Steep Falls – Rodney L. Bridges, loving grandson, brother and kindhearted uncle, passed away Wednesday, June 1 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Rodney is survived by his sister Dawn - Marie (Bridges) Hilton and husband Terry; two nephews, Zackery and Daniel; niece, Dianne, and twin great - nieces, Octavia and Skye, all of Steep Falls, ME; his grandmother Thelma Hersey of Berwick, ME and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased in death by several very special people, including his mother Dianne (Doucette) Bridges and his infant son, Alex Bridges. Rodney was born on January 11, 1970 in Portland, Maine. Having lost his own mother as a young boy, Rodney was mothered by and lived with his devoted grandmother, Thelma, from the age of 8 years old. He attended Gorham schools, lettered in cross country, and graduated in 1988. For the past 12 years, Rodney was employed by Drillen True Value Hardware in South Portland, ME. There, he built lifelong friendships and truly thought of the Drillens as his family. He looked up to Barney Drillen and would make reference to him as "the father he never had". Rodney was a man of many different expressions which made him special and truly one - of - a - kind. He was never afraid to try something new and whatever it was he would go to the extreme. He always used to say, "Go big or go home!" He lived as stated in his high school yearbook quote: "Live life to its fullest today for tomorrow may be too late". Rodney was quick to make you laugh and will be best remembered by his witty comebacks that, even if, directed at you, couldn't stop you from laughing at yourself. Rodney had a great interest in fantasy cards, games, and intricate models. He absolutely loved getting together with friends to play. He also enjoyed cooking and never followed a recipe. He would make it up as he went along, adding what he thought would taste good and it always did. He especially liked cooking for his sister, brother - in - law, and his niece and nephews. Rodney was a great gardener and like everything else that he did, was very good at it! His greatest joy was not the bounty collected but the joy of nurturing and watching his plants grow and flourish. Rodney was very artistic and would make drawings of ideas he would have of something he wanted to create someday. Just another way he found to express himself and yes, he excelled at this too! Rodney also had a deep, reflective side. He wrote many poems based on his reflections on life and the winding path it can take presenting challenges, grief and pain. In the end, his poetry would always have a positive message and give hope and strength. Anyone that knew Rodney could not help but know how dearly he loved his cats, Alex and Franny. They were his everything! Rodney will be dearly missed. Visiting hours will be held 10AM -12PM , Saturday, June 18 at Dolby, Blais & Segee, 76 State Street, Gorham, ME . In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to help care for Franny and Alex. Envelopes will be available at the visitation.