1948
2019
MICHAEL EUGENE RUBIY
June 27, 1948 - March 17, 2019
Michael Eugene Rubiy was born June 27, 1948, in Bakersfield CA. After a lengthy illness, Mike passed away peacefully at home on March 17, 2019.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Alva Eugene and Betty Lou Rubiy, his brother, Jerry Rubiy and his partner of 40-plus years, Dwight Ratliff.
Mike served in the United States Navy and was deployed to Vietnam as a Medical Corpsman. Upon returning to Bakersfield, he became one of Harvey Hall's first employees at Hall Ambulance.
Mike went on to a successful men's clothing career lasting more than 40 years. The highlight of Mike's working career was owning his own men's fine clothing store, Mike Rubiy & Co.
Mike was passionately involved in the Bakersfield Community. His desire to help those in need shone bright in his work with The Lloyd Plank Foundation, Kiwanis Club, the Executives Association of Kern County (EAKC), The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity and Bakersfield West Rotary.
His work with Bakersfield West Rotary took him to India in 2009 in the effort to end Polio there and for which he was named by Rotary International as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Mike was extremely proud of his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous and his more than 30 years of sobriety.
Mike is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Vicky and Steve Green.
In accordance with Mike's wishes, no formal service will be held.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 20th. For information, including time and location, please email [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kim
June 15, 2023
I'm alive today because of Mike. He did everything to be sure I had a successful recovery, and I am forever grateful to him- he was one of a kind for sure. Love you- Kim
Michele (Morgan-Brown) Magyar
March 25, 2020
What a treat to see Mike's beautiful face, wonderful smile & those quick & beautiful eyes. I miss you my friend. I will see you on the other side.
David Olmos
May 9, 2019
I grew up in foster care, one of the foster homes being next door to Mike. After graduating high school, I was left homeless until Mike took me into his home. He offered to send me to college, but I instead, enlisted into the Navy in 2010. The nine years since then, I have faced more and more hardship as the years go by, but it was always Mike who encouraged me to keep going. I would call Mike whenever I needed advice. Today I called his phone to discover it has been disconnected and he has passed away. I regret I was not able to say goodbye to him or thank him for everything he did for me. I won't let all the effort he spent on me go to waste.
David Olmos
May 9, 2019
I grew up in foster care, one of the foster homes being next door to Mike. After graduating high school I was left homeless until Mike took me into his home. He offered to send me to college but I instead, enlisted into the Navy in 2010. The nine years since then, I've faced more and more hardship as the years go by, but it was Mike who has always encouraged me to keep going. I would call him whenever I needed advice. Today I called his phone to find it has been disconnected and he has passed away. I regret that I was not able to say goodbye or thank him for all the help he gave me. I won't let the effort he spent on me go to waste.
Matthew Flanagan
April 10, 2019
I loved mike. I am grateful to have known him. His humor and laugh was one of a kind. He made a difference in the lives of others.
Ray Hill
April 7, 2019
I first met Mike in 1962 prior to our high school days at Foothill High. I enjoyed good times with all of his family. We shared interests at the time included FFA projects and exhibitions at both the Kern County Fair and the California State Fair in Sacramento.
Michele (Morgan-Brown) Magyar
April 4, 2019
I was a good friend of Mike's brother, Jerry, and was introduced to Mike. We all had such good times and lots of laughter. Mike and I worked at Seilers together before it caught fire. He will be missed, such a huge personality. I truly am sorry for the family's loss.
TERRIE BACHMAN
April 4, 2019
We will miss him! He always had that way of making me laugh and smile! Very special man.
Eileen Eaton
April 3, 2019
I'm sorry to hear of Michael's passing. What a character Mike was. Tons of fun and lots of laughs. Loved playing golf with him. He was a great person and did a lot for the community.
Dan W. Duke
April 1, 2019
Mike and I worked together for many years in the clothing business. His sense of humor was great and I will remember all the stories and funny jokes he would have us laughing constantly. He was definitely a people person, a good hearted person that did things his own way. I appreciated all of his help over the years we kept in touch, and he will be greatly missed.
March 31, 2019
I remember Mike from high school. He was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Jannie (Watts) Perry
March 31, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family. May you find comfort in your fond memories and joy in knowing your loved one is dear to God and is in his memory until his promises at 1 Thessalonians 4:13,14 is for-filled.
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