Float Designer, Artist. Rodriguez was best known for his breathtaking floats seen for years at the Tournament of Roses Parade, winning more awards than any other designer in the 125-year-plus history of the event. At age 15, he created his first Rose Parade float design, done for the city of Whittier, California, and took home a trophy. He joined the Army and was stationed in Taipei and upon completion of his service, he studied at the Art Center School of Design and attended Cerritos College and California State University Long Beach. He formed a design firm in the late 1970s, designing the iconic pink neon facade of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, and the 22-story clown that adorns the front of Reno’s Circus Circus hotel and casino. He also did projects for Universal Studios, Landmark Entertainment, Radio City Music Hall and he designed the opening stage set for the World's Fair in New Orleans. Rodriguez worked with the Walt Disney Co. crafting floats for Disneyland’s 50th anniversary 'Parade of Dreams' and also designed Six Flags’ nighttime electric parade, 'Glow in the Park'. He was part of the team that won an Emmy for coverage of the 2001 Tournament of Roses Parade, and he received the prestigious Arthur Nobel Award from the City of Pasadena. In 2012, he presented his 500th float design and his last parade appearance came Jan. 1, 2013. Rodriguez, who also illustrated several children’s books, died from cardiac arrest.
Float Designer, Artist. Rodriguez was best known for his breathtaking floats seen for years at the Tournament of Roses Parade, winning more awards than any other designer in the 125-year-plus history of the event. At age 15, he created his first Rose Parade float design, done for the city of Whittier, California, and took home a trophy. He joined the Army and was stationed in Taipei and upon completion of his service, he studied at the Art Center School of Design and attended Cerritos College and California State University Long Beach. He formed a design firm in the late 1970s, designing the iconic pink neon facade of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, and the 22-story clown that adorns the front of Reno’s Circus Circus hotel and casino. He also did projects for Universal Studios, Landmark Entertainment, Radio City Music Hall and he designed the opening stage set for the World's Fair in New Orleans. Rodriguez worked with the Walt Disney Co. crafting floats for Disneyland’s 50th anniversary 'Parade of Dreams' and also designed Six Flags’ nighttime electric parade, 'Glow in the Park'. He was part of the team that won an Emmy for coverage of the 2001 Tournament of Roses Parade, and he received the prestigious Arthur Nobel Award from the City of Pasadena. In 2012, he presented his 500th float design and his last parade appearance came Jan. 1, 2013. Rodriguez, who also illustrated several children’s books, died from cardiac arrest.
Bio by: Louis du Mort
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