Taras Ulrik Rohde

Taras Ulrik Rohde, 29, passed unexpectedly Saturday, July, 10, 2010 in Phoenix, Ariz. He is survived by his parents, Steve and Marjaana Rohde; and grandfather, Carl Rohde, who have been residents of Fallbrook for over 30 years. Taras also leaves behind loving sisters, Sharon Rohde, Jinna Rohde, Maija (Rohde) Hitchings, and Leila Rohde.

Taras was a son, brother, and friend who was truly an amazing soul. He was born August 3, 1980, at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, Calif. Taras, affectionately known as “Big Red,” was an avid track and field athlete throughout his life and more importantly had a sincere passion for the “throw events” namely the shot-put (his best high school throw was just over 60 feet).

He graduated from Fallbrook High School in 1998 and shortly after he was recruited to Cal State University Los Angeles where he pursued a degree in business. After three years at CSULA, where he was an NCAA Division 2 All-American shot- putter for two years, Taras made the decision to attend Boise State University, Boise Idaho to further follow his dreams of a career in track and field.

While at Boise State, Taras had a tremendous athletic career which included the Western Athletic Conference’s scholar athlete awards and multiple qualifications for both regional and national Division I track and field championships. Taras’ best college shot-put throw was just over 61 feet. Taras graduated from BSU with a Bachelors degree in business and a minor in math on December 19, 2003.

Upon graduation, Taras pursued a career in marketing and sales. Taras also followed his passion for track and field through frequently acting as a volunteer shot-put coach at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Ariz. He was admired and well loved by his athletes on the track and field team at NAU.

In the spring of 2010, Taras met his girlfriend, Kacy Johnson of the Orangewood Nazarene Church in Tempe, Ariz., who showed him the light of the Lord.

Memorial services for Taras U. Rohde will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 25, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1405 East Fallbrook Street in Fallbrook, Calif. 92028. Friends, relatives, and supporters of the Rohde family are welcome to attend this celebration of life for our sweet Taras. Please send flowers and condolences to Zion Lutheran Church (760)

723-3500.