Richard Rodriguez Obituary

Richard John Rodriguez, 57, an Alaska resident for 28 years, died Nov. 16, 2009, at Providence Alaska Medical Center.

A celebration of life will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at The Crossing at Birchwood, 22208 N. Birchwood Loop Road.

Richard was born April 23, 1952, in Los Angeles. He began his family life in Eagle River in 1986. Richard worked in Alaska for J.C. Penny Co., Duty Free Alaska, Trendsetters, Iditarod, Sadler's Home Furnishings and recently Bailey's Furniture in marketing and design.

Richard was a member of The Crossing at Birchwood Church. Richard applied his talent of photography, design and artwork to many groups in Alaska. Many works of art were donated to the Alaska Railroad, Ravenwood Elementary School, Alaska Fish and Game and the Clare House garden party. He also volunteered at The Crossing for media production.

Adventure and new possibilities were what brought Richard to Alaska. He was an avid traveler and enjoyed embracing new cultures. He was a true Alaskan who appreciated the untouched beauty of the mountains and terrain. He connected with and was loved by many community members of Eagle River, Anchorage and beyond.

Richard shared this love with his family.

He is survived by his mother, Camille Rodriguez; siblings Cynthia, Rachel, Anthony, Michael and Becky; children, Kristy Kilgore, John and Alex Rodriguez, whom he raised with Janet Rodriguez.

He will be greatly missed by all.

His family wrote: " 'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.' Psalms 91."

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to The Crossing at Birchwood Church.

Arrangements are with Legacy Funeral Homes & Cremation Services at Witzleben; www.legacyalaska.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Rodriguez

13 Entries

Janyce Nolan

November 28, 2009

Gosh, what a fun and talented man Richard was. I had the pleasure of working with him at Duty Free Shoppers. We shared a similar funny bone and would swap stories of other peoples' mishaps that made us laugh, and often to the point of tears. Thanks for the joy, Richard. I will always remember you with a smile. ~Janyce Nolan

November 27, 2009

I too was shocked to see Richard's Obiturary. Richard was my first boss right out of high school. He made a mundane day of work seem like a day in the life of "Seinfield" I truly enjoyed working with such a creative and upbeat person. My favorite memory of Richard was when he became so intrigued by our town's mentally challenged young man, Floyd. Floyd would visit the bike section of JCpenney's toy department everyday and stand by his favorite purple bike and great anyone who would listen to his plight of needing that bike. Of course, Richard could not stand for this any longer and took up a collection for Floyd's bike. The next day Floyd was greeted with Richard and a newly ribboned bike. I'm not sure who was happier, my guess is that is was probably Richard! Ah yes only the good die young. Thank you for being such a mentor and inspiration, the world was blessed to have had you.
Sally Cook-Youngberg

Deborah Warnke

November 24, 2009

To Richard's family: I am very sorry that your wonderful Dad and friend has passed. He was one of my first "bosses" years ago when I worked at JC Penny. I saw him at my workplace in February and was able to share a few minutes with him at a local hospital. My memory of him is and always will be what a great teacher he was and his sense of humor...he snuck up on us a lot, played tricks and in general kept joy in our life. Stay strong, be at peace, I think that Richard is happy and laughing where is he is at. Just listen for him.

Elaine Nisson

November 23, 2009

Kristy, John and Alex, During the service, the thing that was most memorable to me was the pictures of Richard with you kids. He was so happy and comfortable just loving you. What a heritage of love and service to others he leaves us. God Bless each of you.

kristy kilgore

November 23, 2009

Thank you everyone for your kind words and support. If anyone wants a copy of the service on DVD or a brochure of the service please let me know. Me, John & Alex are doing well as are Dad's family.
Kristy Kilgore
[email protected]

Gera Farkas

November 22, 2009

Dear Rodriguez family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you now. Richard made a wonderful contribution in my life as a boss and a great friend for 30 years, and I am grateful for his friendship. I have so many great memories of him! He lived a rich full life and I admire him for it.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of all the joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Please accept my sympathy for his loss. He will be missed by all of us. Lots of of love to you!

November 22, 2009

Richard was genuine friend, colleague, and professional advisor throughout the years. His creative drive and contribution were always important pillars to our success at the airport. We'll sorely miss him.

John Mancini

November 22, 2009

I was startled and shocked to hear of Richards passing. I had the good fortune of knowing him and working with him for the past few years. He had a positive impact on my life in many ways, and I will certainly miss him. To his family and friends, please accept my deepest sympathies.

November 22, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Richard's passing.... I will always remember his exuberance for life and for his family.

He was a good friend to me when we worked together at Duty Free Shoppers, kept my head on straight and was a supportive coworker and sounding board.

My deepest deepest condolences to his family.

Paula von Gemmingen
Obermohr, Germany
and Anchorage AK

Kathy Person

November 21, 2009

Family of Richard,

I worked with Richard at Duty Free while in Alaska and then after I transferred to Los Angeles in 1991 I was fortunate to see him in Italy while he continued working his "magic" for DFS.

I remember him as a talented and wonderful human being.

My thoughts will be with all of you.

Know that he was truly admired and liked by many.

Kathy Person
Now living in Reno, Nevada

Lynn Klassert

November 21, 2009

I was honored to have know Richard for so many years. His demonstrated creative craft and skills were very original and so appreciated by all who knew him. Always supportive of his friends, family and associates. He will be missed.

November 21, 2009

I was shocked to see Richard had passed away. I hadn't seen him in a couple years and had just run into him twice in the last 6 months. What a blessing for me to have shared a few minutes catching up with each other's lives. He was a tremendous human being. I worked with him at Duty Free Shoppers during the 1980's and will forever treasure the incredible friendship we developed during that time. He was such a loving, caring person and I've never seen a dad more proud of his children than Richard. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and I pray your pain will be somewhat lessened knowing God is now holding him in His hands. Kathy Fakasiieiki

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