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Michael Rodriguez Obituary
Our beloved husband, father, and grandpa, Michael Renee Rodriguez, passed away Sunday, October 16, 2011, in the comfort of his home and the arms of his loving family.
Michael was a man of great personal integrity, filled with wonder and a lifelong love of learning, and devotion to his family.
Michael was born on January 23, 1951, in Huntington Park California to Renee and Dixie Maloy Rodriguez. He enjoyed a happy childhood with his brothers and sister, at a time when Southern California was still a place where cows grazed in the meadows and the scent of oranges filled the air.
Michael graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in advertising and marketing. While working at The Daily Universe, he met his sweetheart, Derin Lea Head.They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on July 16, 1976. They had five children, Kara, Adam, Daniel, Jonathan and David, and raised them in Sandy, Utah.
Michael was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and treated his family with patience and love. He embodied the teaching "Man is that he might have joy," and showered affection on his nine grandchildren.
Michael served in many church callings. He had a gift for teaching the gospel. As a convert to the church of Jesus Christ, Michael possessed a strong testimony of missionary work.
Professionally, Michael assumed the idiom "Fortune Smiles on the Bold," and achieved great success in his chosen profession of advertising and marketing.
His work took him to cities around the country, where he was awed by architecture, natural wonders and great human feats and accomplishments.
Michael has a large family that loves him. He will be greatly missed by brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, friends and other loved ones.
All are invited to attend Michael's viewing and funeral. The viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 19th, at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will also be a visitation 9:30- 10:45 Thursday morning at the ward on 1617 East 12700 South in Draper, followed by the service at 11.
After, there will be a graveside ceremony at Larkin Sunset Gardens, at 1950 East 10600 South. Due to construction on 10600 South, access the cemetery and mortuary via 11400 South.
You can leave condolences online at www.larkincares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rodriguez
Arvel and Karen Hemenway
October 12, 2022
Still remember with fondness, the great man Mike was! He was a great influence to us and everyone with whom he came in contact! We love him and his family!
Mike Wilson
October 25, 2011
Brother Rodriguez, what a tremendous man, my memories of him are strong and fresh as if it was yesterday listening to him speak in church, was a day not to be missed, his words inspired me in my personal life. I remember baby sitting his darling kids when they were small, He never frowned upon anyone and always made you feel comfortable in his environment, thanks for giving me the chance to know and have memories of a great man, love you brother Rodriguez.
Don Holm
October 21, 2011
I still remember the white elephant Christmas parties we had as a department before the theatre, and our huge annual week-long conference at the Bellagio. Mike was from the old school and knew how to make an impression. Thanks for the memories Mike!
David Cooper
October 20, 2011
My heart is full of gratitude for the life and influence of this remarkable soul. Mike possessed a divine gift as teacher, speaker, counselor, coach and friend. He was a model of love and strength to young and old alike. One of the most inspiring testimonies I ever heard was Bro. Rodriguez in a sacrament meeting at a rest home filled with old and infirm residents. His words could simply motivate anyone who listened.
As a young man, one of my choicest blessings was to be a home teacher in the Rodriguez home. Mike, Derin and their children showered me with love and changed me for the better. To Derin and this sweet family, thank you for sharing your father with us. There will never be another man like him. May his love and that of our Heavenly Father always be a light and strength to you in the years to come.
Arvel & Karen Hemenway
October 20, 2011
Dear Derin, We will always cherish the memories of You, Mike and your family. You have always been an inspiration to us. We looked forward to treatments at the Cancer Center because that was where we would see you. Thanks for being who you are.
Diane Lym
October 19, 2011
Dear Derin and family,
It's hard to imagine the world without Mike in it. I will never view a soccer game without thinking about him. He was such a presence as our sons, Matt and Jon, played together. He was like a father to Matt, using his kindness to help him through tough times. When I think of the "angels among us", I will now include him in my personal army.
Love you all!
Linda Hopkins
October 19, 2011
Thanks for all the fun memories you've given me in my life, from protecting me from the bullies who were silly enough to pick on me in grade school to the wonderful letters of support you wrote me when I was homesick and lonely my first year at Ricks College. It has definitely been an "E" ticket ride.
Matt Briggs
October 19, 2011
I didn't know Michael, but I know he was a great Dad because of his son Jon. Best wishes to the family.
