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Ruben Rodriguez Obituary

Ruben Rodriguez July 15, 1956 - November 28, 2011 Ruben Rodriguez, age 55, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2011, surrounded by close family and friends. Ruben was a lifelong resident of Santa Fe. His bestowing spirit was "larger than life" which cascaded into the hearts of anyone who was lucky enough to know him. His laughter doesn't end with his passing. He brought light to every situation with his expressive and sensational humor and honesty. Ruben's warmhearted personality carried over into his unparalleled cooking and his frequent celebrations held at his stunning Santa Fe home. Ruben spent so much of his career as a Budget Analyst for the State of New Mexico, working at restaurants and presently as the Office Manager for BSN Engineering. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fredrico and Angelina Rodriguez and brothers Freddy, Frankie and Anthony, Godparents Juan & Andrea Sandoval. He is survived by his partner Paul Lujan, where the two shared a beautiful life in their home with their dogs. Ruben's brothers Pat, Henry and wife Dina, John, and Robbie live in Santa Fe with each of their families. Nephews and nieces include Jose, Maria, Chris, Patrick, Nicole, Tania, Nicholas and Ben and seven great nephews and nieces. Ruben had "sister" cousins that included Diana, Lorraine and Lillian. He also had numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends whom all meant the world to him. Continue to be a high maintenance and outgoing angel in Heaven-- the spas are free there. We love you so much Papa Ruben. You will be missed. Thank you to all who supported the family during this difficult time. The Rosary will be on Thursday, December 1st at 6 p.m. at Cristo Rey Church in Santa Fe. The funeral mass will be on Friday, December 2nd at 10 a.m. also at Cristo Rey followed by a reception at Santa Maria de La Paz Social Hall. Interment will be at a later date. The family has entrusted their loved one to: The Rivera Family of Santa Fe Funeral Options 417 East Rodeo Road ~ Santa Fe, NM 87505 Santafefuneraloption.com (505)989-7032

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Published by Santa Fe New Mexican on Nov. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruben Rodriguez

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Michelle Lopez

April 5, 2012

Hello Ruben

I can't beleive how fast time has passed. It is so sad when you need information from a friend you know will always give you the best advise and the truth at that. I miss you so much. I still can't believe it. I think that one day you will just pop up and call me. I know you are in the Heavens watching over all of us. I am glad I have an angel like you to guide me. I love and miss you my friend!!!

Evangelina Torres

December 27, 2011

My Condolences to Ruben's family & his partner I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I met Ruben many years ago when we worked together with the State, his smile and humor were unique and will be missed. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Jane Pfeil

December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas Ruben. May you rest in peace. I will forever miss you.

Jane McMahon Pfeil

December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas Ruben. May you rest in peace. I will forever miss you.

Reed Fisher

December 11, 2011

Heaven has gained what we have lost here on earth... your smile will always be a part of my heart!

Melinda Lopez

December 7, 2011

Ruben, you were my brother's friend and fellow conspirator. We will all miss you and thank you for showing us how to appreciate one anothers company. Melinda

ROY ROTUNNO

December 5, 2011

To Johnny and Pic and fam.We are very,very sorry for all of you.The Rotunno fam.

Frank Lujan

December 5, 2011

I am shocked by the sudden loss of Ruben as all of us thought Ruben was going to get better. I will miss Ruben and will always remember the fun times we had in Puerto Vallarta.

Suzy Reeder

December 5, 2011

Love you Ruben ...miss you Ruben.... Will always be in my heart Ruben ...

Amber Ortiz

December 2, 2011

Ruben's smile and laughter at the gym will never be forgotten. He was there almost everyday trying to get that needed workout in like the rest of us. Friendly, genuine and just a really good guy. Damn, I am gonna miss him. My prayers go out to his family.

Charles Padilla

December 2, 2011

Paul and the family of Ruben, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ruben. In fact, I am in shock, because I just saw Ruben three weeks ago at Albertson's and we stopped and chatted a bit.

