Roderick “Rod” Lowell Huntress III

SEATTLE – Roderick “Rod” Lowell Huntress III, died peacefully at his home in Seattle on Oct. 23, 2025, with his partner, Kimberly (Kinchen) Huntress-Inskeep, by his side, following a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Portland, to Roderick Lowell Huntress Jr. and Beverly (Arthur) Huntress, Rod lived a life marked by curiosity, courage, and a keen sense of humor. He graduated in 1977 from Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Ill., and graduated cum laude in 1981 with a BA in Medieval Studies from Vassar College. Rod built a distinguished career as a producer and writer for CNN in New York and London. He later contributed his skills to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières, and many other NGO and nonprofit organizations. Later in life he became a certificated mediator through the New York Peace Institute and worked for the King County Dispute Resolution Center.

A marriage to Christine Niles ended in divorce. Rod shared his home and generous heart with his partner Kimberly and their two cats, AliceLynx and Kaleo. He is also survived by his sisters, Kate Huntress (Scott Beatty) and Caroline Huntress (Jeff Reinfelder), both of Yarmouth; Kate’s children, Nick Richmond (Devandy Walbridge), Olivia Richmond, and Julia Beatty, and stepchildren, Caroline Beatty (Kevin King) and Adam Beatty (Megan); Caroline’s children, Alessandro Chillé (Kathleen), Sophia Cleveland (Ben), Rachel Tomaschek (Mark) and stepdaughter, Paige Reinfelder; and several grand-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.

A memorial is planned for late spring 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bike Works or Transit Riders Union in Seattle.