Stephen Matthew "Papa" Rodrigs

I love you I miss you steve

Steve is a wonderful neighbor. I always knew every week in the summer there was going to be a bag of tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini on my front porch, or a quick text asking if I was home so he could make his weekly delivery. He was always willing to help with anything, and always had a huge smile on his face. Not a day went by that he didn't wave at us or yell hello from across the street. We are going to miss him tremendously. Definitely gone too soon.

So sorry to hear of Steve´s passing. He was our cousin through his mom´s side. We have fond memories of riding "Blackie" their mean Shetland pony out on the ranch. And fun times camping with him and his sister and all our cousins up in Hunting lake CA. So glad he had a full life. Much love to the family. Staci, Brian and Micha McDaniel

James and I have such wonderful memories of Steve and Barbara and kids. He will be truly missed in our hearts One of our favorite times was seeing ZZ Top and Night Ranger at Mountain Aire. Take care and God Bless...

Steve and I were `neighbors´ in Atwater. It was out in the country, so we were about a mile apart. But I remember spending a lot of time with Steve on the school bus .. before he got that beautiful car of his.
Even though he was a year older than me, we were on the same football team together in High School. Sad news

First met Steve introducing myself as his Son-inlaw, in which he replied that i needed to take a cold shower, 28 years ago. Since then I was able to be apart of his family. All can agree you know where you stood with him and would know he would give anything to help support his family and friends. Greatest role model of a husband, father and papa that a guy can look back on his life and if we could all have that caring loving heart the world would be a better place.

Helping my kids get into their first car, or sharing his outdoor love with my kids they have irreplaceable memories that will last a life time. Catching fish, winning fishing tournaments and even getting skunked because he can't keep my daughters bait on as she reels in the fish faster then he can get his own pole set up.

Then we had the same Raider team to cheer for, still till this day we are told that we can't watch sports with others because of yelling at the TV so much.

Thanks Steve for demonstrating all the great examples/qualities that a man needs to live by in order leave his mark on this world. I know that you are resting now and will continue to watch over us, until we meet again. Love you

I haven´t seen Steve for over 40 years. We were friends in high school. Linebackers on the football team. We got in trouble with our coach for throwing a four keg party one weekend after a game, but we still started the next game. We also went to a couple of Days on the Green together. He always drove to Oakland so we got there fast. My condolences to his family, and I lament not getting in touch with Steve over these many years.

I will always cherish all the time we (Steve-Barbara-Mario-Beth) spent together. Whether it be a ride, BBQ, or just hanging out at our houses. We had many great adventures. I will miss those most of all.
Barbara-Tara-Sham (and families and old and new friends) our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love your sister Beth and b-i-l Mario.
RIP Steve.

When we were teenagers, I alsways respected Steve's football athletic ability and the fact that he was always down to earth. He was proud of his accomplishments at his career of driving, as he should be- like the safety awards at a trucking company in Merced. But he was never a bragger. He enjoyed people and always treated everyone well. He had a Malibu SS that I always thought was so cool and he knew how to drive/race it and also how to work on it. He was a man's man and a good man that they broke the mold on. Enjoy heaven, my friend... you truley deserve it- though it was too early for us.

Steve trained me at the mine over 9 years ago and was a great man who cared alot about the people.

Years ago at work.
I was talking about going pig, Hunting And this new guy came up to me and said. Can I go with you? And I said absolutely the more the merrier.
That's the day I met Steve.
And after that day we hunted together when camping together. And most Importantly road Motorcycles together went to Sturgis with him.
But most important lay.
When my grandson passed away, he was there every day for me.
At my house at work. No matter where I was, he was there.
I don't know how will ride without him. But I'll do it because that's what he would do I love you, Steve.
I will miss you every day tell my day Comes

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

I worked with Steve at McLanes to say he was a character would be a huge understatement, He will truly be missed

worked with steve at the mine. what an awesome guy. my condolences to the family

I´m truly sorry and understand your loss. Your feeling loss, anger and question where do you go from here without him? Barbara take it one day at a time. He was the one who protected you and loved you. You will move on but you will never forget the moment s and laughter you had with him. It does get easier but you never forget. We are not made that way. Thank God you have a supportive family that loves you. They will help you get over the initial shock. It will take Jesus to get you through the rest. I love you friend. I will continue to pray through this very difficult time in your life. He was a good man and he will be missed.
Love,
Corbie Wood

His infectious laughter and giant personality has always touched our family! What a great man.

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Barbara, we are truly saddened by this news, Steve, Ron and I had many great times at McLane, he will be truly missed.
We pray you peace and love.
Jon and Chris Carroll

I will forever cherish our father and Daughter dates. Ziplining, alpine slides, shopping and lunches. You were a wonderful father and Papa to my kids. And I will forever be grateful to have had you in my life. Steve, I love you and will miss you forever.