It is with a heavy heart that I, Richard "Dicky" Ruiz share the news of the passing of my brother George "Chachi" M. Ruiz. He passed away peacefully on Thursday night, February 14th in the presence of family who loved him dearly. He was truly adored and will be missed with all of our hearts.
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He brought happiness, laughter and comfort to everyone around him, always quick with a joke or comforting words, whatever was most needed. His strength, wisdom and intelligence were only outmatched by his patience, warmth and generosity, and he would be so incredibly proud to know that these things that he taught us so well will live on in all of us.
We should all remember that he loved his life, and most of all, his family.
Chachi was born on June 11, 1928 in Douglas, AZ. He graduated from Douglas High School, served in the National Guard and later joined the Army Medical Corp stationed in Osaka, Japan. He was a wounded Veteran of the Korean War. After returning to Douglas, he worked as a loan/operational officer at several local banks in Douglas and Bisbee. He bought a Taxi Service and expanded it to include The Gadsden Taxi Company as well as The Valley News and Gift Store.
He was an avid Coin Collector and loved sharing his knowledge about his hobby and collectables. He wrote and organized tours of the area as well as Northern Mexico. He loved to tell historical stories about the Southwest Ghost Towns and especially detailed information of the Douglas and Agua Prieta Sonora area. He narrated a CD regarding interesting places to see and things to do in the Douglas
area.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bruno and Carlota Michel Ruiz, his sister Charlotte Ortega, and his brothers Rudy and Bobby. He will always be remembered by those he left behind—his brother Richard “Dicky” and Suzanne, his many cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews & great-nieces, and his many friends.
At his request, no formal service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to PBS (which he loved) or an education-focused charity of your choice. We should all remember that he loved life, helping and caring for people and most of all, his family.
We’ll always miss you Chachi, Love Dicky.
Comments
Richard Dicky Ruiz wrote on Mar 5, 2013 6:43 PM:
Thank you very much for taking the time and writing such kind words about my wonderful brother George "Chachi" Ruiz.
They have touched my heart and the Ruiz family thanks you for for your condolences. We all have very fond memories that will be with us always.
Respectfully,
Dicky "
Bjoerg and Harald Gagnum wrote on Mar 5, 2013 6:08 AM:
My wife Bjoerg and me learn to know and love George when we came to The Gadsden first time in 2001.
We are from Norway and George surprised us knowing so much of Norway and norwegian coins and papermoney. We lived next door to George for 11 years and loved his company. He was so positiv even when he had health problems.
GEORGE IS ONE OF A KIND!
Thank you George!
Bjoerg and Harald Gagnum, Norway "
Connie Escobar wrote on Feb 28, 2013 10:14 AM:
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Chachi, as was the rest of the Ruiz family, are very dear to our hear and memories. May all the memories you have of him be a source of consolation. Sincerely, Connie "