My Q & A With Dad (Rodney Lax)

Have you ever wanted to interview your dad? Well, I did and I am so glad too! Being a parent now really causes me to put myself in my parents’ shoes. I can empathize so much more! How cool to get to ask my dad these questions! He truly is the best father! He would do absolutely anything for the ones he loves! Enjoy!

How did you meet mom? I met Robin (mom) during a weekend fraternity party at the Purdue University Kappa Sig chapter after I returned from a football game at IU. I entered a friend’s room and noticed this beautiful woman sitting and watching the World Series. We started talking and slowly got her to notice me.

How would people who knew you in high school describe you? I would be described by my high school friends as quiet, shy, and reserved. I had a small group of friends I hung around with and really only socialized with them.

What mistakes taught you the most about life? I make mistakes daily and I hope each one has taught me something. I cannot say one mistake stands out more than any other.

How did you get your first job? I got my first job at PCI by my Uncle letting me know that a position was opening for a CAD drafter. Even though I graduated as an engineer from Purdue University, I needed to get a job since I was newly married. I started learning the trade and I have been at the same company for 31 years.

What do you enjoy most about being a father? The thing I enjoy most about being a father is watching how my children are living their lives. I feel a parent is graded on how their children take on the responsibilities of being a member of society and raising their children.

Dad, how would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as a good husband, father, and grandfather who worked hard to provide his family with what is needed to be happy.

Is there anything you always wanted to tell me but never have? I am not a real good communicator, but I have always been impressed and proud of your independence. If you saw something you wanted, you have worked hard to get there. Keep this up and you will always meet your own expectations.

Is there anything on your bucket list that you haven’t experienced yet? My bucket list has changed over the years as I have aged, but now I would like to attend a Purdue football and basketball game at each Big Ten venue. I also want to take a Scotland/Ireland/England trip along with playing a round of golf at St. Andrews.

What world events have had the most impact on you? As a student of history, World War II has had the most impact on me even though I was not alive during this time. I believe the current state of America and myself is a direct result of how all Americans acted and gave of themselves during that time period.

What are you most proud of in your life? This may sound cliché, but I am most proud of the following: Robin, Sydney, Becca, Josh, Ryan, Brinley, and future babies. The decisions I make each day are based on these individuals and always will be.

What has it been like working for the same company all these years? I have been very fortunate to work for a great company for 31 years. It has not always been perfect each day, but I have been allowed to grow, learn, and move upward based on my abilities and drive. Not many people nowadays stay with one company for their career, but I feel lucky that I have not had a reason to look for another job.

Thank you so much Dad for answering my questions! I have learned so much from you my whole life and I am sure there will be plenty more to come! I can always turn to you no matter the problem! Thank you for loving all of us so well!