Sad news posted on Facebook by Michael Stewart...
I’m sad to announce that Rubin Rodriguez Class of 1978 died on November 16th 2023 due to complications of Cancer. He is survived by His wife Kathy, His Children Rubin lll, Tristan and Olivia, and His Father Rubin.
OBITUARY
Rubin Rodriguez
July 20, 1960 — November 16, 2023
Farmington Utah
Rubin Rodriguez Jr. passed away on November 16, 2023. Rubin survived numerous heart attacks, Stage 4 Tonsil Cancer, a quadruple bypass, and finally succumbed to Stage 4 Colon Cancer and lung disease. Rubin was born on July 20, 1960, to Froydis Johansen and Ruben Rodriguez Sr.
Rubin grew up in Rose Park, UT and Burbank, CA where he attended Burbank High School. His passions included competitive swimming, surfing, ultimate frisbee, and skateboarding. Rubin was an entrepreneur at heart. From a young age, he and his friends had various businesses during his time in California. Rubin enlisted as a Marine at 17 years old and served as a helicopter mechanic. He had several opportunities throughout his 30+ years in broadcasting to make friends and associates all over the country, with his favorite being Jackson Hole TV.
Rubin “Happy Pappy” exuded so much life and laughter. His love for his family and dogs made his days memorable. He loved everything that let him feel the wind on his face—whether it was on his skateboard, surfing, riding a motorcycle or a boat, or in his Jeep with the top off and the windows down. He loved being in the mountains, at the beach, or on road trips with his family. Rubin loved to fish and spent many days fishing in Lake Powell, Strawberry, or Big Bear. Rubin loved to ski in his youth with his uncles. He was an excellent pool player, playing in leagues for years that lead to him bringing home a few too many trophies. Rubin had a love for rock ‘n’ roll music and watching football or NASCAR. You could often hear him singing around the house or in the car to Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, or Jimmy Buffet. He loved to listen to music too loud, so he could sing even louder. He was a wannabe chef, an amateur movie critic, and a natural comedian. Rubin loved to make people laugh—nothing brought him more joy than to laugh with others, especially his children. His laugh was loud and contagious and often times made any joke funnier with how hard he made himself laugh. He coined the name “Happy Pappy” because he wanted to be known for being a source of happiness.
Though Rubin battled many health problems in the last several years of his life, his family and close friends made his days worth living. He had many times that he defied the odds to see another day. His absence has been felt by those who knew and loved him.
Rubin is preceded in death by his mother Froydis, sister Vivian Smith, his beloved grandparents, and many other loved ones and dear dogs. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, his father, Ruben, and children Olivia (Casey) Creager, Jordan Wager, Rubin Rodriguez III, and Tristan Quinn Rodriguez, along with his 6 grandchildren and sisters Rita and Sonja and several nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.
A viewing will be held Friday, November 24th from 6 PM-8 PM at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street Farmington, UT. The funeral will be held Saturday, November 25th at 10 AM at Russon Mortuary in Farmington. An additional viewing will take place prior to the service on Saturday morning from 9 AM to 9:45 AM.
Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.
Rubin was passionate about bringing awareness to the hardship that fighting cancer can cause. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.
You can donate directly here:
American Heart Association: https://shorturl.at/uvANP
American Cancer Society: https://shorturl.at/ntwF7
SOURCE: https://www.russonmortuary.com/obituaries/rubin-rodriguez
A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...
Nadine Aguirre Lujan
Condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace.
Martin Lillibridge
RIP Bulldog 🙏
Jennifer Rogers Doyle
I am so sad to hear this. I remember him as such a great person.
Ismara Contratto
He is my cousin. Such a fighter. Thankful to have spent some time with him a couple years ago after not seeing him since we were kids. He will be greatly missed. ❤️
Lori Latimer
This makes me so sad. Rubin always had kind words for me since my son died. My heart is with his family and all who loved him 💙🙏🏼
Kathi Piacenza Lyons
Really nice guy, RIP Rubin, condolences to his family 🙏🏻
Kurt Mueller
RIP
Virginia Hamilton
My condolences to his family and friends. Rip.🙏😇
Bryan Gowin
Sad to here . Nice guy. See you up there.
Sandy Moody
An amazing man! Loving and honest always 💕
Bob Irwin
No words…RIP Ruben
Carrie Diaz-Lathouwers
My condolences to all his family and friends. Rubin was always nice. Hard to see a fellow classmate leave this world. RIP Rubin. 💐
Bob Long
RIP Rubin, prayers to the family.
Deanne Campeau
🥲 what a loss. Such a beautiful human always sharing his insight and gratitude, love and hugs with all who were honored to know him over our lifetime. Soooo sorry for his dear bride and his children and little granddaughter. We all know the words of love he professed daily for his dear family. Such a loss.
Al Fredrickson
Sorry to hear the news Ruben roomed with my Brother for a bit and played Ultimate Frisbee with us He was always a fun loving person RIP Ruben 😇
Lisa Douglas
This one is a tough one ! He was so proud of his family ! I loved all his posts about his kids his wife and recent granddaughter he so loved ! Ruben you will be missed a lot! Prayers to your wife kids and granddaughter ! You will always be alive in their memories ! You were always a sweetheart in high school and throughout life! Fly high my friend , I am sure you are talking in heaven telling stories and watching your family from above !
Georgeen Bybee Maclaughlin
My deepest condolences ❤️🙏
Lynne Hanke Westphal
God be with Rubin and his family. He was such a great guy. Miss you Rubin.
Rosa Coria
So sorry 🙏🏼🥲🇺🇸🎚️💐💞
April Wind
Condolences to his family❤️
Rest in Peace 🙏🏼
Marianne Buonanno
RIP Rubin
Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
❤️🙏🏻
Donna Blum-Fligg
God Bless and prayers to all your family and friends 🙏🙏 Rubin will always look over you all RIP and put Cancer behind you now 😢🙏😇
Martha Olivia Shayesteh
RIP. Condolences to his family 🙏🙏🙏
Cindy Collard
🙏👣💞 R.I.P. Rubin, Semper Fi
Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace ⚘️
Nancy McNamara Zambrana
So young! Rest in peace. Sending prayers for his family 🙏❤️
Richard Jerebicz
Rest in peace Rubin. You will be missed.
Lori Rupp
So sorry to hear this news. An amazing guy. Prayers to the family. RIP Rubin Rodriguez. 🙏💕🙏
Debbie Lynn Nicastro
RIP dear Bulldog! Another angel earned his wings! Condolences to the family. 🌹
Cyndi Stepich
Such an amazing guy.
Jetta Stire-Carrega
🙏💙
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