'He changed you for the better': Bond Hill business owner remembered after deadly crash

On Saturday night, a beloved Bond Hill community member was honored with a balloon release.Two weeks ago, he died in a single-car crash on the Norwood Lateral.Family members say he had a heart attack behind the wheel. Sixty-one-year-old Rodney Jordan is remembered as a family man. He spent his life in Cincinnati; he was a graduate of Withrow High School, a decades-long employee of Jake Sweeney Automotive, and the owner of Cali Bar & Grill in Bond Hill.Those who knew him say that he touched countless lives and that his loss now touches many hearts. "He just was loved, he was a loveable guy," said his cousin, Ronald Calloway.Rodney was described as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend who made everyone feel like they were family."He loved his wife. He loved his family. And he loved everybody. And Rodney had nothing but good love for everybody," said his friend of 40 years, Dartilues Lumpkin.The large crowd that gathered for the balloon release appeared to confirm that sentiment. Held on the block where the Cali Bar & Grill sits, from corner to corner, it was standing room only."What do they say? If you touch one soul before you leave this earth, you did a good job. Rodney touched a whole lot of souls in this world," Lumpkin said.Zach Sweeney worked alongside Rodney at Jake Sweeney Automotive and will tell you he was the heart of every room he was in."Got my first management job, and he was my second hire, worked for me for 25 years after that. Literally as family as you get," Sweeney said. "Only certain people touch you in your life. And Rodney, he touched you. He changed you for the better." Whether they knew him for decades or days, those who knew Rodney consider themselves better for it.With so many now grieving his loss, advocates with Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses Trauma Recovery Center were also there on Saturday to make sure that those mourning knew that resources were available. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, June 6.