Roderick Look Hong was born in Kingston, Jamaica on September 23, 1956; he died April 17, 2023, in Park Ridge, Illinois. Rod was the only child of the late Gladys E. Reid, a resident of Lake Forest, Illinois, who died June 23, 2008, and the late Percival A. Look Kam, who died when Rod was nine years old.

In his teens Rod moved to the United States, graduated from Lake Forest High School, and subsequently attended design school. Young man Rod eagerly moved to big city Chicago to benefit from its many opportunities.

Rod worked as a commercial photographer; he was also a gifted artist, furniture designer, and builder. He could design, build, repair or install anything and was always ready to help anyone with projects and emergencies (mend a fence or calm a broken heart). He was a perfectionist --- everything he created or fixed was made to last.

Rod also loved working in a garden and believed trees were sacred. He enjoyed children with well-behaved parents, and appreciated attractive women. At Christmastime he missed Jamaica.

Quiet yet complex Roderick Look Hong was a kind and compassionate man who had no time for arrogant or insensitive people. He was a rare soul, a true "good guy" who enriched many lives. Our world is a lesser place without him.