Sept. 1, 1935 - Jan. 29, 2017
Arthur George Rodriguez Jr. passed away January 29 at the Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock, Calif. Art was born in Watsonville, Calif., on September 1, 1935 to Arthur George Rodriguez and Lois May Harper-Rodriguez of Castroville.
Art leaves behind his wife, Shirley Macha-Rodriguez and three adult children: son Roddy and Jenny Rodriguez of Snohomish, Wash., son Jeff Rodriguez of Pinole, Calif., and daughter Lori and Bruce Vegely of Mariposa, Calif. Art also leaves behind what he considered his most valued treasures, his five grandchildren. These children were his pride and joy and they affectionately called him “Poppy” (Rebekah and Victoria Rodriguez and Bodie, Jessie, and Taylor Vegely).
Art is preceded in death by both of his parents and his sister, Geri Montana of Idaho. Art will be missed by multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins who he loved dearly. Family was incredibly important to him and he insisted on attending every reunion, wedding, funeral, and family function.
Art graduated from Salinas High School, Hartnell College, and San Jose State and because he had such a love for children and education, he was an elementary school teacher in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District for over 37 years. While growing up on a ranch in Castroville, Art developed a love for horses and was a team roper for over 60 years. In those 60 years, he was an active member in the PRCA, ACTRA, and obtained a Gold Card in the course of his team roping career. Art was a true man of God and was a devout husband, father, and grandfather. Art and Shirley sold their home in Elkhorn (Castroville) and have resided in Catheys Valley, Calif. since 2007. Art enjoyed attending church at the Mariposa Methodist Church and loved all sporting events at the Mariposa County High School. Art Rodriguez will be remembered as a devoted Christian, family man, teacher, cowboy, sports enthusiast and friend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Mariposa United Methodist Church (PO Box 248, Mariposa, CA 95338) or the ACTRA Catastrophe Fund.