Ismael “Kiki” Philip Simon Rodriguez, beloved son, brother, father and uncle, was a true Renaissance man whose love for adventure, travel, music, surfing, hiking, science, technology, and the craftsmanship of building reflected his curious and creative spirit.

Kiki, 51, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 17, 2026. Born on Dec. 18, 1974, he lived a life shaped by connection to family, to nature, to music, and to the simple, meaningful moments.

He was the third child in a family of six siblings. The Rodriguez family often referred to themselves as the Brady Bunch, with three girls and three boys growing up together in a lively, close-knit household.

From a young age, Kiki worked beside his father at the Lompoc Tortilla Shop, where he learned the value of hard work, the art of tortilla baking, and tradition. He was involved in every part of the business, from baking tortillas to delivering them across the Central Coast.

He carried that same energy into his life and hobbies, building a halfpipe in the backyard with his cousin while in middle school, where he spent many hours skating with friends and family.

His passion for skating naturally grew into a love for surfing, chasing waves along the California coast all the way down to Ensenada. One place he especially loved returning to was Jalama Beach, where his father often took the family and where many childhood memories were made.

Kiki had a lifelong love for music that began with the trombone in elementary school. He later developed a passion for the guitar and especially enjoyed playing “Redemption Song” by one of his favorite artists, Bob Marley. Music was something he truly cherished and loved sharing with those around him.

While attending Cabrillo High School, he embraced adventure by living in Germany as an exchange student, an experience that broadened his world and deepened his spirit. While there, he became fluent in German, a language he continued to speak and enjoy throughout his life, keeping that part of his journey alive.

A few years later, he returned to Germany with his wife on their honeymoon, revisiting the country that had shaped him, this time with love by his side. The friendships he formed there endured for decades.

Kiki was a reader at heart, drawn to history and the stories of the past, and found joy in long bike rides through nature, which he deeply loved and respected.

He loved watching films, finding connection in every story, and took quiet pride in tending to his garden, a love for gardening that he inherited from his mother.

In the kitchen and at the grill, he cooked with passion. He especially valued the time he spent barbecuing with his father for the family. Kiki became known for making some of the best barbecues, using his own perfect blend of seasonings that family and friends always enjoyed.

He also had a love for photography, often capturing through his camera lens the sweetest moments that mattered most.

Kiki was an adventurer at heart, a true Renaissance man whose curiosity and passion for life led him to explore music, history, nature, cooking, building and storytelling.

Those who knew him best often said his voice was like music and a warm hug, reflecting his beautiful and kind spirit. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of music and history, sharing insights that revealed his deep curiosity and love for the world.

Gentle in spirit, his demeanor was calm, sweet, and deeply connected to people, to nature, and to life. With his hands, he could assemble anything with confidence and skill.

He also had a natural gift with computers, often repairing broken machines and improving others by enhancing their capabilities. Without any formal training, he taught himself through curiosity and determination, revealing a remarkable gift that made him a true genius with technology.

Kiki first moved from his hometown of Lompoc, to Oregon with his wife, where they began their life together. Accompanied by his loyal dog and best friend Grizzly, he built a life rooted in hard work and new experiences.

During this chapter of his life, he also welcomed his first son DeMarco Rodriguez, embracing fatherhood with pride and love. While in Oregon, he worked in construction, roofing buildings and constructing fireplaces with craftsmanship and pride.

He also worked as a cook, a role he truly enjoyed. He later moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, where he continued his culinary career, bringing the same care and heart to the kitchen that he brought to everything he did.

His journey eventually brought him back home to the Central Coast, where he again rooted himself close to family and the places he loved. During this time, he welcomed his son Matt Rodriguez, who brought so much love, happiness, and purpose to his life.

He cherished spending time outdoors with his child and his loyal dog and best friend, Grizzly, often hiking the trails at La Purísima Mission and exploring the beaches along the Central Coast together.

These moments in nature became some of his most treasured, as sharing them with his child brought great joy to his heart. Kiki loved with his entire being, embracing fatherhood with boundless warmth and dedication.

Kiki was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, a faith that remained an important part of his life. He was also a devoted family man, deeply loving, present, and committed to those he cherished.

His family was his anchor, his greatest joy, and at the heart of everything he did. He leaves his sons DeMarco Rodriguez and Matt Rodriguez, who carry his light forward.

He is survived by his parents Ismael and Juanita Rodriguez; siblings Donald Gonzalez (Colleen), Angela Toporov (Scott), Tanya Rodriguez, Jose Rodriguez, and Christina Perez (Mickey); sons DeMarco Rodriguez and Matt Rodriguez; 11 nieces and nephews; one great-niece; and many beloved cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Leonor Rodriguez, Casimiro Rodriguez, and Elsie Archuleta; and his aunts and uncles Alma Wuest, Jimmy Rodriguez, Robert Rodriguez, Betty Galindo, Susan Martinez; baby Danny Martinez, Danny Boy Martinez, Leroy Archuleta, and David Martinez.

Though his time was too short, his legacy remains in the waves he rode, the music he loved to share, the books he read, the films he loved, the garden he tended, the meals he cooked, the photos he captured, the languages he spoke, and the love he gave so freely, leaving a lasting imprint on every life he touched.

We invite you to join us as we gather to honor Kiki’s Celebration of Life, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Starbucks-Lind Mortuary, 123 North A St., Lompoc.