Rhodrick Dean Nations

Rhodrick Dean “The Dude” Nations, 88, of Harrisville, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Saginaw.

Born February 15, 1938 to Noel and Mabel (Wable) Nations in Detroit, he was raised there. He graduated from Western High School in Detroit On June 1, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol McDonald. They owned and operated Deerborn Cabins in Oscoda for many years. They enjoyed 43 years of marriage, before Carol passed away. Dean worked for Ford Motor Company, and retired after 30 years. On March 12, 2001, he married Cindy Skiver in Las Vegas. They lived in Montana for 10 years, and enjoyed working on a 30,000 acre ranch. He liked to travel, and spent many winters in Arizona. Dean was one of a kind, from his huge heart, to his catchy one liners, he gave 100 percent in everything he did. He was a talented woodcrafter, and enjoyed collecting stamps, sports memorabilia, and coins. He was an avid hunter. He loved trips to Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming, and spending time at hunting camp with all of his hunting friends. Dean was a Master Mason, and was active with the Elf Khurafeh and Shriners, where he transported many children to and from hospital visits. He was a member of the Wertz Warriors, and helped raise money for the Special Olympics.

Dean is survived by his wife, Cindy, two daughters, Jodi (Michael) Kovach, and Stacie (Joe) Patterson, three sons, Randall (Kathy) Nations, Shawn (Nichole) Skiver, and Scott (Asia) Skiver, many grandchildren, and his sister-in-law, Joan Nations. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Nations. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Cremation arrangements were made through Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln. A Celebration of Dean’s Life will be announced at a later date.