Vincent John Rodriguez

Vincent John Rodriguez entered into eternal rest on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, surrounded by loving friends and family.

Vincent was born in Hanford on Aug. 23, 1959 to parents, John Rodriguez and Joyce Vierra and grew up in Tulare.

Vincent achieved many scholastic awards before entering Tulare Western High. While attending Tulare Western High, Vincent met teachers, Loran and Jeannie Vahlsing that were soon adopted as "surrogate parents" and mentors. They were responsible for Vincent to develop a love of physical fitness and education with the attitude, "You can do it!".

Vincent moved briefly in his junior year to Roseburg, Oregon. While attending Roseburg High, he continued to wrestle and won the District Championship from Southern Oregon Conference.

Missing childhood friends and teachers, Vincent moved back to Tulare and lived with teachers, Loran and Jeannie Vahlsing, which enabled him to graduate with his class. Under Coach Loran Vahlsing's leadership and direction, Vincent went undefeated in wrestling his senior year.

Vincent continued his education, obtaining an AS degree from College of Sequoia in 1979, his BS Degree from University of California, Davis in 1981, MD Degree from University of California San Francisco in 1985, he served his internship at Habor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, Calif., serving his residency at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles,, and he received his JD Degree from San Joaquin College of Law in Clovis.

In 2004, Vincent was presented with a Mario Olmos Scholarship, recipient for academic achievement and service to the community and he was a member of La Raza Law Association.

Vincent developed a love and passion for body building, winning 1st place in Max Muscle in the 2005 competition.

Vincent achieved goals that most people only dream of. He will be sadly missed by both friends and family. Vincent was a very unique and special person since his birth. May God be with him and all he leaves behind.

Vincent is survived by his mother, Joyce Vierra of Hanford; his father, John Rodriguez of Orange, Calif.; two brothers, Mark Rodriguez and Darren Rodriguez, both of Hanford; his sister, Akkeya Rodriguez of Orange; his grandmother, Christine Moser of Hanford, and Amy and Melinda Morrison, two special young ladies that Vincent referred to as "my daughters"; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins. To name a few special people, Glenda Weems of Hanford, Lori and Michael Gates of Hanford, Jay Keen of Hanford, Ramona Porto of Hanford, Teri Felipe of Hanford, Sandy O'Neal of Tallahassee, Fla. and Gene Hall of Hanford.

Graveside Services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Grangeville Cemetery in Armona. Pastor Gene Hall from the Church of Christ will officiate. A reception will follow at the Sierra Vista Mobile Clubhouse, 852 E. Grangeville Blvd., Hanford.

Arrangements are under the direction of People's Funeral Chapel in Hanford.