Rodda, 74, of Long Beach, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 3, 2015. Dave was born December 30, 1940 in Bellflower, CA and was a lifelong area resident. He had a 45 year career with the City of Lakewood, in which he retired in 2002 as the Director of Recreation and Community Services. During his career with the City of Lakewood, Dave created the Park Watch Program, Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame, the DASH transportation program and Project Shepard, a year round emergency food assistance program. Dave was also a pioneer for women's track and field, coaching for over 50 years. In addition to coaching at his alma mater, Long Beach State, he coached 12 Olympians and was selected as an assistant coach of the 1980 and 1988 USA Olympic teams. He has also served as head coach for Team USA at the 1991 World Championships held in Tokyo, Japan, and at the 1995 Pan American Games. In 1996, Dave was distinguished as a Master Coach, the highest recognition in coaching education by USA Track & Field. Jeri, his wife of 49 years preceded Dave in death. He is survived by his son Scott and wife Ashley, daughter Stacy, grandchildren Devlin, Aidan, Delaney and Megyn and his two sisters, Judy Miller and husband Gary and Pat Andrews. A memorial service celebrating the life of Dave will be held on Sunday, May 3rd at 2pm at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Ave in Lakewood, CA. Arrangements under the direction of Luyben-Dilday Mortuary, Long Beach, CA
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