Rodney Dan Skoglund, MD
1940 - 2018
Obituary
Rodney Dan Skoglund, MD
1940 – 2018
Rod Skoglund, born January 6, 1940, passed away the morning of June 24, 2018 from complications related to metastasized ocular melanoma and its treatment. He was married to Janice Montgomery Skoglund for 50 years until her passing in May of 2014. He is survived by his children, Paul Skoglund (wife Liz) of Bellevue, WA, Susie Young (husband Brian and daughters, Abbie and Zoe) of Portland, OR, and Scott Skoglund (wife Allison) of Seattle, WA; as well as by his brother Albert Skoglund (wife Ann) of Walla Walla, WA, and sister Donna Koziol (husband John) of Bend, OR.
Rod was born in Spokane, WA to Edna and Sydney Skoglund. His family moved to Silver Spring, MD, when he was 12 years old. Rod attended Montgomery Blair High School (at the same time as Janice), competed in cross country and track at the state level, and graduated in 1958. While attending the University of Maryland he started dating Janice. They were married on June 26, 1963 while he was attending Johns Hopkins Medical School. After earning his medical degree at Hopkins in 1966 and completing an internal medicine residency at Vanderbilt in 1970, he served with the U.S. Public Health Service in Seattle where he completed a fellowship in endocrinology at University of Washington in 1973. The family then settled in Normandy Park, WA where he worked in private practice for over 45 years. During his career, he also served at various times as an attending physician with the Seattle Veterans Administration, as a clinical professor at University of Washington, the medical director for Highline Medic One, and the chief of staff for Highline Community Hospital.
He enjoyed backpacking, fishing, storytelling, and yard work. The family thanks all the friends and relatives who have been so thoughtful and helpful. In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choice, be kind to your neighbors, pick up some litter, and pull some weeds.
At Rod’s wish, there will be no memorial service. A celebration of Rod’s life will be held on August 19, from 1pm to 5pm, at the Normandy Park Community Club (The Cove), 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive, Normandy Park, WA. All are welcome.
I will miss our conversations and his wonderful perspective of life. A great physician and friend.
Not only was my doctor for 41 years I also considered him a good friend. I don’t think you could find a better doctor anywhere better than Dr. Skoglund. He will be deeply missed by anyone whoever knew him.
I worked with Rod for 20 yrs at Highline. He was always wonderful to talk to, always interested in new patients and a great guy to just sit and talk with. He was kind and compassionate and everything a good physician should be. He will be greatly missed
(Its long) Message to a friend…
U we’re just out of Johns Hopkins doing your fellowship at the military Hospital where my mom was working in Endocrinology. Who knew about 30 years later you would be taking care of her daughter, me. We met in the ER where I needed a little hydration for my type 1 diabetes, and we immediately connected. You said you would be glad to become my doctor…and u did. You saw me through everything that is diabetes, starting with my eyes and on to my heart. You saw me through high A1C’s, new technology such as the insulin pump and glucose sensors. And you rejoiced with me and encouraged me as I made healthy gains in the last many years. And my favorite memory, Dr Skoglund, was when I’d forget to bring a biscuit for your dog and you would sneak a bag into my hands and the dog would rejoice thinking that I brought her treats again. When someone dies suddenly its hard to get closure. I want you to be here to continue rejoicing with me through the turns and twists of my life with diabetes. I believe the Lord led me to you and I know He will lead me to someone else. But I will never forget you…my doctor, my friend.
My condolences to your family. God promises to fortify you and hold your hand during this difficult time Isaiah 41:10. Continue to rely on God for comfort and strength.
My greatest sympathies goes out to the family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you find comfort in one another as well as in God’s promises for the future. Revelation 21:4
Wow, this hits hard. I only just found out as I was only a patient of his. But he was by far the best Doctor I had and for Foutteen years or so, he was the only one to actually give me answers and truly help me get better. I will truly miss him and is quick wit and the little guy Mushi.
My heart goes out to you his family and friends and I am sending healing energy and positive blessings always.
I didn’t know Mr. Skoglund on a personal basis, but he sounds like the kind of Dr. we all would be really fortunate to have. To have good things said about you is a blessing. Please know that the kind of person he is also means something to our Heavenly Father who keeps all those in his endless memory precious in his eyes, this is brought out at John 5:28,29. Those will be the ones in line to awaken once again to a Paradise Earth, Psalms 37:11,29.
I was so deeply saddened to hear of your passing. I enjoyed the years we worked together in the Special Care Unit when it first opened at Highline. I had so much respect for you as a Dr and a wonderful person. It was always a pleasure to see you walk in the nurse’s station. You were not only a great physician but I considered you my friend and loved a good laugh with you. Heaven is shining a little brighter since you arrived. May God hold you in the palm of His hand until we meet again. My deepest condolences to all of your family.