Rest in Peace

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your soul.” Matthew 11:29.

Our beloved Carlos Rubel Vigil (3/21/35-7/2/10) completed his lifelong journey to the gates of heaven.

One of nine siblings, he was born to Jose Demetrio and Celia Atencio Vigil in Capulin, CO. Carlos joined the United States Marine Corp after attending Davis High School in Kaysville, UT. He married Carol Ann Smith in 1957 and began his legacy as a patient and gentle husband and father.

In developing his artistic and creative talents, Carlos moved his family to Great Falls, MT and then Spokane, WA. His prayers for a piece of land just outside the city, where he could work and raise his children, were answered. He created The Art Studio of Carlos Vigil, specializing in fine art and commercial graphics and made a name for himself as an artist in the Pacific NW. His artistic accomplishments range from The Watercolor Society of America, Expo ’74 graphics, NY Museum of Art, Western Art Shows, quick draw competitions, Sacred Heart Hospital, Cheney High School’s mural of Chief Blackhawk, countless watercolor and acrylic paintings, and The Spokane Skills Center where he designed the Commercial Art Program and instructed for 17 years, before retiring. Out of all of his works of art, he considered his family to be his greatest.

Preceded in death by his parents, daughter Denise, sisters Lili and Sylvia, and brother Alfonso, Carlos is survived by his 11 children: Jeff, Greg, Becky, Cynthia, Yvonne, John, Philip, Joanna, Joe, Jennifer, and Nicolas. He continues to be adored by his 5 siblings, 17 grandchildren and gigantic extended family.

Carlos devoted much of his time to helping others become closer to the Lord. He served as an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral for the past 37 years, and has been involved in countless retreats, prayer groups and ministries. He will be remembered for his smiling eyes, gentle strength, love of family, a vibrant enthusiasm for life, art and music, and an obedient love for Christ.

The cancer suffering has ended. The broken heart has mended. His earthly work is done. The race is finished, and he has won.

Rosary will be celebrated Thurs, 7/8 @ 5:30pm and Funeral Mass will be celebrated Fri, 7/9 @ 3pm followed by graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carlos Vigil Cancer Fund.

Request for Prayer

Carlos is in the final stages of pancreatic cancer and has been receiving care and bedrest with the help of some equipment from Hospice of Spokane. We are deeply greatful for their involvement and the equipment has helped him to rest. He is currently on intrevenous fluids, to supplement hydration, as well as the use of an oxygen mask to aid his sleep rest. He has lost a considerable amount of weight and is no longer capable of getting around on his own. He's scarcely able to speak for very long, as it is exhausting for him. Nevertheless, he is mentally and spiritually prepared for the road ahead of him. He continues to amaze us with the strength of his character and witty sense of humor throughout this grueling illness. We are asking our friends and family to pray for peace for Carlos and for us, his family during these difficult times. We would also like to extend our thanks to the many wonderful people who have abeen such a tremendous help over the last 5 months. We are eternally grateful. I would personally like to thank my sisters; Vonnie & Jenn, for having the courage to handle Dad's care and personal affairs, in the face of many obstacles & much criticism. -NMV

Appointments

Today dad had the stent removed from his kidney, and tomorrow he goes in to have one placed on his liver. He's been a bit jaundice-y and this will help. He will continue to receive regular IV's for nutritional purposes in addition to his normal diet.

Thank you to all who attended the family prayer/bbq as well as everyone who offered their prayers from afar.

JLV

May 21, 2010

Dad had a trip to the ER yesterday due to some abdominal discomfort. 2 liters of excess fluid was drained from his torso cavity, and he is feeling much better today. He had an appointment this morning to rehydrate via IV and is currently having an ultrasound to check for blockages. Thank you all for your continued prayers. He continues to find humor in the little things. The twinkle in his eyes is still going strong!

