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Ray Vincent Rodriguez, age 50, passed away peacefully in Hermiston, Oregon on January 15, 2026. Ray was born on June 13, 1975, in Montebello, California. Ray was born to his beloved mother, Debra Saldana, and his father, Raymond Rodriguez, who then raised him in Alhambra, California.
In 1993 Ray graduated from Alhambra High School and earned his high school diploma. Ray later graduated from East Los Angeles College, on Dec. 31, 1998, with a major in sports journalism. Ray had many different interests such as travel, writing, sports and music.
Ray would travel a couple times a year and visited many different states all over the US, often with family and friends. One of Ray’s favorite places to travel to was the state of California to visit with family, catch up with old friends or to just go to his favorite amusement park. Ray was a thrill seeker and loved the adrenaline rush of roller coasters. His favorite theme park was Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Ray loved all varieties and genres of music. When Ray was in his teen years he collected multiple tapes, albums and CDs from all his favorite artists. In the early 2000s, Ray and some of his cousins and friends made an underground Christian, rap, music group, called, “The Anonymous Strangers”. In the group Ray was known as “Bigg Money”. Ray also enjoyed movies and television shows. He had a fondness for murder documentaries and comedies, from stand-up, to the Three Stooges. He cherished every moment that brought a smile to his face and those around him.
One thing that Ray adored above anything else, was sports. Ray’s love for sports was impenetrable. Ray was a die hard Raiders fan. When Ray was a young child from the ages of 5-12, Ray played little league baseball, where Ray received several little league baseball trophies. Ray loved sports so much, when Ray was a teenager him and his cousins would use his aunts video camera and make videos of themselves pretending to be sports announcers and sports news casters and do reports on fake sport stories that they would make up on their own. Around 2016 Ray got to live out his life long childhood dream, and transformed his passion and love of sports, into a successful career as a sports journalist and a writer for the local newspapers; “The Dalles Chronicle” and “The Argus Observer.” Ray was a talented, gifted writer, and his personality truly showed in each and every article he wrote. Ray was featured in the film “Glena” a 2014 Showtime documentary about Mixed Martial Arts fighter Glena Avila, where he documents her journey and the trials and tribulations of being an MMA fighter. Ray’s reports and articles were more than just a job for him, but a reflection of his deepest respect and admiration for all sports. Though Ray’s time of being a sports journalist was short, Ray gained so much respect in his field, where he earned several awards, certificates, and plaques, for his writing.
After working for both newspapers, Ray worked at Twin Rivers Correctional Institution. Ray worked at “T.R.C.I” for roughly 5 years. While working at TRCI He was given the nickname “Snacks” by his co-workers. Ray received the nickname “Snacks” because Ray would always bring in snacks for his co-workers to eat, and take home. Ray was such a kind, giving, generous, selfless person, and went above and beyond for everyone and anyone. Ray always had a way of bringing people together. He was the life of any gathering, often joking, laughing and bringing an air of joy to those around him.
Ray was known for his infectious laughter, his light-hearted attitude towards life, and his ability to offer good advice when needed. He is survived by six family members, his mother, Debra Saldana; three sisters, Mary Rodriguez, Kathleen Torres, Elizabeth Torres; two brothers, Elijah Torres, Marcus Saldana; four nieces, Zoie Selbicky, Alyana Torres, Haelyn Torres, River Burtz; and three nephews, Matthew Carrillo Rodriguez, Brantley Frew, and Odin Frew. Ray was the oldest child and the head of his family. He was the best big brother and an amazing son to his mom and the greatest uncle. Ray’s Service/Celebration Of Life will be held at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs Church in Diamond Bar, California, on April 17 at 11 a.m. Address: 22324 Golden Springs Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
A luncheon will follow the service at “Old Town Banquet Hall” in La Puente, California at 1:00 p.m. Address: 136 S 1st St, La Puente, CA 91744. The family asks that you keep Ray’s spirit alive by sharing a story, a joke, or a moment of laughter in his honor. All that want to attend are welcome. Feel free to bring flowers, a card or a picture of Ray if you choose.
Ray Vincent Rodriguez, you will be missed!
Columbia Gorge News, April 1, 2026
To plant a tree in memory of Ray Rodriguez as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
Ray was a fun loving cousin, unfortunately once we grew up we spent less time around one another which saddens me. I remember taken Road Trips with him, my Grandma Mary & little cousin Carrie. What fun we had. My grandma didn't like stopping to rest , eat or even use the bathroom. Haha Ray seemed to have a small bladder back then bc he always had go go & my grandma would pull out a very large coffee can & told him go use that & while he was using it one time my grandma hit the biggest pot hole we've seen & pee was everywhere. Lol Grandma had to stop then. Here's to going on the ultimate Road Trip. You'll be missed greatly. Love you cousin Ray till we meet up again.
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Ray was a fun loving cousin, unfortunately once we grew up we spent less time around one another which saddens me. I remember taken Road Trips with him, my Grandma Mary & little cousin Carrie. What fun we had. My grandma didn't like stopping to rest , eat or even use the bathroom. Haha Ray seemed to have a small bladder back then bc he always had go go & my grandma would pull out a very large coffee can & told him go use that & while he was using it one time my grandma hit the biggest pot hole we've seen & pee was everywhere. Lol Grandma had to stop then. Here's to going on the ultimate Road Trip. You'll be missed greatly. Love you cousin Ray till we meet up again.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.