Celebrant Pam Meily Vetter


	Celebrating Life Everyone Has A Story...

Carlos Arturo Rojas was born in 1933, to Belarmino and Carmen Rojas, in Santiago, Chile. Life was challenging. Carlos’ father died when he and his sister, Racquel, were young. His mother supported the family by doing laundry for people in the neighborhood. Through this experience, Carlos was greatly influenced by his mother’s efforts on behalf of the family. In middle school, Carlos worked to help support the family. After middle school, he attended classes in the evenings to earn his degree from high school. After graduating, he immediately went to work. At the age of 18, he served in the Chilean Army for one year.

Carlos met the love of his life in Chile. Her name was Adrianna. Carlos welcomed Adrianna’s children into his life with open arms. It was Adrianna’s dream to move to America one day. He was in love and followed her to the United States as the country meant new opportunity.

The couple was married at St. George’s Episcopal Church in La Canada on August 3, 1965. On September 17, 1966, the same day as Carlos’ birth, the couple was pleased with the birth of their son, Charles. According to Adrianna, Charles was Carlos’ birthday present for life. For Carlos, family was the priority as the couple was committed to supporting each other.

Both Carlos and Adrianna were committed to work to reach for their dreams. Adrianna worked first as a house manager and later returned to Pasadena City College to earn her degree in Accounting. Carlos worked as a chauffeur to Charles Jones, who was living in a mansion in the Flintridge area. As there were many events at the Jones’ mansion, Carlos’ position grew to include bottler (butler and guest server) for dinner parties. He was a trusted part of the family. One day, he even was invited into Dwight Eisenhower’s home by the former President himself to share a Coca-Cola.

Carlos was also a friend with the gardeners of the Jones’ home. They taught him how to become a landscaper. By the early 70s, Adrianna and Carlos became citizens of the United States, which brought great pride.

After Mr. Jones passed away, the property was sold and entertaining declined, but Carlos continued as a chauffeur to Mrs. Jones. In fact, he took on a new role as an assistant traveling with Mrs. Jones on cruises and to a variety of countries. Every time he came home from a trip, he promised Adrianna he would take her to the places he had visited around the world. It was a promise he would soon fulfill.

In 1978, Carlos started Valley Garden Service. The business grew quickly to eleven trucks and twelve employees. He had a fleet and plenty of work to match. Word spread quickly throughout the community on his incredible work as a Landscape Contractor. The company grew from residential clients to big commercial contracts from the City of Pasadena to San Marino and most parts of the San Gabriel Valley. Carlos always made sure his customers were happy, no matter what. In the mid 80s, he expanded the business to include sprinkler systems by forming Delta Landscape Service, which was later renamed after his favorite mountains, Andes Landscaping, Incorporated.

Ana Maria remembers Carlos as a supportive father. He taught her how to drive a car, helped her to create her first bank account, and helped her to make her first car purchase. When she graduated from law school, Carlos was jubilant. When she participated in the Judge’s program, Carlos would go to court and watch her with pride. Charles remembers his father filming him on 16 millimeter when he performed in plays at school. Years later, Carlos also found a way to support his son’s love for rock music even though the type of music Charles played wasn’t his first choice. As Charles became an adult, he developed a strong and trusted friendship with his father. Carlos was proud of each one of his children.

Every step of the way, Adrianna encouraged Carlos in realizing his abilities and reaching for success. Carlos worked hard and the money made in life went to his family in the United States, Mexico, and Chile. He was happy to take Adrianna around the world to travel on cruises and to visit countries such as Russia, Italy, China, and Denmark. He collected paper money on each stop. Back home, Carlos supported World Vision International, which feeds hungry children worldwide. He also was very generous with local organizations and provided Christmas trees during the holidays for people with disabilities.

Over the past few years, Carlos told his family if he should pass away not to cry for him, but instead live your life and enjoy everyone around you. Carlos Rojas will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his caring, generous nature. For his wife of 42 years together, Carlos will be remembered as the love of her life as they were truly soul mates. She will miss his companionship and every aspect of life with him. His family will miss his laughter, his presence, and unconditional love.

Memorial donations are welcome in his name to World Vision International www.WVI.org.

Carlos Arturo Rojas is survived by his wife Adrianna; son Charles; daughter Patricia; daughter Ana Maria and her husband Alan; daughter Adriana and her husband Rafael; son Rene; sister Racquel; granddaughters Claudia, Marcia, Shayna, Adrianna, and Sophia; great-granddaughter Isabella; and many close friends. May he rest in peace.