Rubel J. Vigil

Rubel J. Vigil passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the age of 71.

Rubel is survived by his wife Geraldine Vigil; sons: Ricky and wife Melissa, Billy and Julie Roybal, Bobby Joe and wife Mary Jo, Bobby Stone and wife Nichole; and daughter Sarah Peterson. Rubel also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Rubel Vigil born October 31, 1949 was a strong, kind, and loving man. He was a methodical planner. His plans included both little and big sacrifices because he wanted to be able to help those he loved and ensure his family would always be cared for.

Rubel had a special love for vintage sports cars. He had hoped to one day own a two-door 1957 Chevy Belair. As his family grew bigger, he let go of his dream of owning a fancy car to provide for the dream that was most important to him, his family. Rubel was a simple man, and it didn’t take much to make him happy. A hug, a kiss, FaceTime with his grandchildren, or just a smile would brighten his day. Speaking to his children and grandchildren, giving them consejos and being called by the special nicknames we all had for him brought him light. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch on hot summer days and watching his grandchildren children playing on the grass or splashing in the river. He always kept close by, making sure that little ones were being watched and he was available to help them if needed. He did the same thing for the adults too…we just didn’t always notice it.

Rubel was a jokester and he especially liked playing silly jokes on the little kids. One joke he played a lot was when little kids would ask him for potato chips. He would ask them, “How many do you want?” Naturally…they would say, “A lot!” He would pull one chip out, place it on their tiny little hand and gently crush the potato chip. His green eyes would sparkle with mischief as he’d watch the little one’s puzzled face look down at their hand filled with crushed chips. Then he would chuckle a little, and hand them a giant bowl of potato chips. The kids would laugh with him afterwards when they realized that grandpa played a joke on them.

Rubel was a man of quiet strength and the rock of our family. Our family looked up to him and would come to him for advice. His advice and opinions were respected by many. When it came to tackling a project he would say “busca mañia”. Meaning, find a better and easier way to handle the job, don’t beat yourself doing it the hard way. Rubel will be missed forever, but the advice he gave us and the lessons he taught us will remain: Commitment and love for family is paramount. Family goes beyond blood and DNA. Strength doesn’t have to be loud; it is quiet too. Keep your sense of humor, you’ll need it during the hard times. It’s ok to be stubborn, that’s how you achieve your goals. Always have a cooler full of ice-cold natural light beer on hand that way you’ll be ready to solve the world’s problems, or just shoot the shit.

We Love you Rupels…. Me three.

Rubel's Life Celebration will take place on Saturday, April 10, 2021 in Pecos, New Mexico. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions Rubel's service is by invitation only.