Richard Andrew Rodriguez "Slick"

Richard aka Ricky, Rick (Slick) Rodriguez passed away peacefully with his daughters at his side February 09, 2021 at the age of 72. He was born May 16, 1948 in Hanford Ca. To Manuel and Marcie Rodriguez.

Ricky grew up In Laton Ca. playing and working along the banks of the Kings river and surrounding fields, with his five brothers and four sisters. Often time while growing up he would sit and listen to his parents perform songs together and he developed a lifelong love of music and dancing because of this.

Young Ricky attended Kings River-Hardwick elementary school and later Hanford High School. On September 23, 1967 he wed Connie Ornellas-Avitia of Hanford and together raised three daughters.

Rick worked most of his life in the construction industry and held several different positions including painter, concrete finisher, and concrete foreman. Rick was drafted into in the Army at the time of the Vietnam war and was fortunate to be stationed in Hawaii during this time. He was discharged at the time of his first child’s birth.

Somewhere early in adulthood Rick was given the moniker “Slick” or “Slick Rick” and it stuck with him until his passing and probably beyond. Rick loved listening to music, he loved to sing and harmonize along with his musical siblings and he loved to dance and will be remembered for grooving and doing the James Brown shuffle. Slick was also a gifted artist that could draw and paint. His ability to carve wood and stone into beautiful creations, will be a lasting legacy to him.

Rick enjoyed owning and riding his Trike. One of his favorite things to do was attend the Calaveras County frog Jumps or as he and his friends called it, “The Froggies” to celebrate his birthday. Over time he sold his beloved Trike and thought to never see it again. Years later his eldest daughter Gina was able to find and purchase the Trike back and he was thrilled it was back in the family.

Rick was famous for his greeting of “Hey Loco!”

After many years of marriage Richard and Connie divorced, but family remained their priority and they remained close throughout their remaining years. Throughout his life “family” was at the center of everything Rick did. His love for his daughters, grandchildren and all family will never be forgotten because he showed it in countless words and deeds. One of the last joys of Rick’s life was moving back to Laton, to live along the banks of The Kings River. He loved and felt most at home in the country-side where he grew up.

True to his nature his literal last words were “See ya on the flip side”

Richard is survived by his three daughters, Gina Rodriguez, Cindy Rodriguez, and Angel Rodriguez-Galvan of Hanford. Six Grandkids, eight Great-grandkids, five brothers and three sisters, and a very, very large extended family.