An inspiring Post Falls story

Never mind that the Rodkeys were seemingly all beneficiaries of supersized longevity genes.

What's even more impressive is what they do with their time.

Reading this editorial suggests you visit the opinion pages of The Press, which further indicates you're at least somewhat familiar with Post Falls resident Dr. George Rodkey. We won't disclose the good doctor's exact age (he's well into his 80s), but we will share that he has enriched Post Falls and the surrounding area not just with his medical acumen, but with his active citizenship over the years.

The Rodkey you might not know is George's big brother, Grant. Like George, Grant is a medical doctor. Born in rural Colorado, Grant Rodkey graduated from high school in 1934 and moved to Post Falls with the rest of the Rodkey clan immediately after graduation.

The next 75+ years are a chronicle of accomplishment.

Grant Rodkey graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1943 after doing his undergrad work at Whitworth College. He would find out 55 years later that he was accepted into Harvard by posting the highest score in the nation on the medical aptitude test.

Rodkey served his country during World War II and beyond, launching one of the most distinguished medical careers imaginable, including three years in China as an Army surgeon and decades as a surgeon and medical instructor in Massachusetts. Now, almost 94 years old, Dr. Grant V. Rodkey is still sharing his vast medical expertise as Associate Chief of Surgery in the VA Boston Healthcare System.

Dr. Rodkey is in town for a celebration in his honor, which will take place tomorrow evening in Spokane. While his tenure in North Idaho wasn't long, his gigantic footprint is indelibly imprinted and revered by those closest to him.

In honoring Dr. Rodkey, we zero in on one particular year that helped shape this lifetime of accomplishment. In September 1935, Grant's father was seriously injured, so Grant stayed out of school to support the family of seven. In that year away from school, Rodkey worked as a lumberjack, as an orderly in a Spokane hospital and he also learned the craft of barbering.

Grant Rodkey, like his brother, benefited from great parents and amazing genes. But like everyone who soars to the pinnacle of success, he is always eager to work hard and never, ever forget his roots.