News Summary
The Coronado community gathered to honor Rod Neilson, a distinguished U.S. Marine Corps veteran, with a paddle out and a Celebration of Life. Known for his warm demeanor and significant contributions, Neilson dedicated his life to service, mentoring, and community involvement. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Coronado Marine Corps League to continue his legacy.
Coronado Community Honors Life of Beloved Marine Rod Neilson
The city of Coronado will honor the life and legacy of Rod Neilson, a beloved member of the community and a distinguished veteran of the United States Marine Corps, with a paddle out on Saturday morning, August 9. Following the paddle out, a Celebration of Life will take place in the evening at the Coronado Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) hall.
A Legacy of Service and Camaraderie
Rod Neilson, who passed away recently, leaves behind a remarkable legacy defined by his dedicated service, camaraderie, and zest for life. During his 21-year career in the Marine Corps, he displayed unwavering integrity, discipline, and loyalty, advancing through the ranks and serving in various deployments, including Somalia, the Republic of Georgia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was during this time that he formed a lifelong bond with his best friend and future wife, Sarah.
Neilson was not only a devoted husband to Sarah and a loving father to their daughter, Morgan, but also became a treasured figure in the Coronado community. Known for his warm smile and genuine curiosity, he made countless friends and was noted for never meeting a stranger.
Community Involvement and Contributions
Since relocating to San Diego in 2011, Rod became an active member of his community. He was an avid surfer and dedicated much of his time to volunteering with youth surf programs, empowering the next generation. His commitment to service extended beyond surfing, as he played a crucial role in establishing the Coronado Marine Corps League, which serves as a support hub for Marines and their families.
In addition to his service-related initiatives, Neilson was known for his competitive nature and mentoring skills. He founded the Coronado Dart League, fostering camaraderie among participants. Rod was a familiar face among locals, often hosting friends in his garage and continuing the J Avenue tradition of the Island Beer Club, where he enjoyed sharing stories and laughter with others. His generosity and kindness left a lasting impact, as he was deeply respected by many and inspired those around him.
Survived by Family and Friends
Rod Neilson is survived by his wife, Sarah, daughter, Morgan, and a wide circle of friends and fellow Marines who will remember him for his spirit and the invaluable support he provided throughout his life. The Coronado community is coming together to honor his contributions and celebrate his life.
Giving Back in Rod’s Name
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to commemorate Rod’s legacy are encouraged to make donations in his name to the Coronado Marine Corps League, supporting ongoing initiatives that benefit Marines and their families.
Final Farewell
While Rod Neilson will be profoundly missed, his passion for life and the positive influence he had on so many people will not be forgotten. The community’s tribute through the paddle out and Celebration of Life serves as a testament to the cherished memories he created and the lasting impact he made on the world around him.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Rod Neilson Obituary
- Wikipedia: United States Marine Corps
- Coronado Times: Community Honors Rod Neilson
- Google Search: Coronado Marine Corps League
- Coronado Times: Celebration of Life for Rod Neilson
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Service
- Coronado Times: Rod Neilson’s Community Impact
- Google News: Rod Neilson
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
