By: Esmeralda Garcia, The Ivanhoe Sol
The community of Ivanhoe is mourning the loss of a beloved resident, Pablo Rodríguez, who passed away on July 15, 2024, at the age of 40.
Pablo was well known in his hometown of Ivanhoe, where he was deeply loved by many wonderful members of the community.
Born on October 22, 1983, in Reedley, California, Pablo moved with his family to Ivanhoe at the age of 10, where he attended Ivanhoe Elementary School. As a teenager, he was known in the community for his skill in cutting hair. At the age of 20, Pablo became a father to a beautiful daughter, Evangelina Rodríguez, who was the light of his life.
Tragically, shortly after the birth of his daughter, Pablo was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in major head trauma and affected his motor skills which left him disabled. Despite the challenges, Pablo worked hard in therapy, striving to recover as much as possible.
Throughout his life, Pablo was deeply loved by the Ivanhoe community.
His neighbors and friends always looked out for him, offering help whenever he needed it. His sister, Rosie, recalls how everyone worried and cared for him, always willing to lend a hand. “Pablo had a funny sense of humor,” Rosie shared. “He would make people laugh. He loved reading books and reading the Bible.”
Pablo’s life was filled with simple joys. He had a deep love for dogs, especially his sister Rosie’s rottweiler. He enjoyed pulling weeds and cleaning up the streets of Ivanhoe as a hobby, finding relaxation in these activities. His favorite foods were burritos and homemade barbecue hamburgers with potato salad, which he would often describe as “good eating.”
Pablo’s brother, Gilbert, fondly remembers the times Pablo would accompany him to work, helping out wherever he could. Gilbert recalls how much Pablo enjoyed these moments, finding peace in the tasks he took on.
In a touching tribute, Pablo’s sister Ilda wrote about the heartbreak the family feels over his passing. “It has been a very difficult time for our family,” she wrote. “Pablo was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many. He had a passion for his daughter, Eva, and lived life to the fullest. The best memory I have of my brother is when he asked me to be the Godmother to his daughter when she was baptized. Not only was he my brother, but also my compadre. I will cherish all his memories deep down in my heart forever.”
The Rodríguez family says, “we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for the incredible support the community has shown during this challenging time. Words cannot fully express our gratitude for the overwhelming love and support we have received. With love and appreciation, the Rodríguez family—sisters Rosie, Ilda, Marisela; brothers Gilbert, Renato, Augustin, and Jaime; mother Raquel; and father Agustin—extend special thanks to our family members and friends from Visalia, Mexico, Oklahoma, and beyond.”
Comments are closed.