Leonard Joseph Rodriguez, Sr. 68, a resident of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley.
He was born on October 8, 1941 in Tenino, Washington the son of Leonard & Myrtle (Campbell) Rodriguez. As an infant his family traveled from Washington to California. They settled in Nooksack for a while where he attended grade school later moving to Vashon Island where he attended high school.
From 1960 to 1964, during the Vietnam Conflict he served his country in the U.S. Air Force, with much of that time spent in Germany & France. After his discharge he returned to Washington State.
On April 2, 1966 he was united in marriage to Pearl Bill in Bainbridge Island and they made their home in Mount Vernon.
Leonard first worked as a pile driver constructing bridges for several years, he then was a commercial fisherman on the Skagit River and then for many years was a vocational rehab counselor at Portal in Sedro-Woolley. In 2004 he retired from the Upper Skagit Casino as their guard dispatcher. After his working retirement he volunteered as an advocate for Native American Veterans, started the Upper Skagit Veterans group and was active in disabled veterans organizations.
Leonard was a five year participant in the Inter Tribal Canoe Journey event, was a longtime member of the 1910 Indian Shaker Church and served as the minister at the Shaker Church in Concrete in the late 1980’s, he also enjoyed carving, cedar weaving and traveling to Reno.
He is survived by his children, Leonard Rodriguez, Jr. and his wife, Lisa Boome, Robert Rodriguez, Travis Rodriguez and his wife, Joanne Fryberg, Tara Rodriguez and her husband, Larry Peterson, Tonya Rodriguez, and Jossy Sam, all of Sedro-Woolley. Nine grandchildren, Marcy, Kalika, Joe, Brian, Rochelle, Troy, Charlotte, Jeremy and Victoria. Three sisters, Inez Boome, Carmelita Rodriguez and Maria Joseph and her husband, Larry Washington all of Sedro-Woolley and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Gary “Poncho” Rodriguez and his wife, Pearl in 2004.
A Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 7:00 PM followed by a Funeral Service on June 16th at 10:00 AM at the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe Gymnasium with Minister Judith Washington of the 1910 Indian Shaker Church officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Hamilton Indian Cemetery.
I am so sorry for your loss, I worked with Leonard and pearl at the casino for 8 1/2 years and got to know them both quite well. They both were very speacial people and i will never forget they both were very compassionate and friendly to all. My prayers and sorrow is with all the family. They are in heaven holding hands again.
Leonard was a kind and gentle soul. I remember both he and Pearl well from when I worked at the Upper Skagit many, many years ago. My condolences to the community for losing such a respected member and to the family for losing their father and grandfather. May you find peace and happiness in the wonderful memories you hold.
Pam Crume, Las Cruces, NM
we were saddened to hear Leonard had passed away. He had a presence about him and friendly smile and always a gentleman. Our prayers and sympathy to the family.
it was with great sorrow to hear of his passing . i was standing in line to vote and spoke to him both in the morning and after lunch . he had a winning smile . although i did not know him personally he was a brother in christ , and i know he shall be missed , but we will meet again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He was great person to work with, and thank you for the memories you will be mist. God bless
Steve Conn
During my years with Upper Skagit until 1984, Leonard and his “Pearl of a Girl” (as I called her), were two of the dearest, most respected and loving people I’ve ever known. Over the years I’ve often remembered them with smiles and with gratitude for their warmth and friendship to me. Their children reflected the fine character of their parents as well, and were equally a joy to know.
It was a terrible shock and a lot of tears to read today that Leonard, and his Pearl of a girl, have moved on from us already. But, it filled me with great pride to see the never-ending goodness they gave, the examples they left for us to to exemplify. I feel great gratitude for their having touched my life, if even for only a moment in time.
Had I known before this Tuesday afternoon, nothing would have kept me from being there to say “go with God” to my friends. My love and hugs to the children and grandchildren they so dearly cherished. May they continue the legacy.
Leonard was a gentle person who was always willing to pray for those who ask of him. He will be missed…
I am very honored to have had such a wonderful freindship with Leonard. He helped me through a very emotional time in my life .He gave me strength and confidence in myself that I never knew existed. He always had such a big heart and kind words of advice. I will miss his laughter and presence. My heart goes out to the family.
sadden to hear about your guys big loss. He was a great guy. Many thanks to the family for sharing your dad with my family. He was a guy who prayed for everyone and a soft spoken gentleman. Ok just remember the good times you guys shared with your elder of your community. C.sam Tsawout B.C
Leonard was a great person. He will be surely missed and a guardian angle to his loved ones. He was a kind hearted kindered spirit. I loved my chants with him either at the casino before work or at the tribal cener. My prayers and condolances go out to the family and his many friends during their time of need.
Leonard was a very good friend of my dad Pete Villa. when Leonard would come to the nooksack river casino to eat seafood they would sit together. He would give myself and my grandaughter and daughters hugs and kiss. we would tell him we love him. My prayers are with the family. He was the best.