In Memoriam: Francisco Rodriguez

Francisco Rodriguez, a talented and dedicated trade finance specialist, passed away on 17 December 2024. He was 70 years of age. Growing up in Guatemala, he earned his accounting title and started his banking career as an assistant in the international department at Banco Granai & Townsend in Guatemala. After moving to the United States, Francisco worked at several banks in California, including Bank of America, Bank of the West, and Wells Fargo Bank until his retirement in 2020. During his career, Francisco achieved the Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) designation and earned the distinction of Global Logistics Specialist.

For many years, he served as Chair of the BAFT West Coast Trade Finance Committee. Even in retirement, he remained consistently active on the Committee and shared his insights on key discussion topics with DCW readers.

“A trade banker who immerses himself in the trade finance industry offers support to anyone in the Trade Community and serves as an influencer, motivating others to participate in trade meetings and advocate the trade industry even outside of the banking realm. I am referring to our dear colleague, Francisco Rodriguez”, said Raja A. Hafeez of Frost Bank and current BAFT West Coast Trade Finance Committee Chair.

“Having taken over this role as Chair, I now understand the immense time and effort Francisco dedicated to this community work”, Hafeez added. “I had the privilege of having dinner and engaging in numerous transactions with Francisco, who was energetic, eager to help, and positive in building relationships. The eyes are shedding tears, and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord, O Francisco! Your services to the Trade Finance and BAFT community will be remembered.”

“I had the pleasure of working with Francisco at Wells Fargo and even many years after through conversation in the Export Letter of Credit group on LinkedIn”, said Danielle Austin of Umpqua Bank. “He was passionate, diligent, and consistent about international trade. When interacting with others, Francisco was sincere, politely vocal, and cared about people, his work, and our shared efforts to advance understanding of trade finance. Francisco, you will always be remembered.” 

Francisco was a true renaissance man. He enjoyed art, opera, and jazz. Francisco’s talents extended well beyond the banking world. He cultivated a beautiful garden in his home replete with fruit trees and vegetables. He was skilled in carpentry as well.

Francisco is survived by his mother Eva, the love of his life, Marta, and his two children, Chad and Vanessa. A Celebration of Life ceremony honoring Francisco Rodriguez will be held at 11:30 am on 1 February 2025 at the Historic Sacred Heart Chapel in Covina, California. Francisco’s family invites guests to wear bright, happy colors. In lieu of flowers, they invite guests to donate to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.