Salvador Alfonso Rodriguez

SALVADOR A. RODRIGUEZ

DECEMBER 10, 1928 - JULY 11, 2013

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddha.

When we try to crystalize our father’s life on earth - it comes down to Dad was a fair, kind, generous man who shared his happiness and humor with others.

First and foremost, he truly loved his family: wife and love of his life, Lupe Guerrero Rodriguez, children Sal Rodriguez III, Rita Rodriguez, Patricia R. and Cesar L. Gonzalez, and Ricardo Rodriguez. He also loved his adopted son and daughter, Ignacio Castro and Debra Kanof. He and our mother provided us with a charmed life - charmed in the sense that we never had a doubt that they loved us with all their being and taught us through their example in life lessons. They taught us to work hard, know the value of family foremost, and to look for the joy in life. Dad gave our mother the world. They traveled the world together to places that they never dreamed they could see. He bought Mom her dream home. The light of his heart and hope were his grandchildren, Matthew, Aria and Adria Gonzalez. They are loving, respectful individuals who gave him enormous pride and joy.

Our Dad shared with coworkers and employees of his own business, Sal Rodriguez Painting Contractor. He was a fair and kind boss. Requiring from his workers only what he himself would also do. Many a time Dad would grab the paint brush in order to get the job done! In over 30 years in business, he was able to share a living and help provide for many families. But, they were not only employees and workers - to him they were friends. After he retired, he regularly had his “guys” come for breakfast and laugh about the old times. Many of his clients also became his close and dear friends. They knew Dad as a man of his word who would be fair and honest.

Our Dad touched many lives with his humor and efforts to make someone happy each and every day - from the donuts for his doctors’ nursing staff, to a roll of life savers for a bank clerk, to gold dollar coins for a waitress’ tip. Whatever room or elevator or building he walked into he would greet all. No one was a stranger. When asked how he was doing, he always responded “I’m still on top of the grass!” to signify he was alive and well.

He lived a vibrant, full life - sharing countless good times with his golfing buddies and friends throughout the years. Up until February, he was regularly playing at Lone Star Golf Course. He always was ready to listen and to offer advice or tell a “naughty” joke. He would honor golfing buddies who passed by placing a plaque with their name on a tree at the El Paso Country Club. He was always ready to learn new things and meet new friends. At age 81, he learned to play the piano.

He shared with the community. He was a Rotarian, an Optimist, a Toastmaster, and a member of the Texas National Guard. He served as Santa for youngsters from his neck of the woods, El Segundo Barrio, at the Rotarian Christmas event.

He served as a font knowledge and history lesson for his many nieces and nephews. He very much enjoyed their company and visits.

We want to thank you all for being a part of our father’s multifaceted life - for being there to share his light. Most grateful thanks to his main care givers - the ever patient Olivia Archuleta and his son, Cesar.

Please join us to celebrate Dad’s life and his journey to reunite with his wife, Lupe, and son, Sal III, who predeceased him. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at Martin Funeral Home-West, 128 N. Resler, El Paso, Texas from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m. Burial services to held Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park, 4848 Alps, El Paso, Texas. A reception will follow at Dominguez Mexican Food Restaurant, 1201 Airway Blvd. C5, El Paso, Texas. In lieu of flowers, we request that you contribute to the El Paso ISD Education Foundation, 6531 Boeing Dr. El Paso, Texas, 79925, [email protected], 915-230-0559 in order to provide scholarships and supplies to deserving students at Bowie High School.

“The best portion of a good man's life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts Of kindness and of love.” William Wordsworth.