- Date Of Birth: August 13, 1935
- Date Of Death: March 5, 2011
- State: New Mexico
Rafael Vega, 75, of Alamogordo, New Mexico died Saturday night, March 5, 2011 after a tough fight against cancer.
Rafael is survived by Mary, his beloved wife of 41 years, his only son Raphael and his loving daughters Suzanne and Angelique, six grandchildren, Marc, Heather and Christopher, her husband, Sarah, Mary, Tony and Celeste, one great-grandson, Marley, his brother and sister-in-law, Raul and Refugia “Cuca” Vega and their children, his father-in-law, Jack Shires, his cousin, Dionisio Balseiro, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Terry Summy, by two very special nephews, Scott Summy and Raul Vega, Jr., and their families, his god-daughters, Anna Vega, Rebecca Quintana-Williams and Christina Quintana, his very good friend, H.W. Lang, Sr., and Smokey, his cat and friend. Rafael is predeceased by his parents, Ladislao and Gloria Vega.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Rafael immigrated to Grand Rapids, MI in 1957 and was a proud citizen of the United States. He served his compulsory duty in the US Army with an honorable discharge. A physical therapist for 36 years, Rafael spent the last 25 years of his career at Fort Bayard Medical Center, New Mexico, as Chief Physical Therapist. He wrote and published numerous articles, papers and techniques, many of which are still used today. He was also a Clinical Instructor for UNM School of Physical Therapy and was often called upon for his expertise in the field. After his retirement, he became a photographer, receiving many awards and accolades. He was represented by the Pat Beatty Gallery in Alamogordo.
Rafael chose to live out his days in New Mexico because he loved its mountains and people. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, son-in-law, godfather and cousin. He had a warm heart and passion for life, nature and all things that are good, kind and honorable. He was, without doubt, a noble and quintessential gentleman.
