Nicanor Rodriguez

Nicanor Francisco Rodriguez, 76, passed away on January 11, 2026. Born in Austin, Texas, he lived a life defined by service, intellect, and devotion to both his family and his calling in medicine. He spent his later years in Eureka, California, where he resided from 2012 until his passing.

Nicanor earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1973 before pursuing his medical degree at the University of California, San Francisco, which he completed in 1978. After finishing his internship in 1979, he began a distinguished career of service when he joined the United States Navy on July 3, 1979.

Over the course of 13 years in the Navy, Nicanor served with dedication and distinction. He worked as an aviation medical officer from 1979 to 1980, and from 1980 through 1985 he completed his internal medicine residency at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital. His service included two overseas tours in Iceland and Spain, and he ultimately achieved the rank of Commander before concluding his military career.

Following his service, Nicanor continued his commitment to medicine as Chief of Medicine at Eden Hospital in Castro Valley, California. In 2004, he joined the Veterans Health Administration, where he ultimately served as the Medical Director of the Ambulatory Outpatient Clinic in Eureka and cared for fellow veterans until his retirement in 2018.

He was deeply inspired by his parents, Martha Garcia and Jerjes Rodriguez, and shared a close bond with his sister, Maria Thornhill, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He held a lifelong devotion to the memory of his grandmother, Eva Carrillo, who was affectionately known as “Granny", and his grandfather, Alberto Garcia, who helped inspire his passion for medicine.

Nicanor is survived by his wife, Linda Rodriguez; his son, Nicholas Catlett Rodriguez; his daughter in-law, Jasmine Rockwell; and his granddaughter, Wren Elowen Rockwell-Rodriguez.

Beyond his professional life, Nicanor had a deep fascination with history, a curiosity that reflected his thoughtful and reflective nature. He will be remembered for his service, his intellect, and his enduring dedication to those he loved.

Visitation will be held on April 18, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. At Cook

A Memorial Service will be held on April 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held on April 18, 2026, at 3:00 pm.