On March 23, 2025, Gavino Escalante Rodriguez went to be with the Lord and join the love of his life, his wife who preceded him. He was blessed with 91 years of a full and well lived life.

Gavino was born in Shafter, California to Juan and Margarita Rodriguez, on February 19, 1934. Juan and Margarita were migrant farm laborers that often traveled in a covered wagon to toil in the fertile fields of Southern and Northern California around the early to mid 1900's. Constantly moving to harvest the seasonal crops up and down California, both of Gavino's parents found comfort and opportunity in the valley farms of Kern County rather than working next to the big city of Los Angeles.

Gavino's father often told him stories of the tent city in Shafter, where his parents and some of his older siblings camped to work and harvest the crops for the farmers that needed farm laborers. After much time laboring in the fields and saving, Gavino's parents purchased two lots on the southern outskirts of Shafter, which today is known as the Mexican Colony. It was here in "La Colonia" where Gavino began his life at birth.

As a young boy, Gavino helped his father and mother with the many tasks of the day. Often finding more work in the day than play. This did not bother Gavino, for he loved being by his father's side working. Thanking God for the job, however long and hard but always well done. He worked alongside his parents and siblings harvesting the crops, stocking the store shelves and pumping gas in the small Colonia grocery market established by his father. Later, he learned to drive the tractor as other laborers picked the crops.

Gavino had a yearning for learning and loved school. He attended Richland School throughout his childhood. He remembered having to do his school assignments and reading under the kerosene lantern at home. He would share stories with his own children and grandchildren about the wonderful, loving, but sometimes strict teachers during his school years. School was a time for learning but also for making everlasting friendships as he continued with some of those friendships through his lifetime. He often told us children that people matter and we should always continue to build good friendships however uncomfortable it may be. Gavino attended Shafter High School until the 11th grade, not quite able to graduate with his class. In school, he had a passion for Vocation skills, FFA, football and baseball. He continued his love for baseball with the community league of Shafter and joined the "Eagles" baseball team. Many years later as a businessman, he sponsored, donated, and supported many local athletic sports organizations, including the "Eagles" baseball organization.

After High School, Gavino continued to work and never seemed to find much rest as he helped his father, Big John on their own family farm and he also found work on other local farms in Shafter. As the Korean war escalated, Gavino was drafted into the United States Army. He was assigned to Fort Lewis, Washington in 1956 and stationed in Germany. After honorably serving his country, he returned home a proud Veteran who earned his GED through the military. Life on the farm continued where he had left it. Shortly after this time, Gavino lost his beloved mother and now continued on in life with his father and younger sibling, as most of his older siblings had married and started families of their own. He decided to enroll in barber school and received his Barbering Licence in hopes for a better opportunity and future. With much gratitude to the Lord, this new endeavor led him to DeLuxe Barber Shop where he began a career for his lifetime.

One day, Gavino's father approached him concerning a promise made with Margarita, his late wife. This promise led Gavino towards the search of finding his future wife. Gavino began reminiscing of a certain young lady who he had briefly encountered years earlier. This young lady left an indelible impression on him. As he searched for this young lady whom he only knew by name, prompted him to pursue his heart. And the search for her began. Taking several trips to a small adjacent town, he rediscovered that certain young lady. After a long courtship, on April 22, 1961, Gavino and Elvira Romo were married in St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Shafter and their new life began. Soon after, Gavino's father, Big John passed away. His father's promise was fulfilled. Between the years of 1962-1971, Gavino and Elvira welcomed the birth of 6 children, Delia, Ricardo, Thomas, Paul, Mark, and Lisa. Sadly, Ricardo survived only 5 days and their perseverance stood strong with the Lord's strength. Family was important to Gavino and he made every effort to be involved in much of his children's lives, especially through little league baseball coaching, family vacations, and home projects.

Gavino continued providing for his family as a barber at DeLuxe Barber Shop. Later, he became sole owner of the barbershop and worked 56 years barbering in the community of Shafter. Once retired from barbering, Gavino and Elvira returned back to the land to work his family farm and took on the task of planting Almond trees as their main crop. They both tended to the orchard with love for the next 20 plus years.

Gavino loved this little town of Shafter and his Country but most importantly he loved God fervently. Attended mass regularly at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church in Bakersfield. He always looked forward to seeing and spending time with his wonderful church friends. Knowing that he was without flaws, he often asked God for forgiveness and continued to walk with the Lord the best he could.

His time in the Army taught him many lifelong lessons and discipline that carried throughout his life from the simplest things of making his bed on a daily basis with military corners to the early rise of a strong work ethic which he instilled in his family and passed along to his grandchildren. He would always perk up and give his full attention when his grandchildren entered the room, for they brought him much joy and love, and his eyes would light up bringing an infectious smile to his face. His children and grandchildren remember his strength, faith, strong work ethic, sternness, expectation for respect, sense of humor, generosity, love for camping, fishing and hunting, attendance to local and professional baseball games and the incredible family stories he shared that will forever be embedded in all our hearts.

Gavino participated in various community clubs and organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Shafter Chamber of Commerce, lifetime member of the VFW, member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Booster Club, and the Shafter Historical Society. DeLuxe Barber Shop also supported many community events and organizations in Shafter.

Gavino Escalante Rodriguez loved his family, loved God, and loved people. Always being thankful to God for his blessed life. We take solace in knowing that Gavino knew and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of his life. We are proud of our Dad and our love for him is unwavering. With great loss but immense joy, he is once again with the love of his life, his beloved wife Elvira whom he shared 54 memorable years with. We Love you Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa!

Preceded in death by his wife: Elvira Romo Rodriguez, son: Ricardo Rodriguez, Parents: Juan and Margarita Rodriguez, sisters: Julia Rodriguez, Hortencia Estavillo, Elvira Rodriguez, Patricia Weinberger, Cedra (Chila) Estavillo, brothers: Theodore Rodriguez, John Rodriguez, Joe Rodriguez, Trinidad Rodriguez, Ramon Rodriguez, Steve Rodriguez.

Survived by daughter: Delia Escobedo (Jesse), sons: Thomas Rodriguez (Yolanda), Paul Rodriguez (Susie), Mark Rodriguez (Maggie) and daughter: Lisa Rodriguez. Grandchildren: Thomas A. Rodriguez, Sarah M. Polley (Mickey), Vincent P. Rodriguez, Tylor E. Rodriguez (Nicole), Jade K. Rodriguez-Caudillo (Isaac), Amanda M. Rodriguez, Deanna L. Rodriguez, Matthew T. Rodriguez (Ysabel), Addison E. Rodriguez, Emma D. Rodriguez, Elvira E. Rodriguez. Great-Grandchildren: Aubrey R. Rodriguez, Elizabeth J. Polley, Ella M. Rodriguez, Theo M. Rodriguez, Luna J. Rodriguez. Brother: Henry (Jacinto) Rodriguez. Many Nieces, Nephews and Friends.

Our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the care and kindness of Central California Rehabilitation Hospital, Glinn & Giordano Physical Therapy-Gosford, Mercy Southwest
Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and Adventist Health Hospital.