Severo Rodriguez

     Severo Rodriguez was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Papa Min always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Papa Min was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

     Papa Min was born at home on January 2, 1924 in Villa Lopez, Chihuaua. His parents were Cruz and Alberta Rodriguez. Always able to express himself well, Papa Min possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Papa Min was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

     Blessed with a balanced attitude, Papa Min was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Papa Min was raised with 9 siblings. He had two brothers, Jesus and Jose, and seven sisters, Edubiges, Maria, Trinidad, Concepcion, Ester, Francesca, and Margarita. Papa Min had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

     Friends and acquaintances found Papa Min an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Papa Min was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. Two of his close friends were Chuy Rodriguez y Tono Yanez.

      Papa Min was attentive to Camerina's feelings, and he charmed Camerina and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Papa Min was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

     Very much like a kid himself, Papa Min identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Papa Min was blessed with Nine children, Seven daughters, Elva, Hilaria, Guadalupe, Teresa, Luz Elena, Francisca, and Martina, and two twin sons, Severo and Jesus. He was also blessed with Twenty-eight grand children, Valente, Zuleica, Juaquin, Miguel, Gerardo, Jessica, Jeanette, Minn, Alex, Edith, Ivonne, Salvador, Isela, Martin, Jose, Peter, Frank, Albert, Rene, Dora, Francisco, Soraya, Lupita, Oleida, Jesus, Vanessa, Liz, and Dora.

     Papa Min was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Papa Min’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Papa Min was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Papa Min could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was in agriculture. He was self employed for 34 years.

     Papa Min enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were riding horses and bull riding. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

     Travel and vacations were experiences that Papa Min truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included going to Villa Lopez, Chihuaua.

      He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved relocating to Paramount, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in spoiling his grandchildren.

     Papa Min passed away on July 6, 2009 at home in Paramount, California. Papa Min fought a brave battle against Pneumonia. He is survived by his children Elva, Hiliaria, Guadalupe, Teresa, Luz Elena, Severo, Jesus, Francisca, and Martin; his granchildren Valente, Zuleica, Juaquin, Miguel, Gerardo, Jessica, Jeanette, Minn, Alex, Edith, Ivonne, Salvador, Isela, Martin, Jose, Peter, Frank, Albert, Rene, Soraya, Lupita, Oleida, Jesus, Vanessa, Liz, and Dora;. Services were held at White House Funeral Home and St. Bernards Church. Papa Min was laid to rest in Villa Lopez, Chihuaua.

     Papa Min was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Severo Rodriguez.