GARY PETER ‘PONCHO’ RODRIGUEZ, 60, a longtime resident of Sedro-Woolley passed away at his home on Tuesday July 5, 2005.
Poncho was born of July 8, 1944 in a logging camp at the base of Mount Rainier near Mineral, Washington, the son of Leonard L. and Myrtle B. Campbell Rodriguez. He was raised in several logging camps around Mount Rainier over the years until the family settled in Port Townsend where Poncho played football and graduated from Port Townsend High School.
He then moved to Alaska where he began a long career as a choker setter in the timber industry, working in both Washington and Alaska for over 30 years. He also worked as a commercial fisherman, was a wildfire fire fighter and most recently was a card dealer at the Skagit Casino on Bow hill.
In 1978 he was united in marriage to Linda Joseph in Sedro-Woolley, making their home there until her death in 1997.
Poncho is survived by his children; Ben Rodriguez of Sedro-Woolley and Elizabeth Charles of Vancouver Island. 2 grandchildren, Angel Charles and Darren Skyhawk Kenyon Rodriquez. 1 brother, Leonard Rodriguez of Sedro-Woolley and 3 sisters, Inez Boome and Carmelita Rodriguez both of Sedro-Woolley and Marie Joseph of Blaine. Also numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his wife Linda, he was also preceded in death by his parents and 2 sons, Raymond Castillo and Romain Joseph.
The family suggests memorials be made to the American Liver Foundation.
A Life Celebration Fellowship will be held at the Upper Skagit Indian Cultural Center in Sedro-Woolley on Friday July 8, 2005 at 2:00 pm.
Cremation arrangements under direction of Lemley Chapel Sedro-Woolley.
Share memories of Poncho and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com