McCathran, Rodney Rathbone Jr.

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Obituary

Rodney Rathbone McCathran Jr. BERNE — Rodney Rathbone McCathran Jr. traveled the world in the Navy, and ended up realizing his dream in the Hilltowns, living in a cabin with a stream nearby. “He was a character,” said his daughter, Edie McCathran Lane, with a laugh. “He just really lived life to its fullest.” Mr. McCathran died on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at Prince William Hospital in Manassas, Va. He was 79. He was born on July 22, 1932, in White Plains, N.Y., the son of the late Rodney R. McCathran Sr. and Eleanor (Smith) McCathran. An avid bowler, tennis player, and canoeist, his family and friends called him “The River Master.” “Canoeing was big part of our childhood,” said Mrs. Mc- Cathran Lane. “He had us out on the water at a young age. If the water was good, and the river was high, we were canoeing and having fun.” Mr. McCathran’s love for the outdoors led him to gardening, and welcoming many animals into his home. “I think he really just enjoyed being part of everything,” his daughter said. “We had all kinds of animals growing up. We had some strays; we had some animals that had litters, and we’d keep them. We had everything from chickens, to goats, to dogs and cats, to rabbits. Dad took care of them all.” And, shortly after he moved to Berne about eight years ago, Mr. McCathran found a friend to accompany him for the remainder of his years: His golden retriever, Gideon. “He was his constant companion,” Mrs. McCathran Lane said of Gideon. “It was kind of his dream to have a log cabin, and a stream running through the back,” and that dream came true in the Hilltowns. While he enjoyed the beach in his later years, Mr. McCathran had not done much traveling since his time in the Navy in his youth. He had served as a structural mechanic, and was a member of the Tailhook Squadron aboard the USS Coral Sea and other carriers. “He was honorably discharged from the Navy when he got into a car accident,” his daughter said, “but I think he would have stayed with the Navy forever. He loved the traveling that he did with the Navy. He loved the ocean.” He enjoyed participating in Civil War reenactments, too, and had a passion for music. After moving to Berne, he eventually joined up with local bands Pickin’ and Grinnin’ and Knox Traditional Strings, in which he played spoons. “He always kept busy,” said his daughter. “He just had a real zest for life.”

Rodney Rathbone McCathran Jr. is survived by four children: Cheryl L. McCathran and her significant other, Joe Mikrut; Scott E. McCathran; Robert S. McCathran; and Edie McCathran Lane and her husband, J.D. Lane Jr.; and two people that he loved as daughters: Tori Evans and her husband, Jason; and Marli Lockitsky. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Smith; his brother, Frank McCathran and his wife, Carol Anne; two grandchildren: Ethan Lane and Madeline Lane; and former spouses Carole F. Lockitsky and Patricia E. Wedel. His son-in-law, Steven M. Banks, died before him. A funeral was held at the Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, Va., on Monday, May 21, with Burt Robinson officiating. Interment will be private. Those who wish to express their sympathy may send flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Manassas Therapy Dogs, which can be contacted at www.ManassasTherapyDogs.org. Condolences may be left at www.piercefh.com. — Zach Simeone

Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, May 24, 2012

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