He always had a gorgeous smile and always a sense of humor. So many friends who adored him who have lost a true friend.

Ruben and I were born two days apart of the same year .. so I will always remember his birthday. I know Ruben is looking down upon us .. smiling and sending us lots of love because he is walking on streets of gold now.

Daryl Schwebach

December 1, 2011

Ruben was such an incredible friend. I met him when we worked together at the State Engineer's office. He always kept the workplace alive and laughing. His unique sense of humor will be sorely missed. We still imitate some of the voices he made to make us laugh. (Ahhh know!)
After working together, we became fast friends. He was always easy to be around and the life of the party. We enjoyed traveling with Ruben to Puerto Vallarta where he easily befriended the local elderly ladies on an Ill fated cruise we were persuaded to go on. I will never forget him eating dried shrimp out of one of the ladies purses!
He never complained or found fault in others, rather he laughed at our shared weaknesses and frailties. I treasure the nick-names you gave to friends, and want to make sure we keep that lunch date. Comadre, you will be missed and are deeply loved.

Bobbi Dalton

December 1, 2011

Our Deepest Sympathies to the Rodriguez Family! Can anyone who knew Ruben ever be the same after? He was a joy! I am sad to say I hadnt seen Ruben in awhile - but anytime I ran into him he treated me like we had just seen one another!

Ruben you will be truly missed! You are/were a loving soul. All who had an opportunity to meet you will surely miss - your memory will live on!

God Only Cries for the Living for its the living that are so far from home!

Take Comfort in knowing that Ruben is HOME with a smile on his face cause he's in a better place than we've ever known.

Ruben may you rest in peace - we will miss you dearly!

The Dalton Family

Rose Lopez-Brown

December 1, 2011

My deepest condolences to your family. We went to school at Cristo Rey. God bless your family.

James Trujillo

December 1, 2011

My condolences to the Rodriguez family. Ruben was a great human being as well as a talented cook. We traded recipes often and I learned a few cooking tips from Ruben. He will be sadly missed by the community, as well as his friends and family. Rest in peace....Chef James Trujillo

ERNIE RIVERA

December 1, 2011

RUBEN & I WERE VERY GOOD FRIENDS STARTING
AT CRISTO REY SCHOOL MORE THAN 40 YEARS AGO. WE SHARED THE SAME BIRTHDAY. MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO HIS BROTHERS

Mona Espinosa

December 1, 2011

Ruben loved people. Ruben loved life. He defined the word "generosity" and in return, he had countless, loyal, lifelong friends. He was my best friend for more than 30 years and I could count on him no matter what. I am grateful to have had him in my life and I will miss him forever. My deepest condolences to all his loved ones.

Ronald Trujillo

December 1, 2011

My condolences to the Family and Friends of Ruben. He was one of kind. Rest in peace my friend

December 1, 2011

I knew Ruben by the light in his eyes as we walked in the dark most mornings to go spinning.... he made that sweaty experience as light as anyone could....
many tears now mingle with the healthy sweat.
With a smile back,
Janie

HELEN LEYVA

December 1, 2011

Ruben,

I remember the first time I meet you at one of your party's. You made me feel like I had known you forever. Your laughter,jokes,honesty and your small tamales. I asked God why Ruben only to be answered God only takes the best and did he. We will miss you greatly. Paul am sorry for your lost he
always talked highly of you and did he love you. God bless you and keep strong.

HELEN

Rose Sandoval

December 1, 2011

My condolences to the Rodriguez family. May your memories comfort you in this time of sorrow.

Emlyn Olguin

December 1, 2011

Paul,
I am deeply sorry to hear about your loss. You and Ruben were of great support during Toby's sickness. And we appreciate everything you guys did for him and for us.

Gabe and Sonia Salazar

December 1, 2011

Our deepest condolences to the Rodriguez Family. Rest in Peace Ruben.

