AG LEADER BLAKE RODERICK DIES AT 69

PITTSFIELD — West Central Illinois is mourning the loss of longtime agricultural leader and community advocate Blake Roderick, who passed away Friday at the age of 69 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Roderick spent more than 40 years serving the agricultural community, beginning his career in 1981 with the Sangamon County Farm Bureau before taking leadership of the Pike County Farm Bureau. In 1987, he expanded his role to include Scott County, later helping lead the successful merger of the two organizations in 2018. He retired in 2022 as Executive Director of the Pike-Scott Farm Bureau.

During his career, Roderick was known as a strong advocate for farmers and rural communities, working on issues including water regulations, flood control, land use, taxation, wildlife policy, and renewable energy. Under his leadership, the organization earned numerous state and national honors for membership and programming.

He was also deeply involved in regional development and civic leadership, most recently serving as chairman of the Mid-America Port Commission and contributing to numerous healthcare, education, and community organizations throughout the region.

Roderick is survived by his wife Betsy, along with his children and other family members.

Funeral services will be held Friday in Pittsfield, with visitation Thursday.