Rodney Jon Tam, 55, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was called to heaven much too soon, on July 4, 2017 in San Francisco, California with family and friends at his bedside. He was born on November 16, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Born and raised in Honolulu, Rod attended grade school at St. Theresa and graduated from Damien Memorial High ('79). He earned three college degrees on the mainland with a B.A. in Finance from Seattle University ('84), M.B.A. in Finance from University of Notre Dame, Mendoza School of Business ('88), and a J.D. from Lewis & Clarke Law School ('91). Rod was a member of both the Hawaii and Washington State Bar Associations and was licensed to practice law in both states. He bravely and successfully took both States' bar exams within three days of each other. Rod spent his 25-year legal career as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Hawaii, doing work that he loved. He served in the Commerce and Economic Development Division, representing the State Departments of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Human Resources, and Budget and Finance, as well as various Legislators. His work as a Deputy Attorney General allowed him the unique opportunity to serve the State and its citizens through his work on behalf of many professional and vocational licensing boards, regulated industries and commissions. Rod also served his fellow State employees, through his representation of the Employee Benefit Programs (which includes the Deferred Compensation Plan and Flexible Spending Accounts). He was instrumental in setting up and implementing the HI529 College Savings, and Secondary Education Student Loan programs which help Hawaii's families. Rod coordinated the AG's Volunteer and Legal Intern Program, and promoted government legal work as a representative at UH Law School Job Fairs. Before earning his law degree, Rod worked as a Computer consultant at Seattle University, an Accounting Department Supervisor at New People's Savings & Loan, a Vice President at Selective Settlements of Hawaii, and a Law Clerk for Shim, Tam, Kirimitsu, Kitamura & Chang. In 2004, after seven years of marriage, Rod and his wife Tammy, were blessed with their son Jonathan Rayden. Fatherhood became the toughest job Rod loved! He found a calling to serve the community through his dedicated work as a coach for Aiea AYSO Region 118, Laulima Soccer Club, PAL Baseball, and Play Sports Flag Football. He was also a den leader, and assistant cubmaster for Pack 186 (Holy Family Catholic Academy), and an assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 180 (Pearl City Elks Club). Rod did not play sports and was not a Scout himself, but he diligently studied everything there was in order to teach the boys well. He influenced many young lives. His support went as far as participating in the Scout Order of the Arrow Ordeal, and becoming an OA Member himself. A member of Waialae Country Club and the Nuuanu YMCA from 1992, Rod enjoyed many rounds of golf, and workouts pumping iron. He loved the ocean and enjoyed kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming at Waialae Country Club with Jonathan. He also enjoyed archery and riflery. Rod enjoyed time with family and friends from a simple garage party to the fine dining experience. He was also fortunate to travel the world with family and friends to places near and far, from Australia, Barcelona, China, Europe (including Monte Carlo, Spain, St. Tropez, and the Vatican), Vancouver, and many parts of the US Mainland, including his mainland favorite "God, Country, Notre Dame", Rod is greatly missed by many, including his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Tammy (Eng), son Jonathan, parents Ray and Audrey Tam, brother Russell (Julie), in-laws Rita (Bobby) Eng, Dennis (InSuk) Eng, Kim (Mike) Ansagay, Glen (Brandie) Eng, Chelsey (Aaron) Simmons, 4 nephews, 3 nieces, 1 grand-niece, and so many others who called him Brother, Coach, Friend, Mr. Rod, Mr. Tam, and Uncle. ~ Rod's Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 830 Main Street in Honolulu. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the Service will start at 10:30 a.m. ~
Rodney Jon Tam, 55, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was called to heaven much too soon, on July 4, 2017 in San Francisco, California with family and friends at his bedside. He was born on November 16, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Born and raised in Honolulu, Rod attended grade school at St. Theresa and graduated from Damien Memorial High ('79). He earned three college degrees on the mainland with a B.A. in Finance from Seattle University ('84), M.B.A. in Finance from University of Notre Dame, Mendoza School of Business ('88), and a J.D. from Lewis & Clarke Law School ('91). Rod was a member of both the Hawaii and Washington State Bar Associations and was licensed to practice law in both states. He bravely and successfully took both States' bar exams within three days of each other. Rod spent his 25-year legal career as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Hawaii, doing work that he loved. He served in the Commerce and Economic Development Division, representing the State Departments of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Human Resources, and Budget and Finance, as well as various Legislators. His work as a Deputy Attorney General allowed him the unique opportunity to serve the State and its citizens through his work on behalf of many professional and vocational licensing boards, regulated industries and commissions. Rod also served his fellow State employees, through his representation of the Employee Benefit Programs (which includes the Deferred Compensation Plan and Flexible Spending Accounts). He was instrumental in setting up and implementing the HI529 College Savings, and Secondary Education Student Loan programs which help Hawaii's families. Rod coordinated the AG's Volunteer and Legal Intern Program, and promoted government legal work as a representative at UH Law School Job Fairs. Before earning his law degree, Rod worked as a Computer consultant at Seattle University, an Accounting Department Supervisor at New People's Savings & Loan, a Vice President at Selective Settlements of Hawaii, and a Law Clerk for Shim, Tam, Kirimitsu, Kitamura & Chang. In 2004, after seven years of marriage, Rod and his wife Tammy, were blessed with their son Jonathan Rayden. Fatherhood became the toughest job Rod loved! He found a calling to serve the community through his dedicated work as a coach for Aiea AYSO Region 118, Laulima Soccer Club, PAL Baseball, and Play Sports Flag Football. He was also a den leader, and assistant cubmaster for Pack 186 (Holy Family Catholic Academy), and an assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 180 (Pearl City Elks Club). Rod did not play sports and was not a Scout himself, but he diligently studied everything there was in order to teach the boys well. He influenced many young lives. His support went as far as participating in the Scout Order of the Arrow Ordeal, and becoming an OA Member himself. A member of Waialae Country Club and the Nuuanu YMCA from 1992, Rod enjoyed many rounds of golf, and workouts pumping iron. He loved the ocean and enjoyed kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming at Waialae Country Club with Jonathan. He also enjoyed archery and riflery. Rod enjoyed time with family and friends from a simple garage party to the fine dining experience. He was also fortunate to travel the world with family and friends to places near and far, from Australia, Barcelona, China, Europe (including Monte Carlo, Spain, St. Tropez, and the Vatican), Vancouver, and many parts of the US Mainland, including his mainland favorite "God, Country, Notre Dame", Rod is greatly missed by many, including his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Tammy (Eng), son Jonathan, parents Ray and Audrey Tam, brother Russell (Julie), in-laws Rita (Bobby) Eng, Dennis (InSuk) Eng, Kim (Mike) Ansagay, Glen (Brandie) Eng, Chelsey (Aaron) Simmons, 4 nephews, 3 nieces, 1 grand-niece, and so many others who called him Brother, Coach, Friend, Mr. Rod, Mr. Tam, and Uncle. ~ Rod's Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 830 Main Street in Honolulu. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the Service will start at 10:30 a.m. ~
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
