Rodney “Hot Rod” Allen Donahue entered the world March 28, 1958, and blessed us with 67 years of his life and started his journey home through the spirit world on March 12, 2025. Rodney was born of Martha & Paul Donahue Sr. Rodney Allen Donahue, a beloved member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, and a proud descendant of the Yurok and Karuk Tribes.

Rodney was a dedicated and respected Hoopa Valley Tribal Elder, known for his wisdom, kindness, laughter, and unwavering commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of his people. The knowledge he carried had been passed down through generations, and he took immense pride in sharing it with the younger members of his community. Whether through storytelling, teaching cultural practices, or offering quiet guidance, Rodney was a pillar of strength and wisdom.

His love for the land was evident in every aspect of his life. Often, he could be found fishing at the river, expertly casting his net with the skill passed down from his ancestors. Netmaking was an art he had mastered, a craft he used not only to sustain himself but also to provide for and share with his community. He spent his days gathering and harvesting traditional natural resources, ensuring that his people endured.

Beyond his deep cultural ties, Rodney had another passion—music. As the voice of “Rez Rock on the River,” Hoopa Valley’s beloved local radio show, he entertained and educated countless listeners with his love of Rock-n-Roll. Hours of dedication went into curating playlists, weaving together stories and melodies that resonated with people from all walks of life. His enthusiasm was infectious, and through his broadcasts, he built connections, shared laughter, and kept the spirit of his people alive.

Rodney was incredibly outgoing and made friends everywhere he traveled. His love for life defined him, and he found joy in connecting with people from all walks of life. He often traveled for pool and horseshoe tournaments, forming lasting friendships along the way. His competitive spirit and warm personality made him a beloved presence at every event he attended.

In his fifties, Rodney took on a new challenge — college. His thirst for knowledge and innovation flourished in this new chapter of his life. He expressed his creativity in countless ways, including the invention of a specialized salmon filleting board, a testament to both his ingenuity and his deep understanding of traditional practices. His care for others extended beyond his immediate community, leading him to design equipment that could assist the physically disabled and support aging individuals in maintaining their independence.

Rodney also had a deep love for art. He took art classes where he refined his skills and poured his heart into his work. One of his most cherished creations was a beautiful portrait of his brother Dexter, drawn as a memorial. This touching tribute now hangs at the Hoopa Tribal Head Start Building, a lasting reminder of Rodney’s talent, love for his family, and his artistic legacy.Rodney’s life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and generosity. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the music he shared, the traditions he upheld, and the many lives he touched.

Future generations will continue to be inspired by his wisdom, his kindness, and his unwavering dedication to his people and their heritage.

He is survived by his loving family, including:

  • Sisters, Bessie “Bat” Bussell & Marilyn “Buffy” Martin.
  • Son & Daughter In-Law, Toby Lee (Julianna) Donahue
  • Justin (Delia) Donahue, Benjamen Marshall, Rodney Donahue
  • Daughters, Kristin Marshall, and Martha Donahue.
  • Grandchildren, Pearl, Gracelyn, Christina, Alina, Dominic, Michael, Wes (Rindy), Karalyne (Junior), Ruby, Juju, Alexandra (Daniel), Thomas, Destinie, Xatimniim, Owen, Brian, Ben, & Jazz
  • Great Grandchildren: Adam, Madeline, Viola, Elijah, Willow, Michael, Sayi, Anita, Faith, Michael.
  • Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Rodney is preceded in death by his:

  • Paternal Grandparents: Lafayette & Bessie Johnson Donahue
  • Maternal Grandparents: Pearl & George Randall
  • Parents: Martha & Paul Donahue Sr.
  • Son: Laurence Donahue
  • Siblings: Paul “Dexter Donahue Jr, Lavern “P-Nut” Montgomery, & Pauline Ruiz.

We send all our love and prayers with the deepest heartfelt appreciation to all those who supported and assisted us in this time, we also want to apologize if anyone was left out. Wake service will be opened with a traditional Hupa Prayer by Isaac Bussell, at the Assembly of God Church on Tish Tang Rd. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be officiated by Harold Jones Sr. at the Assembly of God Church on Tish Tang Road, on Friday, March 21st, 2025, at 1 p.m.

Burial will follow service at the Randall Family Plot.

A reception will be held at the Hoopa Trading Post.

Pallbearers:

Paul III, Phillip, Franklin Donahue, Timothy Jr., Clarence Bussell, Tristan, Londa Moon, Belle Colegrove, Tony Ray Peters, and Wilson Donahue

Honorary Pallbearers:

Toby Lee, Justin, Benjamin, Rodney, Michael, Brian Donahue, Wes Marshall, Thomas Nix- Pack, Timothy Sr., Spey-Gee Bussell, JR, Ayden Bowen, Mann Hernandez, Cesar Flores, Clyde, Josh Trimble, Stanley, David Jones, Eugene (EFC) Colegrove, Oscar, Sylvester, Freddy Brown, Abner, Super, Dion, Gus Bibancos, David Tripp, Fred Donahue, Junior, George, Elmo Moon, Joe Orozco, Joseph Arthur, Raymond Vader, Rowdy Robbins, Eric, John Blake, Devin Pletcher, Chris Peters, Crayton Jackson, Paul Pack, Francis, Rudy Colegrove, and James Donahue.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Rod Donahue’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.