Marc Perry

November 30, 2011

~ I am deeply saddened to learn of Ruben Rodriguez's sudden passing. A friend for nearly thirty years, Ruben's sense of humor was renowned, his heart gigantic, his wit, character and the ways in which he touched the lives of others -unforgetable! My thoughts and prayers go out to his brothers, to Paul, and the innumerable friends Ruben made and kept throughout his lifetime. His absence from this world will be felt deeply by countless friends and family members who know and love him beyond this life ~

wanda varela

November 30, 2011

My sympathy goes out to his brothers and family.I will allways remember when you stood up in my wedding.You are a very special cousin.May god bless you all.

Megan Finno

November 30, 2011

Very saddened to hear about Ruben's passing. He was a regular in my classes at the gym and a friend to many there. I'm sure his spirit and laughter will be sorely missed.

Gabrielle & Tony Ralston

November 30, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruben's family. We will never forget your funny personality. May God bless you all.

Vangie& Russ Barnett

November 30, 2011

We were so sorry to hear about our friend Ruben's passing. We will always remember his fun personality and his kindness. May God bless his family.

Lucy Solano

November 30, 2011

We were saddened when hearing of Ruben's passing to eternal life. Although his life has ended, it has not changed for he is with you all as you grieve and his earthly memory will give you peace. May he rest in peace in the company of the Blessed Trinity, our Blessed Mother, all the angels and saints and his beloved family. May God grant you all His Strength and His Love during this difficult time. Your family is and was dearly loved by our deceased parents, Higinio & Elisa Rodriguez. May God bless you all.

Lucy(Rodriguez) & Henry Solano

Linda Lujan

November 30, 2011

To my primos( the Rodriguez family)my deepest coondolences. My nino loved you all very much.(including my Tio Fred, Tia Angie,Fred and Frankie) We are all lucky to have been loved by Ruben. From my family to yours god bless.. Linda,Jason,Rico,Amanda and Justin..

Catherine Keinigs

November 30, 2011

It was with great sadness that Rhon and I learned of Ruben's death. We stayed in touch by Christmas cards since leaving NM, and wanted to say that he was always such an honest, funny, loving and generous man -- we both feel honored to have known him. He and Paul made such a wonderful home together, and I used to love bumping into one or both of the guys at the SFCC gym. His cooking, his laugh, his ribald sense of humor, and his true blue friendship were all an inspiration. If there is anyone who shot right up to Heaven, it's Ru. Sending our love to Paul and the family in your time of loss. His was a life to celebrate! God bless you.

Linda Lujan

November 30, 2011

I know that Ruben baptised me with all his heart because i have so many of his ways. I am just one of a few god children that Ruben had. My nino was so full of life, and had such a big heart. He would call me every year for my birthday, never remembered how old, but he remembered the day. I did'nt get to see him every day, but he was always there for me.I will miss my nino so much. He will always be in my heart and my thoughts.

November 30, 2011

John and family,

I was so sorry to hear about Ruben. My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you.
Dolores G. Baca

Rosemary Montoya

November 30, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ramona Olivas

November 30, 2011

To Paul and the entire Rodriguez family, God sure knows how to pick the best and with so much to accomlish before he comes again with his band of angels, Ruben was and is the kindest most beautiful spirit, may your pain turn to fond and loving memories for this beautiful man who gave so much of himself. Amor.

Adrienne Gutzwa

November 30, 2011

My Dear Friend Ruben,
I was so lucky to have had you in my life. I am so sad to have lost you, we had so much more to laugh about. You were the true meaning of friend; thank you. I will miss you always, you are forever in my heart. Love, Adrienne

Christine Vigil

November 30, 2011

So sad to hear of Ruben's passing. I waited on him often at PC's Restaurant where we had talks and plenty of laughs. He will be greatly missed.

Virginia Mildred Sandoval & Family

November 30, 2011

My condolences to all my cousins and family during this difficult time. Ruben will be greatly missed, especially his kindness and genuine smile. May God bless you all.

Melissa Sandoval-Valencia & Family

November 30, 2011

My sincere condolences, go out to the Rodriguez family. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that Ruben is in our Heavanly Father's home. He is with our departed loved ones, our Angels. I hold you all in my prayers and with the intercession of our blessed Mama Mary, that she shelter you with her undying love during this difficult time. May the Perpetual Light Shine upon our dear cousin Ruben, now and forever.

