Obituary of Hector Rodriguez

Life Legacy Hector Rodolfo Rodriguez 1944-2016 Hector Rodolfo Rodriguez died Wednesday afternoon, September 21, 2016, at 3:45 PM at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. Family had been called to say their goodbyes and a final prayer was offered before his life-saving support was suspended. Everything was done that could have possibly saved his life. His suffering has ended. Hector was born on Monday, October 16, 1944 in Tucson, Arizona at the Stork's Nest. He was a fourth-generation Tucsonan and the 7th child of fifteen children born to Alfredo Fontes Rodriguez and Berta Rosa Terrazas Rodriguez. He is survived by twelve siblings, Graciela (Arnold) Lopez, Yolanda (Richard) Moreno, Alfredo "Chowie" (Dee) Rodriguez, Jose "Pepe" Rodriguez, Norma Mejia, Richard (Kathy) Rodriguez, Elsa (Robert) Bourland, Cecelia "Babydoll" (Robert) Castillo, Luis Rodriguez, Raul "Winkie" (Darcie) Rodriguez, Carlos "Charlie" Rodriguez, and Maria "Rosebud" Rodriguez. He is also survived by his three children, Robyn Munroe, Ericka Udall, and Damon Rodriguez (Courtney Rodriguez) and his five grandchildren, Grace Shroder, Dexter and Dillon Udall, and Alexa and Holden Rodriguez. His friend and companion, Patricia Amavisca, who lovingly cared for him in his last years also survives, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. Hector was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Christina and Marta Elena. Hector grew up in Tucson, served in the United States Army, returned to Tucson and created a trio called The Relatives with his cousin, John Ivanoff, in 1966. The Relatives entertained in the city's top nightclubs to packed houses and standing ovations. They also performed in the most well-known venues across the country, including Phoenix, Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Denver, Portland, Spokane, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Buffalo. The group at one time included a young Lynda Carter (the future Wonder Woman) as female vocalist and Gary Burghoff (of future M*A*S*H fame) on drums. In the early 1970s, Hector returned to Tucson and opened The Living Room on Speedway, Tucson's first disco-tech. In later years, he owned A Bad Location, Hec & Winks, Speakeasy and Wee Went Wong's. He was best known for the exceptional music he created on his acoustic guitar, either alone or with other musicians. His sense of humor and generous and caring nature will always be missed by those who knew him. His request was to be cremated and have his ashes distributed to friends and family in "baggies" to be spread where their memory of him takes them. As his brother, Alfredo, recalled: "Most of his life he was joyful and funny, but made people angry with his boldness. He was always the first one to step out to a new adventure, he saw many things, went to many places, experienced so many things and always felt comfortable wherever he was. "He can rest in knowing that he leaves behind a truly loving and caring family that he can be very proud of. He can rest in peace no longer looking for his next adventure." Services will be held at Cathedral of St. Augustine, 192 South Stone Avenue, Tucson AZ 85701, on Friday, October 14, 2016 at 1:00 PM.