It's impossible to say everything at the funeral about a life lived so well. As hours, days and months go by, there are emotions and feelings that begin, end and stay with us. Dad has left happy memories that will last the rest of my life. From camping and fishing at favorite spots including Alaska to driving side by side in matching corvettes, my Dad never did anything easy. Every memory was an adventure that he would push to the limit. Dad would start his day by sitting on the swing overlooking the golf course in his back yard. He had a name for every bird, rabbit and squirrel. He even cared enough for the gopher (that made holes in his lawn) not to poison him. He would read the newspaper and plan his day. That included making sure his clothing attire matched, he smelled good, and had jewelry and watches that were big enough to notice to break the ice in a conversation. Dad would call everyone he loved and knew to make sure that they knew he was there. Dad always wanted his friends and family close and made sure to offer his help with anything. Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Holidays were especially important to Dad. His feelings and memories he had, embraced the spirit and courage he possessed as a man. My Dad needed 2 hearts because as you see in the end, his life was just beginning. Out of the many thoughts and memories my Dad kept, this is one he liked the most.

Why Worry?
There are only two things to worry about;
Either you are well or you are sick.
If you are well, then there is nothing to worry about;
But if you are sick, there are only two things to worry about;
Whether you will get well, or whether you will die.
If you get well, there is nothing to worry about;
But if you die, there are two things to worry about;
Whether you go to heaven or hell.
If you go to heaven, there is nothing to worry about;
And if you go to hell you'll be so busy shaking hands with old friends, you won't have time to worry.

We love you, miss you, and share in your happiness, pain and laughter, for without these valuable emotions there would not be such great memories.

Love always from Carl, my wife Alma, my son Jonathan, My daughter Jennifer, and my Brother who I love with all my Heart Jonathan

As my brother Mike mentioned, he was like a father to us in many ways. The memories I have of him I will carry with me always. "Uncle Ernie" was truly a man of conviction, conscience and compassion. I will remember him most for the time he spent with us going camping, fishing and letting me be the bat boy at his softball games. Thanks Uncle Ernie for all the good times!

He was like a father when I needed one.  I have incredible memories of Ernie from the 50's and early 60's; the softball games, the trips to the Trinity Alps and so much more.  Goodbye, Uncle Ernie.  God Bless!

He was a good man. I knew him as a fellow park official and got to ride with him several times to Sacramento for meetings. I got a kick out of his stories and related to him as a fellow Portuguese American.  He was really passionate about parks and life in general. Accept my deepest, if belated sympathies. 

- Lou Andrade, 
Hayward Area Park District

To Ernie's family. Ernie was one the finest men we have ever known. A good man, with a great sense of humor. It was an absolute pleasure to know him.

OBITUARY

Ernest Rodrigues

November 20, 1930 – June 24, 2015

Brentwood Funeral Home

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