Manuel L. Rodriguez passed away on January 24, 2017 in San Diego, CA. He was born in Cocula, Mexico.  He came to United States at the age of 18 to seek a better future and met his wife of 62 years, Sally Rodriguez. They went back to Mexico to get his paperwork in order. While in Mexicali they had 3 children, Steve, Lupita and Margie. 
 
After leaving Mexico, they came to Seattle and made it their home. They added 4 more children to their family: John, Mary, Virgie and David. Manuel lived for his family and made sure they had what they needed. You would never find him in the house. He would be in his yard working on lawn mowers or tending his flower and vegetable gardens. 
 
He worked for Union Pacific Railroad for over 30 years and retired from there. After retirement, He went back to Mexico to visit his family. He purchased a property next to his sister to rekindle their relationship. He built a beautiful property with lots of fruits and vegetables and guest rooms. He had hopes and dreams for his children and grandchildren to come there and love it as much as he did. He enjoyed being able to live in both places 6 months out of the year. 
 
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Chata Morales.  He is survived by his wife Sally Rodriguez and his 7 children and their spouses: Steve & Robin Rodriguez, Lupita Rodriguez Lynd, Margie Rodriguez, John Rodriguez, Mary & Alec Gillis, Virgie &Tony Chostner and David & Michelle Rodriguez, as well as 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. 
 
Manuel loved dogs; he had 2 dogs, Cisco and Big Boy in Seattle. He had 3 additional dogs at his property in Mexico, Princess, Spot and Mona.  He loved them very much and they are missing him today. 
 
He will be resting in peace at Washington Memorial Park. 
 
Published in the Highline Times section of the Westside Weekly, February 10, 2017.