August 2, 1948 – June 20, 2025
Ricardo “Rick” Rodriguez, Jr., passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, surrounded by family in his home in Weed, California. He was 76 years old.
Rick was born on August 2, 1948, in Santa Barbara, California, to Emilia Gomez Solis Rodriguez and Ricardo Rodriguez. He was the second of five siblings, and though life wasn’t always easy growing up, it taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and family. He attended Our Lady of Guadalupe School and later graduated from Santa Barbara High School, where he excelled in football and basketball. His work ethic showed early—he delivered newspapers at just 8 years old and went on to have a long and varied career in food service and hospitality.
Over the years, Rick held roles ranging from dishwasher and cook to restaurant manager, CFO, and owner. His career included time at Jolly Tiger, Sambos, John Muir’s Deli, Restaurant ETC, Heidi Pies, Lilly’s Restaurant, and Lake Shastina Golf Resort. He also worked as a butcher and dairy deliveryman. Cooking wasn’t just his job—it was his way of caring for others. He loved feeding people and creating a sense of connection through food.
At the age of 37, Rick was diagnosed with heart failure and was advised to get a transplant. He chose instead to trust the heart he had—and lived nearly four more decades with it. Fifteen years ago, he faced pancreatic cancer and bravely underwent the Whipple procedure, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. He also survived a stroke just three years ago, walking away with only minor deficits. His strength and humor never wavered. His family often joked he had nine lives, and each one was filled with courage, resilience, and quiet grace.
Rick moved to Weed in 1992 and spent the last 33 years there, building a life with his wife and youngest children. He loved golf and spent countless joyful days on the course at Lake Shastina Golf Resort, where he built lifelong friendships. In his younger years, he enjoyed surfing, dirt biking, snow and water skiing, boating, and playing basketball. He also gave his time generously to his community—volunteering as a coach, referee, board member, and supporter of youth sports.
Rick is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Debra Sullivan Rodriguez; his five children: Kimberly Riedl (Ken), Jeffrey Rodriguez (Elizabeth), Jennifer Rodriguez, Richard Rodriguez, and Maryssa Rodriguez; and his grandchildren: Jacob Rodriguez, Alyssa Garcia (Ivan), Elyssa Nagel (Seth), Shelby Viviano, Jordan Matts (Donald), and Deonne Loya (Richard). He is also survived by his siblings: Natalia “Nellie” Dougherty (Albert) and John Rodriguez (LeeAnn). He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Joseph Rodriguez and Terri Nimtz.
To know Rick was to love him. He had a contagious smile, sparkling eyes, a steady presence, and a heart that quietly gave so much. He wasn’t always one to say how he felt, but he showed it—in the meals he made, the time he gave, and the humor that lifted every room he walked into. He lived simply, but his impact was lasting.
A Celebration of Life will be held on what would have been Rick’s 77th birthday—August 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. on the patio at Lake Shastina Golf Resort. Appetizers, desserts, lemonade, and iced tea will be served. All who knew and loved Rick are welcome to come, remember, and celebrate a life full of laughter, love, and strength.
sourced- Girdner Funeral Chapel
