Rod was a true family man and a home boy. Despite opportunity to spread his wings far and wide Cardiff was where he wanted to be. He was as one in the great outdoors and with nature, a field ground for fun and adventure. He was a precocious baby toddling at only 10 months of age, a sure sign of the elite athleticism to follow. As a child although a gifted sporting allrounder, following spending so much time with his Grandfather Pupu (‘Dick’ or formally Richard de Lloyd), Golf was where he focused his attention. Like father, and like Grandfather before him, he trained to excel, and this he did.  However, post university his hobbies expanded to include adrenalin surging downhill mountain biking, and by night he graced the Cardiff Salsa scene. As a salsa dancer he was passionate, sensual, flexible, rhythmical and a joy to watch. There he met some of his greatest friends and no less his beautiful and capable Wife Victoria.
Rod was a cancer survivor and had therefore experienced life at its most testing in his early 20s when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Although for a period following treatment Rod withdrew socially, aside from within the family, and during this period was a frequent and most welcome visitor of 18 Ty Draw Road (his grandparents’ house ‘Bram’ and ‘Pupu’) and he also frequented Cardiff and The Royal Porthcawl Golf Club with Pupu. In Rod’s case as suddenly as he withdrew from the treadmill of progression, so he got back on to it when the time was right for him. From there he embraced life’s challenges without a backward glance. Post Business degree he went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Business/ Computer science, and subsequently alongside full time work completed his studies and qualifications to become a chartered Accountant. Professionally he displayed the strongest work ethic, working as long as it took to get through the work load however heavy. Always producing work of a high standard.
As an individual Rod had so many qualities but amongst them was humility, gentleness and gratitude. Even the smallest gesture or sentiment of kindness to Rod was met with such gracious appreciation, but above all else he appreciated and valued the people in his life. Rod was steadfast in his loyalty, and genuine in his kindness. Always making it a priority to support and help those he loved, making their concerns his priority.
Rod was intelligent, astute and gave a sound and honest opinion. He was gifted in the art of public speaking capturing his audience completely and then reducing them to rapturous laughter and tears.
Rod had the rare ability to remain focused in a crisis, organising and coordinating, and shouldering responsibility to lessen the burden for others. A true leader and a beacon of strength in adversity. This was evident in the all too recent and sudden death of his beloved Dad ‘Willy de Lloyd’. Following this he has remained a rock of support to his adored Mum ‘Sonja’, unwavering in his love and loyalty.
Rod’s girls; wife Victoria, daughters Alexa and Sofia have enriched his life to completeness and despite the exhaustion of life with a young family they have kept his heart brimming with love and overflowing with joyous moments.
Rod was a man who laughed so much, whether that be the gentle chuckle or the crescendo falsetto chorus it accompanied him, alongside this was his beautiful smile. He showed great humility and gentleness and gave his love generously. Rod enriched our lives immeasurably and brought such joy to those around him, to his grandparents Gwen and Richard de Lloyd, and Doris Kileff (affectionally known as ‘Omee’), to his parents, his cousins, his dearest friends, his brothers Matthew (Maf) and Henry (Hen), and as husband to Vicky and Daddy to his adorable daughters Alexa and Sofia. Rod, such an integral and steadfast member of our ‘de Lloyd’, ‘Kileff’ and ‘Grech’ families.
Rod has been taken from us so tragically, with so much that should have been ahead to look forward to; to give, to receive, to achieve and to enjoy, life’s magical and joyous moments all too easily taken for granted.
Rod whilst in life I have admired you, so in death you will continue to inspire me.
In the words of Reverend Canon Trystan Hughes who firstly explained the meaning of the welsh word ‘Tangnefedd’ meaning internal and eternal peace; he kindly assured me that ‘Rhodri is now in God’s loving arms, embraced by his tangnefedd’.
Rhodri William de Lloyd you will remain forever young, forever missed, and forever loved.
From cousin Annie xx.