On Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, Arturo Flores Rodriguez, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at age 68.

Arturo was born on June 2, 1952 in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico, to Adela Flores and Candelario Rodriguez. His childhood years were spent in Durango, Durango, Mexico. He moved to Santa Barbara in 1974.

On Nov. 9, 1990, he married Lupe Medina. He was a father to two sons Jorge and Jose, two daughters Kenya and Ari, and his stepchildren Claudia, Manuel and Ricardo.

Arturo worked for many successful restaurants in the Santa Barbara area, and went on to own his own restaurant, Mai-Kai Restaurant, in Carpinteria for several years. Arturo worked at Harding School preparing and serving meals to students. His dedication to students’ wellbeing drove his decision to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arturo had a passion for cooking, gardening, and his soccer team Las Chivas de Guadalajara. He enjoyed taking daily walks in his neighborhood with his wife and three dogs. He also loved to watch wildlife documentaries, Spanish-language films, and to sing banda songs at the top of his lungs. He was known for his infectious smiles, patience, kindness, and fervor for life.

His family is grateful to his nurses and doctors at Community Memorial Hospital who worked tirelessly to care for him.

Arturo was preceded in death by his father Candelario; his mother Adela; and his brothers Fernando and Jorge. He is survived by his wife Lupe; sons Jose and Jorge; daughters Kenya and her husband Ronnie; his daughter Ari; stepchildren Claudia, Manuel and Ricardo; brothers Esteban and Mario; and sister Rosa; several nieces and nephews, nine grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 at Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Serivce, 757 E. Main St. Ventura.