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Victor Ruiz Obituary
Victor Ruiz, devoted husband and father, businessman and man of many interests, passed away Friday morning, August 29. He was 62 years old and had been suffering from a malignant brain tumor since January. He was a vibrant, remarkable man with so many talents. Victor was born in Bogota, Colombia and lived there until his mid-twenties when he was awarded a full scholarship to study in the U.S.A. at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. After completing his B.A. Degree in Comparative Literature, he was accepted by the Monterey Institute of International Studies to study for an advanced degree. He completed his Master's Degree in International Studies with a Certificate in Translation. Also, he obtained a Community College Teaching Credential.
Prior to coming to the United States, Victor was studying to become a Catholic priest in the Salesian Order. He was at the Universidad Pontificia Boliveriana in Rionegro, Colombia, where he was an accomplished academic student and musician. It was during his last year in Rionegro that Victor decided to leave the seminary and study abroad.
After a period of years teaching Spanish and doing translation work, Victor began working for Hewlett Packard where he was in marketing. Victor's knowledge of several languages was an asset and he was able to travel extensively on business. He worked for HP for 16 years, before taking an early retirement.
During this "retirement" period Victor renewed his Real Estate License and earned his Broker's License. He worked in Scotts Valley and most of Santa Cruz County. Eventually he opened a Help-U-Sell Office in Watsonville.
When he was not working, Victor enjoyed playing classical guitar, recorder, and piano. He also loved to fly radio-controlled model glider planes above Sunset Beach and Seascape.
Victor's main focus was his family of which he was very proud. He leaves his wife of 33 years, Nancy, and his children, Christina and David Ruiz of San Francisco. Also, he leaves his brothers Carlos Augusto Ruiz and Fernando Bastidas of Bogota, and sisters Monica Martin of Brussels, Belgium, and Nohra Chaparro of Bogota, and many cousins.
His parents Jose Agustin Ruiz and Ana Sofia Acosta died before him, as did his stepfather, Gabriel Bastidas and stepbrother, Rodrigo Bastidas.
Victor's family wishes to express gratitude for the spiritual support of the congregations of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Scotts Valley and All Saints, Watsonville and is also especially thankful for the kindness and support of Hospice of Santa Cruz County
A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 14, at 3 pm, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 437 Rogers Ave., Watsonville, California. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Victor's name to either of the churches mentioned or to Hospice of Santa Cruz County.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Victor Ruiz
Pascal Martín
September 12, 2008
Soy cuñado de Mónica Bastidas, hermana de Victor. Me dio la triste noticia de la muerte de su hermano y me uno con toda su familia y amigos en estos días tristes para todos.
Sin embargo tenemos el consuelo de pensar que su paso por la tierra, llevando una vida buena para su familia, amigos y demás personas, le enriqueció hasta hacerle partícipe ahora de la vida divina.
Desde mi lugar de residencia en Zaragoza/España me uniré con todos vosotros durante la ceremonia religiosa del próximo domingo 14 de septiembre.
Jodie O'Shea
September 12, 2008
Nancy, Christina, and David,
I am so sorry for your loss. Victor was a great man that I looked up to. He and Nancy were the perfect model of what I look forward to hopefully in my future in a marriage. He was one of the most kindest, warm hearted men I have ever known. A great father, husband, and friend. I have comfort in knowing that he is now resting in peace with my father as well. I have been in your shoes Christina and David and I know how hard it is to lose a father. If you need anything at all, please let me know. I love you all!
Jodie
Joyce O'Shea
September 12, 2008
Nancy and Christina,
I was so sad to hear about your loss. Victor was a wonderful man and it was always a delight to watch your family interact at weddings and events over the years. He will be greatly missed.
Winston Rigsby
September 11, 2008
It was so great getting to know Victor at this time a year ago. He told some great stories while we were in Mexico and I truly am saddened by his passing. I still remember him laughing at many of the poolside antics that went on while there. Sadly, I will not be at the memorial service because of work, but my thoughts and prayers will be with the entire Ruiz family. God Bless, Winston
Priscilla Fazakas
September 10, 2008
Ruiz family,
I greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to meet your family in Mexico. It was beautiful to see such a loving family as yours.
Your family is in my prayers during this difficult time.
God bless.
Beth Gorell
September 9, 2008
Dear Ruiz Family,
I am very saddened to hear of Victor's passing. He and I worked together in the Inter-Americas Marketing Center for HP years ago, and I always enjoyed his sense of humor and good nature. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Juan Montermoso
September 8, 2008
Dear Ruiz family,
I was saddened to hear about the demise of Victor. He and I had worked together in HP marketing during the 80s and he was a conscientious and insightful colleague. I extend my deepest sympathies to all of you and will pray for Victor and the repose of his soul.
--Juan Montermoso
Daniel Cabrera
September 8, 2008
Dear Family,
I knew Victor for a short while, during our time at HP. He was, in my estimation, a consummate gentleman and professional in everything he did. I am truly sorry to hear of his departure. May he rest in peace, and may each of you be comforted by the Good Lord, who knows best how to carry each of you through this sad moment.
Que Dios los bendiga a todos,
Daniel A. Cabrera
AnnaLiza Calvillo-Watt
September 6, 2008
Dearest Christina, we were so saddened to hear of your father's passing. Our prayers, love, and support are with you. With our deepest sympathies to you and your family, AnnaLiza & Richard
Tony Cisneros
September 5, 2008
Dear Victor Ruiz's Family,
I was very sad when I hear that Victor had passed away. I took over Victor's Latin America's Business Development Support after I transferred from HP in Los Angeles. He was very kind to me and taught me a lot regarding Sales Development. I was just recently thinking about him and was going to invite him for lunch. We had lunch with him and some of our retired friends from Latin America about a year ago. I will miss him.
Richard Phillips
September 5, 2008
Dear Ruiz family,
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Victor's passing. We worked together at HP in the International Marketing Department. He was extremely well liked and was a great friend. He kept in touch after we left HP. He will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to you his dear family. Sincerely, Richard Phillips
Diane Bassett
September 5, 2008
I send my deepest condolensces to Victor's family. I had the pleasure of working with Victor for many years at Hewlett-Packard, and his warmth and his laugh will never be forgotten.
I was amazed to read his obituary, I never knew he had such an amazing past. He was a modest man who was a good friend to many.
Victor will be remembered for his kindness and his warm heart. It was a joy to know him and he is dearly missed.
Shagufta Bidiwala
September 5, 2008
Dear Ruiz family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I moved to the San Jose area 5 years ago and lost touch with Victor. I still think of him, however, every time I see one of those trendy Priuses. I remember how proud he was of his Prius, back when everyone thought he was crazy for wanting to conserve the environment and gas.
What a kind and generous soul Victor was! (It's hard to say "was"!) I'm so sorry I did not get to visit him in his illness to let him know how much he meant to so many of us in the biz. I'm glad he is with the Lord, however, and that I will see him again...whole, as I remember him.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
God bless,
S.
Bill Pomper
September 5, 2008
I worked with Victor at HP and am saddened to learn of his passing.
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