Former trustee Rhodes dies at age 85

Former Hinckley Township Trustee James Ronald “Ron” Rhodes died peacefully at his home in Hinckley on Aug. 31 at the age of 85.

Rhodes was a lifelong Hinckley resident who and was very active in building it into the community it is today. In addition to helping his father to build the Skyland Golf Course, he served on the township’s board of zoning appeals and as a township trustee from 1976-1979 and from 1991-2004.

He was known for spearheading the “Cookie Cutter” campaign, a local campaign that ultimately changed state law and eliminated Brunswick’s 3-mile jurisdictional control over Hinckley. He also worked to protect Hinckley’s 2-acre minimum lot size and rural character by establishing conservation zoning.

With his fellow trustees, Rhodes helped establish Hinckley’s full-time police department and supported the remodel of the township’s fire station. He also supported the expansion of town hall, worked to find a home for the Hinckley Historical Society, supported the creation of Hinckley’s Veterans Park and the construction of the township’s service garage and designed and promoted the contest that resulted in the creation of Hinckley Township flag.

Rhodes also served as council president for Our Savior Lutheran Church for several terms.

For his service to the community, Rhodes was the first recipient to earn the Hinckley Citizen of the Year Committee’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

Ron is survived by his wife, June Anne Rhodes; his children, Robert Rhodes (Nancy), Kimberlie Arthur (Alan), Jennifer Smith, Jamie Rhodes (Laura), Merri-Jo Somodi (Glenn); son-in-law Lee McGough; grandchildren Sarah (Adam), Abigail (Mike), Emily (Chris), Madeline (Will), Bailey, Megan (Jason), Brian, Kirklin, Kylie, Andrew, Chase, Avery, Brielle, Claire and Peyton; and great-grandchildren Skylar, Leila, Benjamin, Isla and Eleanor. He is preceded in death by his daughter Dawn McGough and two grandchildren, Natalie Arthur and Daniel McGough. ∞

Photo: Ron Rhodes.