Our precious son, Rodrick Thomas “Rocket” Speed, went home to his creator on April 27, 2020.
Rodrick was born February 11, 2004 in Poplar Montana.
From day one, Rodrick had such a precious smile, anyone who knew him would be greeted with that huge smile.
Rocket grew up loving the outdoors. He would be seen riding his bike or running. He loved when the pool would open in the summer and he would be there every day. He loved to run, he enjoyed Cross Country and Track to the fullest and always ended his run with that infectious smile.
Rocket loved to read, not on a tablet, he needed to hold a book in his hands. His favorite reading material was something about Aliens or some other type of Science Fiction. We loved to see him with a book in his hands. He would take a book on long drives with the family or to a restaurant and read while he waited. The Last Dragon Chronicles with the series he was currently reading.
He loved doing things with his friends and family. Rocket had a lot of family, but his friends were very important to him: Dean, Ashley, Peyton, Koholo, Ethan, Payton and Lucy to name a few.
Rocket was in choir at school and he loved to sing. He just really loved music. He would sing anywhere, all the time. We know he is in the heavenly choir.
Rocket loved his job at the Sherman Inn and enjoyed his coworkers. He was so proud of himself for working his way up from dishwashing to making pizzas. He was never too good to go back and wash dishes when needed. He was saving his money to buy a car and was studying the driver’s manual so he could take his test. He wanted to be able to drive like his friend Dean.
Rocket helped his mom a lot with the Wolf Point Pound Puppies rescue. His love for animals was amazing and he was always a fixture at the spay/neuter clinics. He could be seen laying on the recovery bed with the dogs and cats, helping them wake up, or sometimes just sleeping. Just recently he flew 2 orphaned newborn puppies to Billings by himself to get them into the safe hands of the rescue folks at Tiny Tails. He was always willing to help in any way he was needed.
Rodrick is survived by his parents Tina (Speed) & Dave Bets His Medicine, his siblings, Casey Mae Olson (James), Adison James Renz Speed (Taylor) and Ryan Thomas Renz Speed (Mia) nephew Spencer James Renz Speed and Leilani. Also surviving Rodrick is his grandma Aurelia Bets His Medicine of Fort Kipp and many Aunts, Uncles & Cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Daniel Lee Renz Speed.
Other family members surviving Rodrick are Harold “Sinbad” Renz Jr., Colleen Ferguson Renz, Shelby Renz, Ralph Renz, Brennan, Ashley Ferguson, Barb Perry and many others.
Rocket was preceded in death by Tina’s parents, Charles Richard Speed & Bonita Gayle Speed,
Dave’s father, Carlus Ray Bets His Medicine & the elder Renz and Fergusons.
We will all miss you so much Rodrick but you are now with the angels, have been greeted by all our passed loved ones and have no earthly pain. You can sing in the most special choir of them all and we will see you again someday.
In an effort to abide with the social distancing requests, we are asking that only family and close friends attend the viewing and graveside services. A memorial service for Rodrick will be announced at a later date.
Linda says
Tina and Dave, I am saddened to learn of the loss of your precious son. I don’t know of any words sufficient to bring you comfort. I can say only that now Rocket walks with God and he has the kind of peace in his soul that this earth can’t provide. He knows only love, peace, joy, contentment. God truly cherishes the little ones and the young ones that return to Him. May God also give you peace, He knows how much you love your Rocket.
Barbara Padilla says
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express how we all feel for all of your family. May this precious child and all of you be in our hearts and our thoughts.
Barbara Olson says
Tina & family, There are just no words – I am heart broken. Rocket will always have a special place in my heart. I am blessed to have known him. I will keep you in my prayers.
Donna Archdale says
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories of Roderick. He spent a lot of time on my lap just rocking and reading. We also did a lot of coloring and drawing together. The last time I saw him was at the Sherman. I remember both Andi and I being so impressed that he sat at the table reading a book while you adults visited. It’s not often one sees a boy his age reading! Rocketman was a very special young man. Our condolences to your family.
April Leibrand Hall says
I am so sorry Tina and family. Nothing I can say will make you feel better. Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Robbin Butkus says
I have memories of Rocket from all of our family reunions, we had so much fun there, I think the most fun was during the raffle and seeing his face when his name was drawn it was great.
Rocket you will be dearly missed by all of your family…..
Barbara Perry says
Rest in peace grandson. You are loved by your family. So sorry for the loss of Roderick, Tina and Dave.
Rhonda Mason says
Prayers of comfort for all who loved him. Yes, he is with our Creator singing with angels.
J.R. Draszt says
Prayers of Comfort
And Strength
tina magnan says
Tina and Dave, Rocket was blessed to have you both as parents.
