The Rod Armas Memorial Fund

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of
Rod Armas due to a tragic accident on Sunday June 28, 2009 at 1:30 AM. 

 

Rod was participating in the Los Angeles Wheelmen Grand Tour with his fourteen year old son Christian. Together they accomplished 185 miles of the 200 mile highlands course. While closing in on the final leg of the course, Rod was tragically killed by a hit and run driver on Pacific Coast Highway.

Rod was born January 8th 1964 in Los Angeles, Califonia two years after his parents emigrated from Ecuador.  He served in the Marine Reserve Corp. for 6 years.  He also received his bachelor’s degree in biology and studied for a master’s degree in computer systems.  Rod married Shelley, the love of his life on June 2nd 1990.

Rod was profoundly devoted to his family and cared deeply for all people, especially the underdog.  He lived part of his childhood in Ecuador and held a big heart for his Ecuadorian family. 

He spent 23 years working with delinquent boys first as a counselor and then as an LA county probation officer.  He became a father figure to hundreds of those boys at some of the most pivotal times in their lives, assisted with his strong faith.  He will be remembered by friends as a wise man that gave good advice and was always willing to go the extra mile for people, often at a great expense to him.  He was known as an avid music aficionado, camper, lover of nature, cyclist, skier, snow boarder, dirt biker and enjoyed many other activities that built warmth and relationship among family and friends.  He believed in living life fully and often said, “You only live once.”

Rod is survived by his wife Shelley, his son Christian, his two daughters Gaby and Michelle, his two sisters Maureen and Anni and by many loved ones. He is preceded in death by his mother Judith Eugenia Armas.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday July 7th at 10 AM
Country Oaks Baptist Church in Tehachapi, CA. 
Interment will be at a later date at the Bakersfield National Cemetery. 

In lieu of sending flowers, friends and family are being asked to make donations
to the Talbert Family Foundation, “Ron Armas Memorial Fund.” 
The Talbert Family Foundation will be donating 100% of the funds
received in this Fund, to the Armas family