(Daughter of Orlando and Mildred Sandoval)

herbert lotz

November 30, 2011

the part of rubens life that he shared with me, his family, his friends, his perspective on the north, he opened a door that continues to heal me and I'm sure many others. he packed more into his life than most, and I suspect that his legacy will reveal that. see you later buddy. herbert lotz, santa fe

November 30, 2011

My sympathy to family and friends. Ruben and I worked together at the NM State Library in the early 1980's. Some of the most fun times I ever had. Que descanses en paz

Carlos Acosta

November 30, 2011

Ruben was one of the first people I met when I moved to Santa Fe. Always greeted me with a smile and some great food! My condolences to the Rodriguez family, god bless you all.

Nicole Gonzales

November 30, 2011

My deepest condolences go out to the entire family. Ruben was such a wonderful cousin who always brought joy wherever he was. God Bless you all.

Patsy TTrujillo

November 30, 2011

Our community of Santa Fe has lost one of our loving sons, Ruben. Ruben knew everyone, spoke to everyone, and made everyone feel special. I will always feel his smile and hear his laughter. I know he is in heaven meeting everyone at the pearly gates and giving them a abrazo, a welcome, and probaby cooking for them and maybe sharing a margarita.
Vaya Con Dios, Dear Ruben. XXOO
Patsy Trujillo

Anna Vigil

November 30, 2011

My thouhts and prayers go out to the Rodriguez family. Ruben was a co-worker of mine and I remember when I first started working with him he was always making breakfast burritos in the office for all of his co-workers and everytime he had a party or a RED CARPET EVENT at his house he would bring any leftovers he had to his co-workers at the offfice he loved to cook and was always feeding his friends and co-workers, filling the office with laughter and his many stories. He will be dearly missed. May God Bless you all and keep you stong in this time of need.
a friend

David and Tammy Soveranez

November 30, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers to the Rodriguez Family.

Michelle Lopez

November 30, 2011

Dear Ruben

I lost my friend with a Heart of Gold. I will always remember the times you kept me laughing. Most of all I will never forget how honest and truthful of a friend you were. You touched so many hearts and I am truely glad you touched mine. I know you are in Heavean an Angel with Golden Wings to match your Golden Heart!! Love your friend Michelle.

Bernie Logue y perea

November 30, 2011

Since we met at "mid-high" in 1970, we became good and protective friends! Thanks for.all the good laughs feel good moments. Santa Fe will miss you!

Michelle Montano

November 30, 2011

I am saddened to read about Ruben. His tamale making parties were so much fun. It was always a party when you were with him. I remember seeing his eyes light up when Paul would sing. My condolences to his family and to Paul. You will be missed Ruben.

November 30, 2011

Rodriguez & Sandoval families,

My deepest sympathy. I was blessed to have known Ruben and had some of the most memorable times with him. Heaven is now filled with laughter among other things. I will truly miss him. I have lost my "chick flick movie partner"...Ave Maria Purisima! Vaya con Dios mi amigo.

Anna A. Silva

Peter J Camara

November 30, 2011

It is a sad time fo so many. In the short time I've known Ruben I saw the special man that so many love.

Amber Espinosa-Trujillo

November 30, 2011

The Lord is going to be so entertained by Ruben's awesome personality! We are so sad without him! My deepest condolences to his family and friends as this is a great loss for all of us!

November 30, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the Rodriquez family.
Michael Vialpando
Phoenix AZ

Loretta Baca

November 30, 2011

My Condolences to Ruben's family & partner. I am so sorry for your loss. I met Ruben many years ago in the restaurant industry. I believe it was Rancho Encantado. He was such a joy to be around. He touched my heart as I'm sure he did to many. May the LORD bless you during this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Loretta Baca

Frank X. Cordero

November 29, 2011

Ruben's smile would light up a room when he entered. Con todo sentimiento.

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