Roderick Santos Lucas' Obituary
Our beloved Roderick, also known as "Eric", passed away unexpectedly but quietly, on the evening of Thursday, February 16th, at Texoma Medical Center. He suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on Sunday, February 5th, and subsequent strokes on February 15th. Most clinicians would tell you that his initial stroke was devastating, and he would not survive it. Not Roderick, those who knew him, knew he was a stubborn ox; he valiantly fought until his body couldn't take it. On February 16th, when he left us, he was surrounded by more than 30 of his loving family and friends. He was only 49 years old.
Roderick was born in Manila, Philippines, to the late Rodante Sr. and is survived by his mom Edna Lucas and siblings, Beth, Dinna, Chona, Haide, and brother, Rodante Jr. He is the youngest of six children. In 1985, the family immigrated to the U.S. and resided in Garland, Texas. He graduated in the top 10 percent at South Garland High School and obtained an associate degree in computer animation in 1999 from The Art Institute of Dallas. Subsequently, he worked at various marketing and graphic design agencies, but his favorite was AMX, where he spent nearly 17 years working in graphics and multimedia design. This is also where he met some of his lifelong friends. Friends, he would take to the STARS game, meet to walk in the park during the pandemic, have foodie explorations, watch the latest DC and Marvel movies, vacation with, and sometimes, even commiserate about their spouses.
In 1996, Nina met Roderick at Cigna where they were coworkers; later in 2000, they became a couple and married in 2003. Roderick loved his family dearly and cherished every moment they spent together. They made a lifetime of memories traveling, attending STARS games, and satisfying their taste buds wherever they ventured, as is evident by his Facebook postings. He loved Nina more than life itself and would always affectionately address her as 'My Arounsavanh'. His children, Taylor (22) and Lauren (18), are a reflection of his affection and were the light of his world.
He leaves a massive hole in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those who knew him. He brought life to every party and gave us something to laugh about. He was one of a kind and to be loved by him is to be truly blessed.
A wake for Roderick will be held on Saturday, February 25th, 3PM - 6PM, followed by funeral services on Sunday at 2 PM at Restland Funeral Home, Greenville Ave., Dallas.
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