Obituary of Ronald A. Rodrigues

Ronald A. Rodrigues passed away in Hollister, California on Friday, August 24th, 2018 at the age of 86 years.

Ronald A. Rodrigues was born in Hollister, California on August 22^nd, 1932 to Alfred and Claire Rodrigues. He attended and graduated from Sacred Heart School; San Benito County High School; California State Polytechnic University; California Agricultural Leadership Program and numerous management seminars.

Ron proudly served in the US Army for 6 years; including the required reserve duty. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.

Ron was self employed as a cattle rancher in Nevada in the late 1950’s. He was later employed as the manager of the State of California Employment Development Department for 33 years. He also managed and farmed the original home property on Prune Street for over 25 years.

Ron was elected to the San Benito County Board of Supervisors in the 1990’s and served 2 terms (8 years). During that period, he served the County on many committees, including the Monterey Bay Air Pollution Control District Board of Directors. He was appointed to the 33^rd Agricultural District Association Board of Directors (AKA/Bolado Park “fair board”) by 4 different governorships since the 1980’s. He did resign from the 33^rd while he was on the Board of Supervisor’s and was re-appointed after his 2^nd term was done.

Community Service: City of Hollister Planning Commission; Manpower Planning Council; Private Industry Council; past vice president of the Hollister Jaycee’s as well as being a Holte Dinner Volunteer.

Memberships: BPOE #1436 – Hollister Elks Lodge for 60 years; SDES Portuguese Lodge; San Benito County Historical Society; San Benito County Saddlehorse Association; San Benito County Cattleman’s Association; Cal Poly Alumni Association; past president of Hollister Rotary; IOOF Lodge; the Vache Society; the Jolly Boys; the Friendly Wednesday Club; San Benito County Heritage Foundation; Tri-County Duck Club; California Waterfowl Association; Ducks Unlimited; Los Chupinos Deer Club and the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce.

HE WAS VERY PROUD OF HIS PORTUGUESE HERITAGE

Some of Ron’s hobbies were deer hunting, duck hunting, dove hunting, trout and salmon fishing. In years past, he liked to attend 49er football games and he loved to ride horses and especially enjoyed calf roping at brandings. He also enjoyed tinkering and handcrafting wood and leather products and humorous gifts.

Ron was a devoted family man – husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed traveling inside and outside of the USA as well as family vacations to Bass Lake and Coyote Lake every summer. Most recently, riding his Pioneer in the hills with his dog Roxy by his side and traveling to Hat Creek, California to fish.

Ron is survived by his wife of 60 years, Diana Rose Rodrigues; his children Michael J. Rodrigues and Deborah A. Rodrigues-Krieg (spouse Alex); sister Deanna Hoenck; brother Dean Rodrigues; granddaughters Kayla and Madison Rodrigues; numerous nieces and nephews and faithful companion “Roxy” as well as Grand-dog-ter “Kiana”.

Memorial donations are preferred to the Hollister FFA c/o the mortuary.

Friends are invited to a recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of the Resurrection on Friday, August 31st at 11:00 a.m. at Immcaulate Conception Church, 7290 Airline Highway, Tres Pinos. Immediately following the mass,   an Elks Memorial Service will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Hollister Elks Lodge, 351 Astro Drive at the Hollister Airport. A reception will follow the ceremony.

Inurnment at St. Benedict Columbarium will be private

Donations are preferred to Hollister High School FFA c/o the mortuary