Rodolfo Gomez Torres

of 70. He was born in Earlimart, California to Jose and Claudia Torres on

August 20, 1944. Rudy graduated from Delano High School in 1962 and

received an Associate degree in the Arts from Bakersfield College, finishing his

education in psychology at San Francisco State University, where he met his

former wife, Catherine Vanicek. They were married in 1965.

During his youth, Rudy participated in various clubs, which included 4H,

the Spanish Club and National Forensics. He also played the trumpet, was on

the diving team and competed in various styles of ballroom dance, winning

numerous awards. Rudy’s love for science was evident at a young age and

continued throughout his life. This passion was apparent in his love for the

U.S. Space program, astronomy, chemistry, geology and entomology, where he

won numerous awards.

Rudy was drafted into the Army and served as a ranger in the 101st

Airborne during the Vietnam war. He was very proud to have served his

country, which he loved so very much.

As the result of a strong work ethic instilled in him by his father, Rudy

continued to work steadily throughout his lifetime. At a young age, he

became manager at Central State Insurance Agency in Los Angeles,

California. After moving to Hillsboro, Oregon, Rudy began his career in car

sales, working at Walt Johnson Lincoln/Mercury and later at the Town and

Country dealership, where he met some of his dearest, life-long friends.

During his 30 year career in the automotive field, Rudy rose through the

ranks from a salesperson to sales management. His goal during this time was

to achieve the highest awards in each of the Big 3 auto corporations. He

accomplished this within a 20 year period. After retiring from the auto

business, Rudy worked at Vesta Corporation and began his own business as a

health and wellness coach with the Mannetech company.

Besides his great love for God, family and friends, Rudy had many passions

throughout his life including watching Westerns and inspirational sports

movies (not the least of which was the story of “Rudy”, the Notre Dame

athlete who became a legend through perseverance and determination), and

a great love for the NFL (particularly the 49ers). Rudy’s love for music,

especially Jazz, was well known along with his love for dancing (which he

exercised often and everywhere).

Rudy’s love for humanity was apparent by the way he treated others

throughout his life. He knew no strangers, as all who met him soon became

friends. His strong faith in God got him through many difficult times. Every

morning he would thank God for his blessed life that was full of beautiful

people that he had met throughout the years.

Rudy is now reunited with his son, Christopher, and is survived by his son,

Michael Torres, his daughter, Camberley Torres, his former wife, Catherine

Vanicek, his sister, Alice Torres, and his brothers, Ruben Torres and Ray

Arellano.