Donald Joseph Rodriguez

Born Dec. 12, 1922 in Thibadeaux, Louisiana passed away Aug. 19, 2010, in Eureka, CA. Proud of his Southern heritage, born to parents who spoke mostly French, they moved to New Orleans, where he and his 8 older brothers and sisters were raised. Don met the love of his life, Dorothy Johnson, a Picayune Mississippi girl, at a dance while serving his country during WWII. The youngest of 13 children herself, she fit right in to his big family. They married and moved to California to find work after the war, Don finding work in the sawmills, while Dorothy was a homemaker. Together he and Dot raised 3 children in Humboldt County and New Orleans. Don was proud of his years working for Simpson Timber Company in Korbel, where he retired in 1980. They moved to Oroville for warmer weather, where they met many new friends. Dad would still mention his old friends and co workers: Cliff, Buster, Tex, Ken, Gerry, Lou, Danny, Bob, he sure thought a lot of you. Not to mention his old friend Mutt Nieri nd his wife Dorothy who became great friends to them after moving out to California. Donald was preceded in death by Dorothy in 1994, his grandson Tory Enrique in 1986, and his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his son, Donald Rodriquez, Jr. and his wife Sandy, of Concord, two daughters, Lelona Songy, Lisa Trout and her husband Terry of Eureka. Eight grandchildren, Darrell Songy and wife Jody, Yvonne Rodrigue and husband Trevor Gray, Stacy Carbajal and husband Carlos, Cara Howard, Rachael Rodriguez, Donald Rodriguez III (Joe), Terra Schaal and husband Max, and Sara Trout. He will be missed by 4 great grandchildren as well. He is survived by family members too numerous to mention in Humboldt County, Louisiana and Missisippi. There was a private family service at Donald's request. Donations can be made to the Eureka City Dog Park at City Hall in his name. Arrangements under the direction of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, CA 707-442-3751, www.piercemortuarychapels.com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard on August 26, 2010