Dr. William Rodden, an innovator in eye care, died peacefully in his home on March 15, 2023, after a battle with cancer. He was 64 years old.

Will was born in Los Angeles and grew up in California and Virginia. He initially studied engineering at USC and UCLA. After spraining an ankle and working as an EMT, he switched his focus to medicine. He attended the Medical College of Virginia, and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine in Norfolk, VA. He received a retina fellowship at Pacific Presbyterian Medical Center in San Francisco, and a surgical retina fellowship at the Casey Eye Institute at OHSU in Portland, OR.

Will was the first to bring retina care to the region, founding The Retina & Vitreous Center of Southern Oregon. The institution saved the vision of thousands of patients, while fostering a highly regarded workplace culture. Will was known for his kind bedside manner, listening carefully to patients, addressing fears with calmness, and bringing his sense of humor to this intense work.

His interests were broad. The son of an aerospace engineer, Will learned to fly an airplane at 15 years old, before he learned to drive a car. He was a natural athlete, graceful and disciplined, and loved basketball in particular. Nature was his sanctuary. He enjoyed camping, hiking, running, cycling, swimming, and skiing. He went on many adventures and had endless curiosity.

Will was a beloved husband, loving father, caring physician, and loyal friend. He valued family, service, beauty, adventure, poetry, philosophy, and he enjoyed films. He died like he lived: with tremendous strength, courage, optimism, and grace. He is survived by his wife Harmonee, children Megan and Kyle, his sister Kathleen, and ex-wife Dayna. Will was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Ruth, his sister Monica, and brother Steve. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and patients.

We lost a really good man too soon, and will carry you in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following pancreatic cancer charities:

• Pan Foundation for people who can’t afford treatments.
• Lustgarten Foundation is a world-renowned research organization.
• The family appreciates you sharing any memories of Will on his Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home tribute wall.