Rodney S. Wilson Jr., 75

Rodney “Rod” Wilson Jr., 75, of Meredith, left this world peacefully at home on Aug. 26, 2026. In his final days, he knew only of love and compassion.

Rod was a loving husband and dedicated father. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cheryl Wilson; sons Gregory Wilson and his wife Maura, and Eric Wilson; and his brother, Walter “Terry” Wilson of Gilford and his wife Evelyn.

Rod was born in Bellows Falls, Vermont, on June 25, 1951. After Rod’s father had a freak toboggan accident, the family traded the bucolic towns of southern Vermont for the glitz and glam of Weirs Beach. His father, Sanford “Sam” Wilson, and his mother, Bea Wilson, founded Basket World and eventually passed the business on to their sons. Rod and Terry made good friends and enjoyed all the fun the Lakes Region had to offer. After graduating from Laconia High School in 1969, Rod would go on to attend Belknap College and ultimately graduate from the University of New Hampshire in 1974.

Rod was a lifelong skier whose enthusiasm for cold and snowy slopes knew no limits. A veteran ski instructor for over 40 years, he passed on his love of proper skiing technique to kids at Gunstock Mountain and Waterville Valley in New Hampshire. His passion for the sport was infectious and Rod was loved by his clients and coworkers. He spent the offseason at Basket World, providing the Lakes Region with handmade baskets and high quality wicker furniture all the while dreaming of frosty mornings.

Kindness and empathy were among Rod’s best characteristics. He had a sincere kind of compassion that extended to all who crossed his path.

Rod was a loving husband with a good sense of humor. He and Cheryl cherished raising their family, enjoying each other’s company, and recreating throughout New England and beyond. Many weekends were spent hiking, skiing, fishing, camping, kayaking, and biking with his family. Rod loved to play tennis, enjoying many matches with Cheryl as well as the Hilltoppers. He also enjoyed biking, exploring with Cheryl trails from Burlington, Vermont, to the Florida Keys.

Rod was a caring father who encouraged his sons to pursue their passions, giving them as much opportunity as possible. There weren’t many games, matches, or performances that he missed. He never put his own expectations on his children, all the while nurturing the qualities that would enable them to be compassionate and content human beings.

Community involvement was important to Rod. He was a long-time member of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. Active in the Inter-Lakes PTO, Rod enjoyed networking and fundraising. His retirement and love for animals found him volunteering with the Humane Society. Most recently, Cheryl and he were involved with the Meredith Pathways Committee. Rod was passionate about the Laverack Nature Trail and its role in connecting people to nature via its broad accessibility.

Rod had a curious nature about him. He was the type of person who always questioned what he knew, fully realizing that the “only permanent thing in this life is change.” We will remember him as a good human being. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the many kindred spirits who enjoyed conversation as much as he did.

Out of respect for Rod's wishes, there will be no services or calling hours.

In lieu of a service and flowers you may continue his civic stewardship with a donation to the Laverack Nature Trail (c/o Krystal Alpers, Director of Meredith Parks and Recreation, 1 Circle Drive, Meredith, NH 03253) or The Lakes Region Visiting Nurses Association (lrvna.org).