Born May 14th, 1988 Stephen Rodrigues died July 24th, 2014 at the age of 26 from accidental trauma relating to a seizure. His memory lives on in those close to him. Filled with wonder and compassion from an early age, Stephen earned the respect of those around him as a sea-lover, a grammar nerd, a book-cherisher, a coffee-chugger, and a general goof.

Stephen's life in his later years were split between Southern California and Providence, Rhode Island. Brown University fit into a special nook in his heart, and he was awarded a degree posthumously in 2015.

If in Encinitas, do visit the Surfing Madonna sculpture near the I-5 overpass by Leucadia Pizzeria to see a brick dedicated to his memory. Also consider taking a stroll down to Swami's beach to see one of his favorite surf spots.

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Photographs courtesy of The Rodrigues Family, Carlie Armstrong, and others.