Returning Home

Carlos' latest round was successful and he is being released from a long hospital stay to return home. He is feeling much better and the procedures to his kidney
are looking good. Please continue to pray as we're not out of the woods yet. -NMV

Another Kidney Procedure

May 4th, 2010

Dad is headed back in this afternoon for yet another kidney procedure. He has been hospitalized for nearly a week with kidney complications from his last procedure, where a stint was installed to drain excess fluid off his right kidney into a collector, which failed, allowing the fluid to then drain openly into his back & abdomen. Testing showed the fluid to be cancerous so his doctors are attempting more drainage procedures. We continue to pray for Carlos' recovery and ask that you join us in prayer. Dad refuses to lose faith and is a tremendous inspiration to us spiritually. -NMV

Kidney Procedure

Dad's back in this morning for another (and hopefully final) procedure on his kidney. This time, two doctors will be re-routing his right kidney's drainage flow back into the bladder. We are praying that everything goes well so he can begin his chemo-therapy treatments soon. Your continued prayers are greatly appreciated. Dad is, as usual, optimistic and says that he's feeling better despite some stiffness in the knees. He's looking much better than he did at his last visit, however, he continues to lose weight and that has his doctors concerned. In the meantime, he's undergoing some naturopathic cancer treatments until his kidney is healthy enough for him to start chemo. I got to spend the evening with him last night, took him out to Cabela's with my son & father in law to be. It was nice to spend some time with him and hear things from his point of view. He was very charged up after seeing so much familia in the past week. Many relatives from out of town came to visit around Easter weekend. It's not hard for me to see the hand of God at work, within my own dad. Keep prayin'.
-Nicolas Vigil

Procedure Today

Dad is scheduled for another procedure today to sclerose the cyst on his kidney and hopefully seal it off so he can begin his chemo sooner than later. We ask that you continue to pray for his recovery. He's in good spirits and his physical strength is gradually coming back. Visitation is limited to immediate family, so call Vonnie if you have any questions or would like to see Carlos.

Happy Birthday Carlos!!

Thanks to everyone who came to dad's birthday party on Saturday. He was surprised
by an elementary school gymnasium full of friends & family, as well as a live mariachi to greet him with Las Mananitas Tapatias.

His condition has improved since coming home from the hospital last week.
He's regaining his strength, taking walks, and needing fewer naps. We ask
you to continue praying for him. Muchisimas Gracias.
-NMV

Carlos Vigil Update

Hi everyone. Here's the latest update on Dad's health: He has an abscess on his right kidney from the asperation/sclerocing proceedure done a couple/few weeks ago. He's scheduled to have the abscess removed today, so chem is on hold. He has to be well enough to tolerate the chemo. The procedure is scheduled for early this morning, so please keep him in your prayers.

Dad is very much looking forward to seeing everyone at his upcoming birthday party. A big thanks to everyone who has participated in the preparation thus far! It's going to be a great event.

JLV

Medical Update

Hello Everyone!

First of all I'd like to thank all of you who came out to participate in the benefit for dad. He danced his socks off and had a wonderful time.

As far as his progress goes, last Wednesday he had a very large cyst attached to his right kidney aspirated and a tube inserted for drainage with a bag attached to his leg to catch the drainage. This is temporary. Yesterday and tomorrow he is scheduled for procedures to sclerosis the cyst tissue now to hopefully prevent it filling up again. They drained 2 liters of fluid during the aspiration. Pretty big cyst. Once he recovers from these procedures for the cyst we will begin chemo/radiation, currently, tentatively set for 3/10. He continues to lose weight - another 10 lbs in the past couple of weeks. This is par for the course. Also a caution when greeting him, for his kidney drainage tubing and bag on his right side and also he has a port inserted on his right lateral chest region. Pressure to either of these areas will cause additional discomfort.

Dad is now living with me and my family. You are very welcome to come visit him. I just ask that you call me first to make arrangements. Most every day we have visits with his providers and if we are home, like today he is resting. I also ask that if you want to call him to please call our home phone - 509-443-8388 - so not to disturb him if he is resting. Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to call me.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.
God Bless,
Vonnie Haney

PS~We're planning Dad's 75th Birthday Party for next month! Stay tuned.

JLV

Cancer Benefit Concert a Success!

