Obituary of Arnoldo (Arnie) Mendez

Arnoldo Mendez - Arnie July 5, 1960 - April 12, 2025 Arnie was born July 5, 1960 in Kingsville, Texas to Cosme Mendez and Herminia “Minnie” Rodriguez. During his youth he lived in many different cities that his family moved to in the military, including Ansbach, Germany, where he received his diploma in 1978 from Ansbach American High School. His family settled in northern Utah during his adolescence and he spent his adult life in Salt Lake City. He died April 12, 2025 at the age of 64. Survived by former partner Tracy Hanks and their daughter Angelica Mendez, son Justin Meadows (Kasey Zirker and granddaughter Lily Mei), brother Baldemar “Baldy” Mendez, nephew James Mendez, and a huge brood of beloved cousins. Preceded in death by parents Cosme Mendez and Herminia “Minnie” Rodriguez, uncle Manuel Rodriguez Jr., aunt Zelma Rodriguez, uncle Gilbert Rodriguez, and cousin Rogelio “Gordy” Gutierrez. A very gifted artist, Arnie had talents for drawing, painting and graphic art. Music was one of his favorite mediums. One of his favorite past-times was jamming on the guitar with his friends. He made a living in the local music scene as a sound engineer. From his affiliation with the IATSE union, he had the opportunity to work shows for mainstream pop artists and local rock artists alike. Arnie was known for being shy and quiet, and had the reputation of a gentle giant among friends, but that didn’t stop him from being very well known in the local rock scene. A Celebration of Life will be held at Barbary Coast Saloon in Murray, Utah (4242 S State Street) on Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 pm., before the band starts. Family and friends are welcome to spend this time with us in remembrance.