Thirty-one years ago, Brian and Deb Rodda got married, and together, they raised three daughters. After Brian retired from public education, the couple decided it was time for a new adventure.
While Brian prepared to retire, the pair also launched their youngest daughter off to college. Thanks to their middle daughter, who attended Seattle Pacific, they discovered Blakely Island and the Field Station.
Deb was a nurse until she found herself calling the island her new home. Thanks to her past vocation she is able to be calm and help students who may find themselves in need of a little extra help.
The Roddas, along with their puppy, Kaia, are a blessing for Blakely Island and Seattle Pacific University.
My name is Brett Emmons and I live in Everson. In the early 1900’s my grandfather, who was elementary age at the time attended school on Blakely Island. He told my dad there were only about 5 or 6 children at the school and half of them were his sisters. I was trying to find out when exactly he was there. Do you know if there are any records from that time or do you know someone that might have information. He also lived there in the 60’s. My grandfather dredged the marina, and my grandmother cooked in a cafeteria or mess hall of some kind near the marina. My grandfather’s name was Louie Emmons and his father’s name was Luke Emmons.
Wow Brett – thank you for the information. We keep the SPU field station pieces up to date. I think there are folks on the N end of the island who keep histories and would love to talk with you. I think the General Store owners know all of the residents: https://www.blakelyislandgeneralstore.com/