The outpouring of friendship, donations, time, talent, and love for Carlos' benefit concert was overwhelming! How can we begin to thank those who showed their support of our dad in his time of need? The result was greater than we could have asked or imagined. The highlight of the evening was seeing dad dancing out on the floor with a great big squinty smile on his face! If we could press the 'pause' button, and take that moment in time...I would not trade it for anything.

We'd like to show our gratitude to the business owners, musicians, friends, family, and complete strangers who made this event a success. Your kindness is appreciated more than you may ever know.

:) Jenn

Today's Procedure

Hi Everybody! Just wanted to let you know that Dad was feeling pretty good after his procedure today. Fluid was drained from the cyst on his kidney, a procedure that did not require him to be totally out (anesthetized). He is looking forward to the benefit on Sunday & hopes to dance a bit too! Thank you for your prayers....keep em coming!

Jenn

Congas 4 Cancer benefit - UPDATE!!!

UPDATE - We've bumped up the time of the event so everyone can get home at a decent hour on a Sunday night. Son Dulce starts at 4:30pm, followed by a brief raffle & sponsor recognition, then Milonga
starts their set around 6:30pm to close out the night.

We're asking a $20 donation as admission, however, we'll gladly accept whatever you're willing to contribute. Admission automatically enters you in the raffle for a One-Year membership from Global Fitness, as well as some sportswear donated by EWU. Spread the word!!!

Thanks Global Fitness!!

Global Fitness has donated a One-Year membership to the Congas 4 Cancer benefit
to be raffled off at the event!!!

Support the Carlos Vigil Cancer Benefit

February 21st @ Players & Spectators. Two of Spokane's Hottest Bands join forces to fight cancer. Join Milonga & Son Dulce and help support the Carlos Vigil Cancer Fund. All Ages Welcome, 21+ in designated areas. Full menu, full bar, casino, bowling, pool tables, arcade. Only at Players & Spectators. Spread the Word!!!

Update following PET scan

Many thanks to everyone for the continued love & support of our dad, Carlos Vigil!

We received word that the recent PET scan revealed cancer in the areas of his pancreas, duodenum, and kidney. It has not spread to any of his other organs, nor is it in his bones. This is good news in itself, but also means that he can avoid another, high risk procedure to confirm the diagnosis. With this information, his oncologist will customize a program for his radiation and chemotherapy treatments to start as soon as possible. We also found out that he has a confirmed dairy intolerance, which he suspected after feeling much better once he cut out dairy several months ago. With cancer, he will benefit from a diet high in alkaline content. (The rest of us would benefit from this as well!) We have mobilized to ensure that he receives several small meals each day containing the maximum amount of nutrients possible. We will also make use of a juicer to help deliver these nutrients to his body in a manner that is easy to digest.

Dad's goal is to continue his activities of moderate weight lifting, as well as his beloved salsa dancing because he is feeling quite well. He reports no pain, other than a dull stomach ache at times. He also intends to continue his participation in his bible studies and service to his church. This afternoon, he saw his granddaughter, Gabbi, receive another award for making the Honor Roll.

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, February 21, 2010. We are in the process of putting together a benefit concert for Carlos. Players & Spectators in the Spokane Valley has generously donated their space to our cause and we will have performances by Milonga, Son Dulce, and other bands (to be announced). We've already had a tremendous response at the mention of this event, so we are looking forward to seeing everybody there!

Again, thank you for your prayers! Keep 'em coming!

~Jennifer Vigil

Carlos Vigil - If you didn't already know

Here's a brief rundown on my dad. He recently received news from his doctors that he might possibly have cancer. While we're all hoping for the best and preparing for the worst, the family is truly grateful for the overwhelming support for Carlos throughout our community. So many of us know him in different ways, I thought I'd share some of what I know about Carlos Vigil, my dad.

The Vigil name is one of the oldest surnames in the western hemisphere, originally arriving from Spain and eventually settling in what is now the southwest United States. An ancestor, Don Francisco Vigil inherited a Spanish land grant, as trust, in 1710 and later moved north from Mexico City to Santa Fe, acting as a steward and Captain to the Governor of the Kingdom of New Spain at that time.

