Celebrant Pam Meily Vetter


	Celebrating Life Everyone Has A Story...

Herbert Miguel Rodriguez was born in 1950, in San Miguel, El Salvador, to Juan Roberto Campos and Maria Conception Rodriguez. He was raised with one sister and four brothers: Marta, Roberto, Ricardo, Rene and Jorge. His father worked as a doctor in El Salvador while his mother worked in the outdoor market selling fish, from which Herbert developed a great appreciation for fresh food from outdoor markets . As a child, he didn't like taking baths and his mother would have to chase him down to take a shower. He had a good childhood surrounded by family. Herbert also loved playing soccer as a child. Soccer was a sport he would follow and play regularly. He attended school through the sixth grade until he began working at a young age. He held many jobs including working at a furniture store and later as a repairman fixing watches. He was very talented and had a great love of fixing things, especially cars.

Herbert met his first wife, Blanca one night while out dancing. He loved dancing. The couple dated for a year, married and had three wonderful children: Carlos, Jeannette and Herbert, Jr. He was a good father who dreamed of a better life and opportunities for his family. In 1974, Herbert moved with his eldest son, Carlos, to the United States. While little Carlos went to school and stayed with his grandmother, Herbert worked hard to build a future for his family. His first job was as a machine operator in Long Beach. In 1975, the rest of his family moved to the United States. The children remember his employer would send gifts for them during the holidays and looking forward to their time spent with their father. He was a quiet man, but one who inspired them to pursue an education. Herbert shared his dreams with his children saying, "Escucha, escucha," or "Listen, listen", when he advised them. Extended family was also important as there were many parties and gatherings with relatives over the years. Although he and his wife grew apart, his family and especially his children always remained his priority.

In 1979, Herbert and Virginia met and became a father to her two children, Adrian Henry and Nancy. Two years later they married, quickly followed by the birth of a beautiful daughter, Michelle. Herbert loved all of his children equally. He was a good father who shared his gift of laughter and dreamed of his daughter Michelle going to college, wanting the best education for everyone. Herbert and Virginia loved their time together with family, going to the movies and camping. Herbert always took the time to say, "I love you." He continued to work hard in machine operations while also earning his class A truck driver's license. He dreamed of being an independent contractor one day. There are so many wonderful memories of vacations to Castaic Lake, Santa Barbara and rollerskating. His favorite food was shrimp while his favorite beverages were beer or whiskey. He enjoyed Salsa music and later Jazz music, as his grandson played in a Jazz band. With twelve grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, each one was so different and unique, he loved them all. For more than a year, he made a ritual by spending time at the Farmer's Market with his son's family every Thursday night. He loved tinkering with cars, replacing parts and putting them back together. He always did his own gardening, even putting in his own sprinklers. He was proudest of the red roses in his garden.

Herbert Rodriguez was a good-hearted man who always helped others and didn't expect anything in return. He was a happy man who enjoyed life. His advice to others would be to get a good education, study hard and learn from his story. His family will miss his presence, encouragment, sense of humor and the sound of his voice. His family and friends will always remember his smile.