Dr. Keith Rodaway, 64, Was Tourette's-Syndrome Expert

Some of Dr. Keith Rodaway's patients lived in Taiwan and Nepal. To them, he was worth the trip.

Dr. Rodaway, one of the first physicians in Federal Way, was the community's first pediatrician when he started his practice in 1966. A second generation of patients continued to see him as his former patients brought their children in.

He still made Sunday morning house calls, and was known for his expertise with Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable vocal tics and body movements.

He became intensely involved with the Tourette's Society, a resource group for patients and their families, after a patient was diagnosed with the incurable disorder.

"He took care of the kids' emotional needs," said Fon Schrup, whose son Richard was diagnosed with Tourette's in 1982. "He really took it to heart. He learned everything he could. He restored their self-respect. There aren't too many doctors who want to take on Tourette's children."

Dr. Rodaway died of cancer Thursday (Nov. 27). He was 64.

Born in Unadilla, Neb., he was valedictorian of his high-school class. He attended college and medical school at Creighton University, completing his pediatric residency at Boston City Hospital in 1962. He was a postdoctoral fellow at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh and at the University of Washington, where he studied neonatology. Before going into private practice, he taught at UW's medical school.

A devout Christian, Dr. Rodaway attended church every week. In his spare time, he tended to a rose garden.

"I've never met a warmer person, or a better doctor," said Mohinder Badyal, a pediatrician mentored by Dr. Rodaway.

His compassion and the accuracy of his diagnoses set him apart. While many doctors look for common afflictions, he looked just as hard for the uncommon ones, said colleague Ted Bridge. "We called them zebras," Bridge said. "Most people found horses. He found zebras."

Dr. Rodaway is survived by daughters Anne Mesick of Federal Way, and Joan Weinhold of Auburn; sons Thomas Rodaway of Kent, and Joseph Rodaway of Lakewood; his mother Constance Rodaway, who lives in Unadilla; and six grandchildren. His wife of 32 years, Anne Maria Betz, died in 1991.

The family held a private funeral Monday. A memorial Mass was to be held at 10 a.m. today at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 30525 Eighth Ave. S., Federal Way.

Remembrances may be sent to Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, 34515 Ninth Ave. S., Federal Way, WA 98003; Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center Foundation, P.O. Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98105; St. Joseph's Hospital, 1717 S. J St., Tacoma, WA 98405; and Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, 315 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA 98405.

Hugo Kugiya's phone message number is 206-464-2281. His e-mail address is: hkug-new@seatimes.com