Carlos Rubel Vigil - Born March 21st, 1935 - Capulin, CO. He is the 4th of 10 children from parents Joe & Celia Vigil. His siblings include his sister Lily (deceased), brother Alfonso (deceased), brother Jose Demetrio II, sister Elvia Gallegos, brother Luis, brother Gabe, sister Carmen, brother Ricardo, and sister Sylvia Gomez (deceased). After serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, he married Carol Ann Smith in Utah (1957) and eventually moved to Montana, finally settling in Spokane (1971). Carlos and Carol Ann are the parents of 11 children; Jeff Vigil, Greg Vigil, Becky Jones, Cynthia Hodge, Yvonne Haney, John Vigil, Phillip Vigil, Joanna Vigil, Joe Vigil, Jennifer Vigil, and myself, Nicolas Vigil. Carlos also has 17 grand children growing strong today.

He is a talented fine artist and taught Commercial Art for the Spokane Area Vocational Skills Center for 16 years, retiring in 1998. Many of his students have gone on to become successful local business owners and artists themselves. Carlos' influence as an art teacher and mentor has been a positive force in the lives of countless youths. He also owns & operates his Art Studio, producing signs, fine art, illustration, fine art commissions and design. He started his own shop in 1976 after working several years as design artist for Epcon Signs and Baldwin Signs. His name as an artist is locally and regionally respected, as well as garnering some recognition from the American Watercolor Society. Among my fondest childhood memories are the Western Art Shows we used to go to where my dad would display his work. A winner of the quick draw contest with his fabulous watercolor paintings, he earned praise on the national and regional level at shows featuring Western Artists like Charles M. Russel and Louis L'Amour. I remember some of my dad's esteemed colleagues, artists JD Mackin and Rick Urdahl and the parties they used to throw during these art shows. It was always a good time. Carlos also studied fine arts at SFCC and also received some mentoring in watercolor painting from respected friend & artist Stan Miller, whom I later took painting lessons from. Carlos' watercolor painting style is unique in the sense that he can do so much with so little. His oil and acrylic paintings are also stunning, with a diverse repertoire of subject matter. He is also a very proficient sculptor and metalurgy artist. All in all, he's arguably one of the best all-around artists in the NW.

Carlos also enjoys dancing, as many of you well know. At shows with my band (Milonga) and shows with my sister Jenn's band (Son Dulce), Carlos can be seen lighting up the dance floor with his winning smile and energetic feet. Few can keep up with him, especially at 74 years old. I can honestly say that my dad's responsible for alot of what I do in Milonga. His influence has been a positive driving force to my band mates and I.

His many achievements as a professional, seem small when considering him personally. As a father, as a brother, as a friend and fellow man, I have met few people with even half as much depth of character and strength of faith. My dad is truly an inspiration. There's so much more to write about him so please feel free to add anything. I've only scratched the surface.

-Nicolas Vigil

Fighting Pancreatic Cancer

Hola Familia!
This blog site is to help you keep updated on the status of Carlos Vigil's fight against pancreatic cancer. I will post new content as it is available and occasionally, Carlos will post blogs whenever possible. We appreciate your prayer and support throughout this trying and emotional time.

As of today, we are currently awaiting results from a PET scan taken 2/2/10 to determine the severity of the illness. Doctors recently found tumors on Carlos' pancreas and right kidney and several tests are being conducted to determinte whether or not these are immediately life threatening. The good news is that Carlos is in good physical shape, good spirits and optimistic about his condition. A recent victory is that his latest PET scan was in fact, able to be covered by his health insurance, due to new insurance regulations from Jan. 1, 2010. This came as a big relief to the family, as we were intitally told that insurance wouldn't cover this procedure. Add that to the list of blessings.
Even though pancreatic cancer claims the majority of its victims, I'm hearing more and more accounts of people who've survived it and that gives me hope that my Dad can pull through this. Currently, there is no difinitive answer on whether or not this is in fact pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis, or whether or not the tumors are benign or malignant but we will continue to pray for Carlos, regardless.
We are also at work organizing a charity event to benefit the Carlos Vigil Trust Fund. Donations will also be accepted online and at the event so please check this blog regularly for updates. Again, we thank you for your support and prayers.
Sincerely,
-Nicolas Vigil