Rodney J Fontenot

Arrangements undeYou knew him by Rodney, Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, friend and even cookie man. He was a loving man ... a very giving person, someone who would give his right arm without a second thought. He was full of compassion; determined to achieve and supportive of others. He knew how to have a good time and made sure you had one too.

Rodney Joseph Fontenot was born on July 30, 1936, to Thelismar and Aimie Fontenot (Papillon). He grew up in Louisiana along with his 2 sisters and 4 brothers. It would take a book to describe Rodney, the brother. A few words would just not do him justice. Stories that have been told describe him as a mischievous youngster. We have been told that he would hide in the trees while his sisters picked cotton and then turn the bundles in as his own. We also heard he would take the chicken eggs to sell for extra money; but even as a child he was giving, making sure he shared his earnings with his siblings. He would tell us that he only went to school up to third grade and still was able to accomplish everything he did.

Rodney came to California from Louisiana in his early teens. That is when he met Alicia, his wife of 58 years, and the love of his life. HIs courtship of her showed persistent determination. When they first met, Rodney spoke English and French while Alicia spoke only Spanish. Rodney would return to Alicia's work just to see her. Alicia said she was first attracted to his stunning eyes, and Rodney said he couldn't keep those eyes off her beautiful face. In the beginning, Rodney had to use the cook at Alicia's restaurant to translate for him until he learned to speak Spanish to win her affection.

Rodney was a very hard worker; at times working two jobs. He started working for Vons in 1958 and worked his way up to Bakery superintendent. He developed lifelong friendships with his co workers, some of them here today. During this time is when he was given the nickname "Cookie Man;" you could always count on him to have the sweets. He retired after 43 years of service. Loyalty and true dedication to a job well done.

As a dad he helped raise 3 children, Rodney Junior, Michael and Sherrie. He was the driving force behind their family. He enjoyed taking the family on many trips, from weekends up in shady oaks to week-long road trips to Canada. To his kids, life was about get-togethers and family time. Reflecting on his childhood, Rodney Junior shared "us kids were lucky to have a father like him, he would come home after working two jobs with a smile on his face, still ready to go. He would include all our friends and cousins in whatever we were doing with arms wide open." He was supportive in all the children's activities and made sure they never had an unmet need or want. His work ethics taught his children the depths that one can accomplish with hard work.

Uncle Rodney as some called him was a very giving person. A quote from Geraldine, " Uncle Rodney had a way of making you feel like you were someone special. I think he made all of us nieces and nephews feel that way. He took us out camping , we enjoyed ourselves. It was good time with Uncle Rodney".

Grandpa Rodney was always the funniest , loveable grandpa there was. He knew how to party with any crowd, and could outlast anyone, young or old. He enjoyed all types of music, , his french cajun music being his favorite, and boy did he love to show off on the dance floor. He always went out of his way to make sure everyone was happy and spoiled each and every one of his grandchildren in every way that he could. He was always proud of his grandchildren's accomplishments keeping track of what everyone was up to.

Rodney retired in 2001 and was able to spend more time between his retirement homes in Fort Bragg and Mexico, dedicating his time to his passion of fishing, cooking, entertaining, and gambling. In Mexico he enjoyed relaxing with friends on his patio, going to the Baja races, and working on his buggies. In Fort Bragg, he would go out fishing on his boat every day if he could. He was known as the "good luck charm" to his fishing buddies and was always sending home fresh fish, crab and abalone. His favorite time in Fort Brag was when Doug came back to town. They fished, gambled, and shared stories. Besides good company, He always enjoyed 5 o clock which meant cracking open a bottle of Scorby and taking a "Gobble". Rodney also loved to cook for all his friends. He always said he would starve you so that it was "most me-litious" but the truth was, as he would say it, "baby baby baby," his food was always Dee-licious.

On July 16, 2015 Rodney Joseph Fontenot's life ended on this earth. He has been taken by all the saints opening wide the gates of heaven as the angels welcome him with great trumpets and open hands!

I loved my grandfather very much and will miss him dearly. His lifetime of dedication and self-sacrifice serve as a monument to the exemplary man he was. His humility, integrity, and hard work continue to inspire those who knew him.

We love you - may God keep you in his everlasting love. Amen.

r the direction of Queen of Heaven Mortuary, Rowland Heights, CA.