Kristy Greenwood (Frustaci)
October 19, 2011
Mike will always be "Brother Rodriguez" to me. I can't even count all the memories I have of him in youth leadership when I was a kid, as well as all the time our families spent together. He was and still is a wonderful man, and will definately be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Derin and the family. (I'd like to think he and Jen are giving each other a big hug right now.:)
October 19, 2011
Derin and Family; I want to tell you all how saddened I was to hear of Mike's passing. He was such a huge part of my life as a young man, from Deacon's quorom advisor to basketball coach. He welcomed our group of friends into your home with love and encouragement and always with a reminder that we should expect more out of life. What a truly great man. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jeff Borrowman
Jeff Borrowman
October 19, 2011
Derin and Family; I want to tell you all how saddened I was to hear of Mike's passing. He was such a huge part of my life as a young man, from Deacon's quorom advisor to basketball coach. He welcomed our group of friends into your home with love and encouragement and always with a reminder that we should expect more out of life. What a truly great man. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jeff Borrowman
Don Seamons
October 19, 2011
Mike is a mentor to me, a great example both personally and professionally. When he hired me almost 10 years ago, he sent my wife flowers and thanked her for sharing me with his marketing team. Thanks, Derin and family, for sharing him with me and with all of us in his professional circle.
Paul & Gale Head
October 19, 2011
Oh Derin, So sorry for the empty place beside you. Mike IS and always has been a truly great man and spiritual giant. He will be missed by all! I take comfort knowing he is with his Savior. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Paul and I plead with our Heavenly Father that He will wrap his arms around you and yours and comfort you at this time. I know you will hold close all the wonderful memories you have with your beloved husband. He is now only a dream away. We love you!
pam horrocks
October 19, 2011
you and your children are in my heart and prayers for peace and comfort have been my plea to heavenly father these past few days.
October 18, 2011
Dear Derin and Family: Oh, this world has just lost a magnificant man. Mike was so good to Royce and I with his constant words of encouragement and love. He was a good friend to us both. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God's love and comfort be with all of you. At least we know that Mike is in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father and Savior and is enjoying the beauty of it all. We love you!!!
Royce and Barbara Allred
Walt and Karen Bills
October 18, 2011
Derin and Family: Karen and I extend our heartfelt love and condolences in the passing of your loving husband
October 18, 2011
Dear Derin and Family,We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Mike. He was a man of true character and integrity. He was a great home teacher and always had a story to tell.He was a wonderful friend to our family, always being there when we needed him.We all loved him very much. We won't be able to look at an Amaryllis without thinking of Mike and your Family.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Bob, Diana, Jeni and Mike Workman
Kim and Michael Hoenie and Family
October 18, 2011
Dear Rodriguez Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with your family.
May you feel Heavenly Father's love for you and may he comfort you in such a difficult time.
Sincerely, Lisa Barrett
Jared Brande
October 18, 2011
Dear Rodriguez Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Brother Rodriguez was someone who I always looked up to and admired. I was fortunate enough to have him as my deacon's quorum leader and I learned so much from him. May you feel of our Heavenly Father's love at this difficult time.
Justin Orth
October 18, 2011
Mike, was one of the most influential men in my childhood, I can remember his stirring and influential testimony every week, the stories of his childhood and conversion, were some of the most stirring and spritiual experiences. Mike, was a very caring and intellectual man, I truly appreciate everything he did for me. I can remember being in the huddle of a basketball game, and him looking me in the eye and saying "I know you can do this"! And then telling the team to go out and win! He was never one to shy away from a tough battle, we played in difficult leagues all over the Salt Lake Valley, he emphasized having non member and member kids playing together, thus building each others testimony. He will be sorely missed.
October 18, 2011
Derin & Family: We are so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. We are sorry we won't be able to make it to his viewing or funeral but want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will certainly be missed by all. We love you very much. Harvey, Linnea and Paul
October 18, 2011
Derin and family, We just heard the news and would like extend our deepest sympathies. Mike was truly a great man. His love and friendship touched many people all over this world. His love for his family was a great example to many. He will be missed.
Mark Ludwig
October 18, 2011
Mike was a kind and generous man. I was honored to serve with him in many church callings. Mike brought intelligence and wise judgment to every conversation. On occasion it seemed that time would stop as he voiced his opinion and brought the world back to purpose. He was a rare and gifted light in a time filled with so much less. He qualified himself spiritually, and we were the recipients. The Rodriquez family embodies all that Mike is. God bless you all, we love you. Mark, Barbara and family .
Mitch & Lynette Long
October 18, 2011
Mike was a giant of a man and leaves a legacy of faith, testimony and love. He was an example to my son who loved to hear him teach. It is a blessing to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kelly Kinghorn
October 18, 2011
Derin and family we want to extend our deepest sympathies at the loss of Mike. He is a great man who touched our lives. We are greatful for our association with your wonderful family. May God bless you.
Dave Clifton
October 18, 2011
Thanks for all you did. Will miss you tremendously. Keep those muddle metaphors coming.
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