Rodolfo Caballero Chavez

If there was ever a person who wanted to heal all the wrongs in the world, it was Rodolfo Caballero Chavez. He was an idealist who sought to bring harmony to those around him. Even though Rodolfo was enthusiastic and generous, it was sometimes difficult for him to boast about his accomplishments. Rodolfo had strong personal convictions, making it hard for him to relinquish those ideals he held dearest to himself. Despite his outer strengths and beliefs, Rodolfo sometimes struggled in his efforts to see the world as completely positive. Rodolfo's life motto was always to hope for the best and work hard towards that end, but be prepared for some of life's disappointments. This philosophy was a continual driving force in his life, but it did not extinguish the bright light that defined the dreamer in Rodolfo, something that was always there and that he readily shared with everyone around him.      Rodolfo was born on October 26, 1940 at home in Jalisco, Mexico. His parents were David and Carmen Chavez. Rodolfo was raised in Michoacan, Mexico. As a youngster, Rodolfo demonstrated an excellent vocabulary and command of language. He was a compassionate person, a quality that he would carry with him throughout his life. Even at a young age, Rodolfo was sensitive to his parents’ moods and worked hard to please them and live up to their expectations.      Throughout his life, Rodolfo showed a remarkable ability to mend relationships. This was true even with his siblings. Rodolfo was caring, diplomatic and tolerant of the feelings of those around him. Rodolfo was raised with nine siblings. He had an older brother Jesus, and six younger sisters, Maria, Berta, Genoveva, Gela, Carmen, Maria Elena, and two younger brothers, Jose and Rafael. Rodolfo was constantly involved in activities with his brothers and sisters. Rodolfo and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.      While those who did not know him well found Rodolfo to be somewhat reserved until they got to know him, he was an authentic and devoted friend. Rodolfo was a tranquil person, with an easygoing and open-minded attitude towards life. He presented a pleasant face to the outside world but concealed the pain and discomfort he felt over his own friends’ difficulties. Rodolfo sought to achieve harmony with everyone and possessed the ability to mend conflicts and avoid interpersonal struggles. Later in life, he became friends with Consuelo Rios and Familia Ochoa, Familia Contreras, and Familia Gil.      The desire for romance was always present in Rodolfo's life. He succeeded in finding it on October 25, 1973, when Rodolfo exchanged wedding vows with Josefina Aguirre at San Mateo County Court House of Redwood City, California. Rodolfo cared passionately for Josefina. His deep loyalty and a strong commitment to his vows brought a sense of completeness to their marriage.      Rodolfo was a gentle person who held deep feelings for his children. He enjoyed having fun with his kids and was at times fiercely protective of them. Rodolfo showed great empathy in his willingness to give every family member a voice in family decisions. He was blessed with two children, one son, Rudy, and one daughter, Anel. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Kayla, Jonathan, Victoria, Samuel and Christopher.      Blessed with a strong sense of integrity, Rodolfo was as loyal and committed in his work as he was in the rest of his life. He had a tendency to take on too many tasks, himself; Rodolfo showed great patience with complicated situations. He was ingenious and trusted his intuition. For Rodolfo, the application of logic could be optional, he always seemed to be able to get the job done. He was most comfortable working on the projects and jobs that he strongly supported. His primary occupation was landscaping owner/operator. He was self employed for 35 years. Rodolfo always tried to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.      Rodolfo took all of his personal and moral obligations seriously. Rodolfo was a strong defender of his faith. He was a member of St. Anthony's for 37 years.      Rodolfo enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. Taking trips provided the chance for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and see new things. Favorite vacations included Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.      Rodolfo passed away on December 7, 2009 at home in Redwood City, California. He suffered a stroke. He is survived by his wife Josefina, his children Rudy and Anel; his grandchildren, Kayla, Jonathan, Victoria, Samuel and Cristopher. His great grand child Desirea; his brothers, Jesus , Jose and Rafael and sisters Maria, Berta, Gela, Genoveva, Carmen and Maria Elena. Rodolfo was laid to rest in Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto, California.      Rodolfo Caballero Chavez was someone who was able to see the world as a good and honorable place. He viewed the people who inhabited it as essentially good. A person who tended to see the world in terms of black and white, Rodolfo tried to focus on the good he saw, knowing that there were times he would have to compromise. He was selfless and deeply committed to all things positive and good. Rodolfo was a person who would keep his eye on tomorrow and constantly held onto his dreams. He was capable of being mystical at times, and he could be the seer or shaman of a group. It was this exceptional insight and quiet reserve that that became Rodolfo's trademark qualities for all who knew him, and it was one of the many reasons why all who knew him loved Rodolfo Caballero Chavez.