“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.
