Rodney James Freier "Rod", our dear friend and partner, passed away on May 17th, 2023. He was 55 years old. Rod grew up in a Box Elder, a small town in Montana that had a population of about 300 people. It was big enough for two bars, two churches, a grocery store, a school, and a post office. He remembered it in many ways as a great place to be a kid. It was safe and friendly, and took about 20 minutes to walk from one end of town to the other. He spent summer nights playing hide-and-seek with friends and days spent swimming in a nearby swimming hole. He was also interested in computers at an early age, starting with a Commodore 64 that he received as a gift. From that point on, he was hooked. Rod graduated high school, then later attended Montana State University where he earned dual degrees in Physics and Mathematics. Wanting to pursue his interest in computer science, he got accepted into the graduate program at the University of Utah. He continued his study in Physics, earning a Masters degree in 1994. Later he earned a Masters degree in Computer Science in 1997. Rod started work by teaching undergraduate students, then moved into a programming position for the University of Utah. Rod later worked as a support engineer and trainer for Concentrix, and later FoxForm. Rod was a warm and loving man who would do anything to help a friend in need. He loved animals, especially his furry kids Sisko and Kramer. He admired and supported his friends who were involved in feral cat rescues. Rod was smart, funny, and a delight to be around. His love of science fiction often came through in his conversation and sense of humor. Even his first personal web site looked like the control panel from the star ship Enterprise. Rod also had a passion for alternative music, and Trance music in particular. He would often DJ at club events and pool parties with his friends. Rod was always interested in building families and communities. He connected with the Wasatch Leathermen in the early 2000s and with the encouragement of his friends, he won the title of Mr. Salt Lake City Leather in 2002. Later that year he placed fourth in the international competition in Chicago. Rod was also active in the recovery and NA communities. He was a friend, mentor, sponsor, and volunteer for many people seeking help. Rod is preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Otto Freier. Rod is survived by his partner Tom Gosse, Brett Waterman (Colorado), and many other friends and colleagues who loved him very much. We will miss him. A celebration of life will be held for Rod on Sunday, July 2nd at 10 AM at Red Butte Gardens, a place he loved. Celebration of Life Sunday, July 2, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Red Butte Garden 300 Wakara Way Utah, Salt Lake City- 84108