RICHARD CORDER, San Clemente
Rod Rodriguez of Rod’s Tree Service passed away on May 3 at his home in San Clemente. Rod was a San Clemente legend. Rod gave so much to our community, and he faithfully served the city of San Clemente for 56 years.
Rod served San Clemente as a reserve police officer from the mid-’60s to the late ’70s. Rod opened Rod’s Tree Service in 1965, which provided jobs for approximately 60 San Clemente locals.
I met Rod when I started at SCPD in 1979. I have never met anyone as dedicated as he was to serving the City of San Clemente. I had the pleasure of interacting with Rod’s Tree Service throughout my career and long after I retired.
During the great storms of the early ’80s and ’90s, Rod and his crew were out 24/7 assisting with storm damage all over town. So many times, Rod would be called out in the middle of the night to assist with traffic accidents involving downed trees. Also, for random trees that decided to fall over and block the roadway.
Rod also organized the first Cinco de Mayo event here in town, and he and his family worked these events for as long as I can remember. Rod organized the adoption of the 2/4 Marine Battalion.
He and his grandsons (Ricky, Matt and Jason) put on a yearly barbeque for military members serving our great nation and their families. Rod served our country as a proud Marine. He helped develop Bonita and Linda Lane canyons into parks, including construction of the Boys & Girls Club.
Rod was loved in San Clemente. He was a giver. He served our community faithfully and without hesitation. I will miss you, my brother. Thank you for everything you have done for our community. Thank you for being you.
