Robert Henry Roderer, 71, of Nags Head, North Carolina, died on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at his home.

A gathering of family and friends will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 31, 2021 at the Twiford Colony Chapel in Manteo.

Renaissance man. A force of nature. A great friend. Pirate in part. These are all words that have been used to describe my father, Robert Henry Roderer – affectionately known as “Roder”.

His magnetic charisma and his passion for life were undeniable and impossible to ignore. His talent and ability to learn everything was remarkable. Self-taught chef without formal training, specialist in French cuisine and Basse-Terre, his cuisine could be put in competition with the best. Never one to sit still, during lockdown he rekindled his love for art and metallurgy, creating gorgeous cuffs, rings and earrings.

True to a fault and full of empathy, he has served as a mentor to countless young people and employees over the years. He had a knack for making deep personal connections that lasted a lifetime, and over the years he has built a network of colorful characters to prove it. He had the gift of seeing and cultivating the potential of everyone. He loved to share his colorful stories, and when he told them, everyone listened. Whether he was talking about his hippie days in San Francisco in the ’70s, growing up as a Catholic schoolboy taught by nuns, or hunting blue fish in the good old days of the Outer Banks, his passion for life shone.

An accomplished Waterman, Roder was the Gypsy Angler’s first mate in Oregon Inlet for many years and also earned his captain’s license. He enjoyed tying his own flies and finding comfort on the water.

He and his wife Robin opened and ran Jockey’s Ribs restaurant in 1985. Every night you could find Roder in line, making sure every dish that came out of his kitchen was perfect. His restaurant quickly became a favorite gathering place, with people lined up outside the building before the nightly service. Jockey’s Ribs felt like home to everyone who worked there and anyone who was a regular was part of the family.

In 2009, Roder set his sights on a small, historic post office building in Beaufort, South Carolina. Together he and Robin renovated the old building, preserving all the original structure they could to open The Foolish Frog, a charming and lively establishment featuring delicious food, drinks, local art and art. always popular jazz evening.

Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Roder was the son of the late Robert and Mary. He is survived by my nephews (Sharon Roderer) Luke, Kent, Russell and Rob, my niece Christen and many dear friends. He is predeceased in death by his beloved wife Robin, and I am comforted to know that they are reunited again.

To plant a tree in memory of Robert or send flowers to the family, please visit www.TwifordFH.com/send-flowers.

Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks are helping the family with the arrangements. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.