Richard Madrid Ruiz

Richard M. Ruiz of Fort Collins passed away peacefully with family in attendance on Friday, August 15, 2014 at age 86.

Richard was born on May 8, 1928 in Crockett, California to a large and close Mexican-American family. He loved his hometown and his years attending John Swett High School and working at the C&H Sugar Factory, the local train station and delivered ice. In 1946, at age 17, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force intending to go to Europe, but to his surprise, he was sent to the Philippines as part of the postwar clean-up process. After leaving the service in 1949, Richard moved to Colorado and was employed at the VA Hospital in Denver and later became the Manager of Shipping and Receiving at Poudre Valley Hospital where his smiling face was well-known. Richard loved Colorado and was an avid outdoorsman, often camping, fishing, golfing, gardening, and spending time with his family. A recent highlight for Richard was to be included in "Honor Flight" for veterans to visit Washington D.C. and associated World War II memorials. Strong, outstanding of character, and always willing to help, Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed by his family.

Richard was preceded in death by parents: Mary (Madrid) and Salvador Ruiz; siblings: Primo Ruiz (Jayne), Luciane Dudley (Romaine), Marie Uribe, Beatrice Ruiz, and son, Michael Wallace.

Richard loved his family deeply and is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Shirley Bohler Ruiz; son, Victor Ruiz (Kim); daughter, Julie Goldsmith (Phil), and daughters, Layne Wallace and Lorrie Wallace; grandchildren: Alexandra Wallace, Nicholas Goldsmith, Amanda Goldsmith, Lenelle Wallace, Zeki Younis, Benette Wallace, Danielle Bateman, and great-grandson Donovan Bateman. "He was the dad of us all." Surviving siblings include Raymond Ruiz (Alice) of Novato, CA and Pauline Ruiz Norton (Terry) of Martinez, CA.

Please join us for a celebration of his life on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11:00 am at Timberline Church (2908 South Timberline Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525). Reception to follow service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Weld County Honor Flight through the Weld County Community Foundation. In memo line: Honor Flight, Richard M. Ruiz. Mail to Weld County Community Foundation, 2436 35th Ave., Suite 201, Greeley, CO 80634. If you prefer, a donation may be made to the organization of your choice in Richard's memory.

A special thank you to the staff of Elderhaus and The Rehabilitation and Nursing Center of the Rockies, especially those serving in the Alzheimer's Unit.