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