GONZALES, Rodolfo M.

Rodolfo M. Gonzales, 70, of Hayden, passed away Jan. 6, 2009 in Tucson. A lifetime resident, he was born in Hayden May 12, 1938 to Pablo and Lucia Miranda Gonzales. He worked for Kennecott Copper Corporation and Asarco for more than 40 years. He was a true outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He was a jack of all trades and could fix anything. He especially enjoyed woodworking. Mr. Gonzales was very patriotic and served his country in the United States Air Force and was the mechanic for Chuck Yeager, the first person to fly an aircraft faster than the speed of sound in 1947 and 2.5 times the speed of sound in 1953. Left behind in loving memory are his wife, Lucile of Hayden; son, Rudy (Maisa) Gonzales Jr. of Tucson; granddaughter, Tatiana; step-granddaughters, Donna and Jessica; sisters, Rachel, Kristie and Sylvia; brothers, Manuel and Eddie; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were brother, David, and sisters, Ruth, Grace, Sara and Esther. Memorial services for Mr. Gonzales were held Jan. 9 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kearny with Izzy Martinez conducting the services.