Robert (Bob) Mitchell Rodriguez's Obituary
Robert (Bob) Mitchell Rodriguez was born March 10, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri to Virginia Irene
Tucker and Alfonso Ricardo Rodriguez. He spent his childhood in Missouri, Brownsville,Texas
and L.A. before moving to SLC with his big sister Cookie and her husband Orlan. He graduated
from East High School. He proudly served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the
war in Vietnam.
Bob was a pioneer of American Buddhism, practicing joyfully with Soka Gakkai International
members across the country and around the world for 55 years from 1967 until he passed. He
had the fortune to visit Japan in 1973 to see his mentor Daisaku Ikeda. He helped start the first
SGI district in Ogden, Utah. And was able to see SGI grow throughout his life.
He spent a career in hospitality. He enjoyed his many years at the Carlton Hotel, hosting guests
from around the world. He spent his retirement helping to raise his grandkids as a stay-at-home
Grandpa. As a Buddhist he spent his life promoting the values of peace and non violence.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and his siblings, Cookie, Ginger, Mike and
Fred.
He is survived by his children Rebeka Rodriguez, Celia Rodriguez, Mitchell Bickmore, Jennifer
Johnson and Carole Nyman. His grandchildren Antonio, Montoia, Kiaya, Kevin, Kelton, and Miles. And many friends and comrades in faith throughout the world.
Online condolences can be left at www.premierfuneral.com
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