Peter Robert Dodman Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Peter Robert Dodman on January 5, 2025, in Adelaide, South Australia.
Pete was born and raised in Adelaide, where he built a lifetime of memories before moving to Ohio in 2002. There, he married Rhonda Wesney and began a new chapter of his life as a devoted stepfather to Erika and Aaron. In 2003, Pete and Rhonda welcomed their daughter, Moira, into the world. His little girl, his everything—their bond surpassing any distance between them.

Pete fully embraced each of his roles as a stepfather, father, and later, grandfather, taking great pride in them throughout his life. Pete was a jack-of-all-trades with an infectious personality that left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Whether lending a hand with a project, sharing a story, or simply offering a warm smile, Pete was always there for others. His dedication to helping those around him made him a beloved figure in his communities on both sides of the globe.

He had a passion for being outdoors, riding four-wheelers and motorcycles, hunting, fishing, and spending time in his garage building or tinkering with just about anything. Pete loved music and enjoyed spending time with friends and family, often finding himself at the heart of the fun. The decades Pete lived in the United States left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and he remained a treasured part of the lives he touched there.

In Australia, Pete leaves behind his sisters, Tracey and Kaye, and Kaye's partner, Paul; his niece, Emma, and her partner, Teg; his nephews, Michael, Nick and his wife, Jemell, and James and his partner, Paige; his great-nieces and nephews, Parker, Anderson, Beckett, Hazel, August, and a soon-to-be-born great-niece; his Uncle Trevor; his Aunt Georgina and her partner, Chris; his cousins, Steve, Sarah, and Jason; close family friends, Deb and Steve and their son, Kiel; and Kym and Jan, as well as his extended family: Rebecca Eager, Hannah Eager, Joshua Eager, David Eager, Sevanah Waterman, Willow Eager, who knew him as "Poppy Pete"; and Dianne and Dawood Nabi; his fishing buddy, Michael B.; and his beloved dog, Snoopy.

In the United States, Pete is survived by his daughter, Moira, and her fiancé, Nakoma; his stepson, Aaron; his stepdaughter, Erika, and her husband, Joel; and his granddaughter, Isabella, as well as his U.S. extended family: Rodney and Doris Wesney; Rodney Earl Wesney; Christina and Rodney Bennett; and nieces and nephews, LaChrista, Ayrie, Rodney and his wife, Jackie, Kieara, Taylor, Logan, Ashton, and Olivia and her husband, Jason.
Pete’s friends include Harold Keller, Dennis Keller, David James, Walter and Patty Thompson, Scott Thompson, Walter (Michelle) Thompson Jr., Theresa Hammond-Sowers, Gina Wellspring, James and Amanda Stanley, Matt and Amy Shiplett, Tom and Jodi Wortman, and a man affectionately known as Mouse, along with countless others throughout Ohio and Australia.

Pete was preceded in death by his mother, Moira Dodman (AUS); his father, Robert Dodman (AUS); his brothers-in-law, Eric and Eren Wesney (US); his nephew, Jacob Bennett (US); and dear friends Mary Lou Keller and Kenny Bond (US).

Pete’s U.S. friends and family are welcome to gather for a celebration of his life on Friday, January 17th, starting at 6 p.m. at the Wesney homestead, 9634 Portie Flamingo Rd., Corning, Ohio. Join us to have “one last beer” with Pete by bringing your beverage of choice and sharing your favorite memories in his honor.

There is so much more to say about Pete, but words cannot fully capture the profound love and joy he brought to this world. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.