A bright light in our neighborhood dimmed this week with the passing of Raul Rodriguez, award-winning float designer and Windsor Boulevard resident. Rodriguez was a colorful personality who was often spotted having coffee on Larchmont with a group of friends and his blue macaw, Sebastian, on his shoulder.
Rodriguez’ passion for beauty was a gift for the neighborhood in many ways. In addition to the pride of seeing Rodriguez and Sebastian on a Rose Parade Float every New Years Day, during the holidays people could always count on his design team to create a special light scene at his home on the north east corner of Windsor Boulevard and 3rd Street. You might remember the giant sleigh full of packages or the multi-colored soldiers? Those decorations were a special part of the season for many.
Rodriguez passed away from a heart attack on Wednesday afternoon. His health had been bad for the past year.
Read more in this LA Times Obituary including details about his funeral on March 7 in Pasadena.
LA Times – Raul Rodriguez, Designer of Rose Parade Floats, Dies at 71
For a full bio and images of many of the floats he created, see:Â RaulRodriguez.com.
I met Raul Rodriguez through Debbie Legan CEO Of Wings Limousine it’s was Truly a Treat and a Blessing. I will Truly Miss Him He was a jewel rest in peace my brother he treated me like a queen.