Roderick “Roddy” Mitchell Martin, 64, of Wareham, died Friday, July 9, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Barbara A. Brant.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, he was the son of the late Rory Mitchell Martin and Rosemarie Temple (Sayle) Lewis. He emigrated to the United States in 1998. He previously lived in Marblehead, Plymouth and Middleboro before moving to Wareham 4 years ago.

While attending Hilton College, he played hooker for the rugby team, cricket, and excelled at swimming where he received his school colors and won the Hilton Champion Swimmer trophy.  Roddy then went on to attend the University of Pretoria where he received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.  He was a member of the National Water Polo Team and participated in the Midmar Mile Swim in South Africa, the Marblehead Mile, and the Buzzards Bay Swim.  

With his equestrian skills, taught to him by his step-father, Tony Lewis, an international showjumper, he was accepted into the South African Defense Force Equestrian unit which was established to train horses for combat during the South African anti-terrorist war in southwest Africa. He spent two years training horses and riders and was discharged with the rank of sergeant. He was also a part of the showjumping team.

Instrumental in digital supply chain transformation, Roddy was sought after worldwide for his knowledge on supply chain, digital transformation and change management. Before coming to the United States, he was chief engineer at SAB Breweries. Since arriving in this country, he has worked for several large companies. He has participated in panels with Bill Clinton, Colin Powell, Bill Gates and many others.  He was proud of the work he did for the Clinton and Gates Foundations.

He loved the ocean, kayaking, paddle skiing, and watching the surfers in Little Compton Rhode Island. He enjoyed puttering around the yard and was always doing projects — he was not one to sit around. Roddy traveled most of the world, mostly for work but some for vacation. He loved to go to new places, try new food and was especially fond of tasting beers in every country he went to. He was also known for his pig roasts.  Roddy was also a family man and enjoyed being with all his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara A. Brant of Wareham; his children, Jacqui Cameron and her husband Sean of Billerica, Caroline Signorello and her husband Derek of RI, Michelle Lemire and her husband Alan, Jr. of CT, and Ryan Martin of Randolph; his step-children, Shawn Brant of Lakeville, Mathew Brant of Plymouth and Meghan Brant of Middleboro; his sisters, Roseann Cleverdon of Pretoria, South Africa and Roslynn Atkinson and her husband Steven of Johannesburg, South Africa; his step-father, Tony Lewis of South Africa.  He also leaves 9 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 4 – 7 PM.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 High St., Wareham at 10 AM.  Interment will follow in Chiltonville Cemetery, Plymouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066 Durham, NC 27715 or on-line at:  https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate   To leave a message of condolence or share a memory visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com