# Santo Rugger (RIP Santo Rugger) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 6, 2009, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579 "2009-05-06T19:54:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 52
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2016, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1022 "2016-06-06T03:41:05Z")
Even knowing it was coming, it still crushed me. I have had such an awful month. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2016, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1023 "2016-06-06T14:04:21Z")
I changed the thread title to indicate the unfortunate update. I will be linking to this thread in the memorial sticky. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2016, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1024 "2016-06-06T14:28:57Z")
^^^ All of the above. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2016, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1025 "2016-06-06T14:44:52Z")
My sympathies to his family and especially his mother, who worked so hard on his rehab and recovery (and lost her husband during these long seven years). ---
**Author:** ![scareyfaerie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scareyfaerie/32/3135_2.png) [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2016, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1026 "2016-06-06T14:47:50Z")
RIP, Pat. My sincerest condolences to his family, they worked so hard and so tirelessly to do the best for him in such difficult circumstances. ---
**Author:** ![Boozahol\_Squid\_P.I](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d9b06d/32.png) [@Boozahol\_Squid\_P.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boozahol_Squid_P.I)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2016, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1027 "2016-06-06T16:18:21Z")
I can’t believe he’s gone. While I knew that it was unlikely, there was a part of me that always felt that one day, Rugger would be right back to himself, abrasive and hilarious as ever. RIP in peace, Pat. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2016, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1028 "2016-06-06T18:17:32Z")
This one hurts. My condolences to the **Rugger** family and to all of **Santo Rugger** ’s friends here and Pat’s friends IRL. RIP Pat. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2016, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1029 "2016-06-06T19:00:36Z")
I’m deeply saddened. ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2016, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1030 "2016-06-08T17:26:30Z")
The words of a distant stranger may not mean much, but I am nevertheless sorry for your great loss. May you find some comfort after such a long struggle. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2016, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1031 "2016-06-08T17:31:37Z")
My condolences. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2016, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1032 "2016-06-08T17:49:38Z")
> [@Sailboat](#): > > The words of a distant stranger may not mean much, but I am nevertheless sorry for your great loss. May you find some comfort after such a long struggle. This. ---
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2016, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1033 "2016-06-08T18:12:00Z")
> [@Sailboat](#): > > The words of a distant stranger may not mean much, but I am nevertheless sorry for your great loss. May you find some comfort after such a long struggle. Said better than I could. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1034 "2016-06-17T15:00:08Z")
Well, shit. This is the first time I’ve logged in for a couple of weeks, and this was the first thing I saw. Goodbye, Pat. You’ll be missed. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1035 "2016-06-17T16:34:05Z")
This is why this place is this place. Just finished rereading the entire thread. My condolences. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2016, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1036 "2016-07-08T13:43:04Z")
I know it’s probably against SDMB Policy, but I don’t give a damn. A cut-and-paste message from the BookFace: > [@](#): > > . . . We are hoping to have the memorial on July 23rd, and would like to hold it at the Grants High School gym. If anyone knows someone who can help get this space for us, I would really appreciate it. Please share this with anyone who would be interested in helping plan this memorial. > > Pat’s obituary is below. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help with this! Please feel free to comment on this post or message me privately. > > Patrick “Pat” Gregory Garcia, 33, peacefully left the confines of this earth on Sunday, June 5th, 2016. Pat was born on June 23rd, 1982 in Albuquerque, NM. He graduated from Grants High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech) in Socorro, NM. After graduation, he lived in Santa Fe, NM and worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory. > > Pat had a passion for rugby. He traveled to England with the NMT Pygmies and was a proud member of the Santa Fe Santos RFC. He was also a loving and caring son, supportive older brother, and fiercely loyal friend. Pat touched the lives of many individuals around the world and was one of the most optimistic and fun-loving people to walk this earth. Pat was filled with life and love, and he will be greatly missed. > > . . . > > A private family memorial service is planned for a later date. Those wishing to make a contribution in Pat’s honor can donate to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado at [https://craighospital.org/](https://craighospital.org/) [[https://craighospital.org](https://craighospital.org) More to follow, as things develop. If there are any Dopers in the area interested in attending memorials, let me know, and I’ll keep you posted. Tripler ---
**Author:** ![SantoRuggersMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc8723/32.png) [@SantoRuggersMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SantoRuggersMom)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2016, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1037 "2016-11-28T00:19:35Z")
Thank you all for your support of Pat and our family over the past few years. Seven if I’m counting. An eternity if I’m thinking back. I can’t express the many emotions I felt that were tied to Pat’s injury. Knowing that Pat was unable to do the things he loved was a heavy load to bear. His care regime was brutal but so necessary and we worked really hard to help him in every way possible. When it became apparent that we could no longer care for him at home and had to make the difficult transition to a care facility, I think that is when the real difficulty began. Having almost no control over his care was a challenge and a lesson in controlling one’s temper! Just a short month after we moved Pat, my beloved husband, Frank passed. I really didn’t get a chance to feel sorry for myself, because Pat started on a journey of hospitalizations. There were really too many to count, but they almost always started with an ER visit in the middle of the night and a 1.5 hour drive to be with him. Once I almost fell asleep driving home and had to pull over and sleep! But God gave me the strength to fight all the battles necessary and I gladly did so. Matt and I navigated our way through the healthcare system. I learned more than I will ever need to know. We had lots of help and support along the way. Neighbors, friends, strangers, and family all pitched in to help. This spring, Patrick developed complications from surgery and we made the difficult decision to enter hospice. That journey was difficult and beautiful at the same time. I miss Pat so much. He had such a presence even though he couldn’t speak. I remember pre-injury Pat and I am glad for once that he no longer has earthly bounds. No more pain or suffering. Now for the good news. Life happened while I was busy making other plans…I met a wonderful man early this year and fell in love. He was by my side while I was caring for Pat and with me throughout the hospice experience. And while we had planned to marry this fall, we expedited our plans and tied the knot this summer. I am so elatedly happy that I can’t begin to express to you how I feel. I am truly enjoying life and I think that is the best tribute I can pay to both Pat and Frank’s memory:) ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2016, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1038 "2016-11-28T00:29:20Z")
What wonderful news! I have been repeatedly amazed at what you and your family were able to do for \*\*Santo \*\* over the long years. Congratulations and best wishes. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2016, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1039 "2016-11-28T00:29:40Z")
I am so happy to read your post that I am crying at work. May all your days be filled with wonder and joy! ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2016, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1040 "2016-11-28T00:30:07Z")
{{{{SantoRuggersMom}}}} I’m glad you found happiness after so much heartbreak and tragedy. Thank you for sharing with us. ---
**Author:** ![Nawth\_Chucka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c57346/32.png) [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2016, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579/1041 "2016-11-28T00:32:32Z")
Congratulations on your wedding, may you have many peaceful, wonderful years together. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579.md?page=51) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santo-rugger-rip-santo-rugger/495579.md?page=53)