Ricardo Flores Rodriguez

1962 - 2014

Ricardo Flores Rodriguez passed away on Friday, October 24, 2014 at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Valencia, CA. He was born in Van Nuys, CA on April 1, 1962 to Dagoberto and Lucina Rodriguez. Very shortly after his birth, his parents moved the family to Canyon Country. He was a resident of the Santa Clarita Valley for 52 years. During his elementary school years he built the friendships that would remain until his unfortunate early death. Ric was a bit older than most of his friends and had the natural desire and skill to be a loyal, protective leader amongst the group. This natural ability to care for others is what inspired him to want to be a firefighter.

After multiple attempts of applying, Ric was hired as a Fire Fighter Specialist with the Los Angeles County fire department. He graduated from the academy on April 22, 1992 and was surrounded by his proud family and friends to support an accomplishment that was very well earned. His first station was in Pico Rivera. He loved how busy it was and, as a boot, there was always something new for him to learn. After putting in a few years, he was finally privileged to be able to work in his hometown of Santa Clarita. He was dedicated to his job. Although not frequently described as studious, he challenged himself by going to EMT and HAZ-MAT school. His common sense and ability to react quickly helped him to succeed. The accomplishment he was most proud of was when he passed the engineers exam. He joked that his advantage to passing was because his dad taught him how to drive at nine years old.

At this point he had had two children, Alana and Adrian. He had also married his wife, Sandra, who he thought to be 'way out of his league'. To be able to spend more time with them, he took an assignment with the bureau working in the film unit. Although not usually a highly coveted job, Ric was very passionate about his role and he viewed himself as a liaison between LA County and the film industry. He expected the sets he was on to always follow every letter of the law, yet his charm helped earn respect everywhere.

Outside of work Ric was a lively man. He never missed a party, a football game, a BBQ, or a round of golf that his friends invited him to. Especially if there was an excuse for him to cook, he made sure he was in attendance. He was especially famous for his enchiladas, chili and chile verde con fideo. His experience in playing football, from childhood through high school, helped him to be a passionate and inspiring football coach to his son's Pop Warner Teams. There is most likely a population in Canyon Country that still thinks his first name is 'Coach' and not Ricardo. Ric was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church.

Ricardo is survived by his wife, Sandra and his two children, Alana and Adrian. Sandra resides in their home in Canyon Country with their three dogs. Alana (28) is a restaurant manager in Dallas, TX. She recently moved to Dallas after living in Washington DC while she attended the American University. Adrian (27) lives in Murrieta with his wife and their three children: Alexander, Leila, and Edward. After nine years as a combat medic in the U.S. Army, Adrian recently completed paramedic school and he hopes to soon become a firefighter, just like his dad.

Although he passed young, there are many things Ric will be remembered for: his playful spirit, his ability to lead, his passion for the USC Trojans and the San Francisco Giants, the pride he had for his job and his family, his openly affectionate, loving hugs, and his ability to give unconditionally.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 19606 Calla Way, Canyon Country, CA 91351.

The Signal, November 2, 2014
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Published on signalscv.com November 2 to November 8, 2014