Rodney M. LaViolette, M.D., 78, died at Whidbey Island Manor in Oak Harbor on March 12, 2009, following a long-standing chronic illness.

Rodney was born Oct. 30, 1930, in Seattle to Ruby Eva Busse LaViolette and Melvin F. LaViolette, M.D. He grew up in Seattle, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1948. After studying pre-med at the University of Washington, he entered the UW School of Medicine, receiving his M.D. degree in 1955. Subsequently, he interned at Fresno County Hospital in California, served in the U.S. Navy and completed a general practice residency at Pierce County Hospital in Tacoma. He practiced medicine in Burien from 1959 to 1984, following which he worked in various medical clinics, mainly in Michigan and Kentucky. He was married to Carolyn Augustine in 1956 and they had four children. In his later years he traveled the U.S. in his motorhome, returning to Washington state in 1996, where he located in Mount Vernon. He lived for several years at Alpine Ridge Apartments and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. In 2004, he moved to Summer Hill Assisted Living in Oak Harbor and since 2006 he resided at Whidbey Island Manor.

Rodney had many interests — as a young man he enjoyed skiing, sailboating, playing his French horn in the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra and guiding fishermen at Neah Bay. He enjoyed mountain climbing and climbed the major peaks of the Pacific Northwest. He also had a private pilot’s license. In later life he took up painting as a hobby, painting pictures of the outdoors and annual calendars for gifts.

He is survived by his children Randall LaViolette (Bonnie) of Albuquerque, N. M.; Karen LaViolette-Nibe (Takahiro) of Beaverton, Ore.; Francise Viola (Peter) of Olympia; grandchildren Tomohiro Nibe and Maya Nibe of Beaverton; his brother Duane LaViolette (Barbara) of Seattle and his sister Claris Hyatt (Hal) of LaConner; his former wife Carolyn LaViolette of Olympia. He was preceded in death by his son, Stuart, who died at age 7.

At his request no services will be held. Cremation arrangements are by Cremation Society Northwest.

The family wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to the owners and staff of Whidbey Island Manor for the excellent care provided to Rodney during his last years.