 Represented Homer in Alaska Legislature November 22, 2002
Born August 31, 1908, in Mohall, N.D., and raised in Kansas, Rhode graduated in 1940 from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he was student body president. He was later appointed by Gov. Ernest Gruening to serve on the University Board of Regents from 1948 to 1955. Rhode served twice in the Alaska Legislature. He was elected to the second state legislature in 1960 and Gov. Jay Hammond asked him to serve in the legislature again from 1975 through 1978 to fill the term of Clem Tillion, who moved to the Senate. Rhode also served as Homer city councilman in the 1960s and was the mayor of Homer from 1978 to 1982. He had a long career with Homer Electric Association as office manager and member of the board of directors. He also served on the board of directors of National Bank of Alaska and the South Peninsula Hospital. His family wrote: "For his service to our community, the state of Alaska and the university system, Leo received numerous awards. Former Mayor Harry Gregoire declared Aug. 31, 1993, to be 'Leo Rhode Day.' Leo was Homer Citizen of the Year in 1992 and was honored by both the Legislature and the University of Alaska for his years of service." Leo Rhode was preceded in death by his wife, Florence, in 1971. He is survived by his sister Ruth Cheney of Overbrook, Kan., two nephews and one niece. Funeral services were planned in Homer Thursday. In recognition
of his service to the people and the State of Alaska, Gov. Tony
Knowles has ordered flags lowered to half-staff on Friday, November
22 in memory of Leo Rhode. Flags will be returned to full staff
at the end of the business day.
Source of News Release:
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