Did an awesome job raising him. Like you said he is singing in that big choir up in heaven.
you will hear him sing all the time. Prayers to his families and friend.
Terry McAnally says
Condolences to all of Rocket’s family and friends. May the Creator continue to be with you all during this time of grieving.
David E. Boyd Sr. & Chong Ae Boyd says
Nephew sorry for your, wife and family’s loss.
Our prayers are with you all.
Uncle and family
Carolyn Bachtold says
Tina and family my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow! Cherish the memories!
Nick, Lynda, Allyson, Thomas and Blayne Kohut says
Our hearts break for you guys. Words cannot express how sorry we are that you’re going through this. We love you guys and pray that you’ll find peace. ❤🙏
Dawn Garfield says
My heart is breaking for you & your family! Rocket had a smile that lit up the room…may he Rest In Peace. Sending hugs & condolences.🙏🙏🙏
Pat Vine says
The Rocket was an awesome child to work with! So sorry for your loss! Prayers.
Geraldine McKinney says
so sorry for your loss loosing a child is the hardest thing at least it was for me when i lost two of mine
Haley Overby says
So sorry for your loss.
Jim & Stephanie Lange, WA says
Tina & Dave,
Please know how amazing you are & how wonderfully blessed you were to all have each other; even if it was only for a short time. Treasure all the memories you have and hold them close and he’ll never be too far away. I truly believe in this life, everything happens for a reason. Rocket was needed for a higher purpose. He will absolutely be in all of our hearts & prayers until we meet up again!
We are so sorry we can’t make it tomorrow. We will be watching for memorial details to celebrate his beautiful life.
Jim & Steph♥️
Alissa Abentroth says
Tina and Family. There are no words to express the unbelievable heartbreak of losing your son. I will be down on my knees praying for you❤️
Cheryl Cantrell says
My Sincere Condolences to Sinbad n Colleen, I pray that you both be strong for each other. He was your Son , your pride n joy, take care n God Bless. Also to Tina n Dave my sincerest Condolences..
Leni Yeager says
I love you Tina and family. My heart breaks for you. He had such a adorable smile I loved his company. He made me laugh, especially when he took my cowboy boots and ran from me. I’m privileged to have known him. G_d bless you all.
Norma Copenhaver says
Tina and family … So sorry to hear of this loss to your family … You are in my thoughts and prayers … 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Norma Copenhaver
Sheila and bob geim says
Tina and family there are no words that can express our heart felt condolences to you and your family!!
Rocket has and always will have a special place in our hearts.
Laura Christoffersen says
Love and prayers…it isn’t enough but I hope you know the world mourns for and with you.
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss. God be with you during this difficult time. God Bless You All
Kim Matthews says
My deepest condolences to all. May the good Lord watch over each of you during this very difficult time. I’m so sorry for your loss .
Debbie says
My heart goes out to Rocket’s family with love and prayers. Rocket was a very special person in my life, and I will miss his presence in Wolf Point! May you find peace and understanding in the days ahead.
Colleen and Frederick says
Tina and Dave,
We would like to share with you our love and our prayers and that we are here for you and your family if there’s anything you need do not hesitate to ask. Remember the good days the smiles and the laughs. Roderick will be watching over you always. Love, The Lee’s.
Sandy Murch says
I am so sorry for your loss sis, it is something that we are not able to explain other than god called him to be with him in heaven. HE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU IN YOUR HEARTS AND MIND. Remember all of the great times you had together.
I loved seeing him at our family reunions, he was a bit shy in the beginning but actually overcame that. I loved his big smile.
Stay strong and we will see you soon.. love to you all
Sandy Murch says
I am so sorry for your loss sis, it is something that we are not able to explain or understand.. HE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU IN YOUR HEARTS AND MIND. Remember all of the great times you had together.
I loved seeing him at our family reunions, he was a bit shy in the beginning but actually overcame that. I loved his big smile.
Stay strong and we will see you soon.. love to you all
Kathy says
Love you and thinking of you. He was a sweet kid.
John K Frederikson says
Tina and Dave: I am so saddened by your son’s death. I am terribly sorry. Wanting the best for you and your family; sending my prayers your way.
Al Bets His Medicine says
Tina and Dave, I was so shocked to hear of Rockets passing. I still can’t believe it. I remember how proud you all were when he started working at the Sherman. I will keep you in prayer and pray God will give you the strength you need to get through this.
Marques Small says
Me and Rocket hung Out everyday In the past summers at the pool had so much fun with him And I just now got a message from my other friend and didn’t know till now RIP Rocket 😢 Wow I can’t believe it Sorry For your loss
Ray & Cheryl Nygaard and Family says
Sorry for your loss Tina and Dave and Casey. Your in my Thoughts and Prayers.