I struggle when I lose friends. I still miss David White's chuckle, Rosan Davies' smile and Lloyd Jackson's patience. They all exited this frail existence way too early.
Last week, the 750 employees of the Tax Commission (and countless others) lost a great friend with the passing of Rod Marrelli, our executive director.
For the past three years Rod valiantly fought cancer and all its demons. He battled in a dignified manner, with a grateful heart and cheerful attitude.
I admire Rod for a number of reasons, including the fact that his integrity was beyond reproach. I sat on the sidelines in countless meetings for the past five years with Rod. Never once did he even sniff the lightest gray area of an ethical breach. Integrity flowed throughout his blood stream.
Over the years I've known several people who exemplified dilgence in the workplace. None worked harder or smarter than Rod. Business was business and play was something you might get to later - as long as work was done and done right.
At Thursday's funeral his son, Jon, mentioned that whenever Rod left a job, it took two people to fill it. Although that comment brought a unified chuckle throughout the chapel, I tend to believe it.
His leadership style was simple and straightforward: ask tough questions, get all the facts, listen to those you trust, consider all the pros and cons, make a decision and then take action.
Rod must have co-authored "Sweat the small stuff." He would fret over details like a mother bear over a cub who had wandered away.
Personally, I'll miss Rod's wry sense of humor and the selfless personal service he graciously rendered daily.
Peace, love and all that Jazz,
Charlie
Here's a link to a letter to the editor in Thursday's Salt Lake Tribune from former Gov. Leavitt:
and here's a link to the Tax Commission news release http://tax.utah.gov/news/2010-11-01.pdf
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