Charlie Rodriguez passed away July 22, 2013 with his loving children at his side.
Charlie was born in Fort Davis, Texas, on Feb. 9, 1929 and discovered his passion for ranching at the age of six, when he started working at the Kokernot 06 Ranch to help support his family. Charlie’s first experience handling livestock began at the age of seven; roping and riding small calves and lambs.
By the age of 16 Charlie had already become skilled at riding, roping, horseshoeing, etc. and signed up for his first cattle round-up on the 06 Ranch working out of Alpine, Texas where he met the love of his life, Ella Rodriguez.
During the following few years in Texas, Charlie continued to hone his skills as a cowboy, entered every rodeo in the surrounding area, and fondly recalled his experience of working cattle on the open range (sometimes spending 40 days sleeping under the stars), preparing horses for the film “Giant,” meeting Satchel Paige, and establishing Alpine’s first baseball field, which is still in use today.
Charlie and Ella moved to Eureka, Calif., in 1955 and while they were raising three children (Sandra, Randy, and Paul), Charlie continued to follow his passion for ranching and rodeos. Charlie’s ranching experience in Humboldt County spanned 58 years, which included working for the Russ Cattle Company, Fred Fearrien, Bar-W, and the Humboldt Auction Yard. During this time Charlie won many rodeo events throughout California including “all around cowboy” at the Fortuna Rodeo in 1965 and three consecutive years in the 1990’s. Charlie’s reputation for handling horses, knowledge of cattle, and his “exceptional” roping skills continued to grow and his easy going, courteous nature endeared him to nearly everyone he met. Although Charlie stopped entering rodeos a few years ago, he was frequently asked for his advice and often provided guidance on proper roping techniques. Charlie continued to work cattle up until a few months ago, nearly 80 years after he discovered his passion for ranching. Charlie lived a life that he loved and provided those of us who were fortunate to know him with an image of a cowboy that many aspire to be but few obtain.
Charlie is survived by his daughter Sandra Haskin (John), son Paul Rodriguez, grandchildren Alexis Disabato (Jim), Andrew Haskin, Britney Rodriguez, Jerid Rodriguez, great grandchildren Zachary and Jeremy Disabato, Aubrey Rodriguez, brother Bobby Rodriguez (Gracie), sisters Susie Madrid (Greg), Kara Dutchover, Marta Martinez, sisters-in-laws Betty Freitas (Milt), Nora Reed, brothers-in-laws Kenneth Vandermeulen and Danny Gallego (Patty), Joe Gallego (Gloria), and by Julie Freitas, Larry Andersen and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Charlie is preceded in death by his parents Blas Rodriguez and Francisca Hartnett, his beloved wife Ella, son Randy, sister Elia Marquez and brother Tommy Rodriguez.
A mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 2 at St. Joseph Church in Fortuna, Calif.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Santa Rosa Memorial Foundation ICU Department, 1154 Montgomery Dr., Suite 1, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, with a note acknowledging the St. Joseph Memorial ICU staff for their outstanding care and unwavering compassion for Charlie.
