Rogelio Trevino Medina 1940-2023

Long-time Woodburn community member and influential downtown business owner Rogelio Trevino Medina passed away on July 4, 2023 at his home in Woodburn, Oregon. He was surrounded by his loving family members which included his wife, children, and grandchildren at the time of his passing.

Rogelio was born September 22, 1940 in Seguin, Texas to Consuelo Medina and Pilar (Trevino) Medina.

In 1962 he moved to Woodburn, Oregon where he met the love of his life and eventually married Armandina Garcia Medina on September 13, 1964 at St Luke's Catholic Church. They would join the business and faith communities and establish their family, welcoming daughter Sonia in 1965 and son Rogelio in 1966.

His early work experience included working for a local ladder factory, Southern Pacific Railroad, then as an owner/business partner for a local cabinet making company. However, Rogelio and his wife of 59 years, Armandina, are most well-known for the flagship business Mexico Lindo Imports in downtown Woodburn. Their business ventures also included a tortilla factory, taqueria, Mexican bakery, and at one time a clothing boutique. From 1966 until their retirement 50 years later, they were actively involved in the community. They began their business journey by opening a Mexican curio shop which expanded to include Mexican/Tejano music available on vinyl records and cassette tapes. Seeing a community need, they became key contributors to the inception and development of the "Fiesta Mexicana," which is still a major cultural event for Woodburn, and celebrated every year by the community. Years later they would also put on Mexican dances getting both local and top bands from Mexico to come and play in Woodburn. Their retirement allowed Rogelio to spend more time with his beloved family, but he remained a community leader, with his entrepreneurship recognized by the Oregon Historical Society as one of the first Hispanic business owners in Woodburn.

In his later years, he loved driving in all circumstances, whether it was a business road trip, or just running daily errands like picking up his grandchildren from school. He was an avid reader and comic book collector his entire life, and loved to watch the old-time westerns during the weekend mornings. Over time Glaucoma eventually robbed him of his vision, but he refused to let it dampen his positivity and love for life. Instead, he turned his challenges into a way of motivating others to take care of their health and encouraging all around him to not let hurt feelings, insults or conflict affect their well-being and relationships. He maintained his dry sense of humor and utterly positive attitude until the very end. Although he knew his health was failing, he never stopped working and hoping to get better. In the end, he fought for every hour and every breath, seeing them as an opportunity to be with his family.

Rogelio and Armandina were looking forward to their upcoming 60th anniversary. They had planned to renew their vows, although it was clear to everyone in their lives, that his love and commitment to Armandina and their family never weakened or waivered. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his adoring eternal wife, Armandina Garcia Medina; daughter Sonia Medina Kool (Rob) and son Rogelio Medina Jr.; grandchildren Rob Kool, Samantha Kool Densberger (Morgan), Anthony Medina (Angelica), Michael Medina (Karina), Diego Medina; and great grandchildren William, Blake and Jack Densberger, Athena and Evelyn Medina, and Maximus and Mila Medina. He is also survived by his siblings Rodolfo Trevino Medina, Margaret Medina Alejandro (Ruben), Raymundo Trevino Medina and Maria Medina Diaz. Rogelio was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Raul Trevino Medina and Roberto Trevino Medina.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Rogelio's life at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Woodburn, Oregon. Funeral/mass will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11 am, with a reception at St. Luke's Rubis Hall following the service.