I met Reuben in high school in Colorado Springs around 1974 and we had a blast.  He was in jazz band at school, and also in a rock/jazz band called Stillwater with Mike McLean on keyboards, Bill Lee on drums and others.  A group of us from band class would go to Reuben and his dad, Tom's house, and practice music or go to Stillwater gigs. Even then, he was fabulous on guitar but totally down to earth, so authentic, and understated. Being from California, he was super cool for real.  Reuben spent a lot of time talking to me and teaching me how to play songs like Blackbird and Stairway to Heaven.   We lost touch when he graduated and moved to San Diego. Fast forwarding 40 years, my job sent me to San Diego so I looked him up, found him through his music on the internet, and learned he was in Mesa. We really enjoyed facebooking or calling each other and had plans for a reunion after the pandemic.  Reuben added a lot of joy to my entire life and Im so blessed to have been his friend.   My deepest condolences to all of his family, friends, and Christian brothers and sisters.  Although we didn't get the chance to meet, you are in my heart and prayers. Crista Oden, Palmer High, Class of 77

Reuben, RIP I will always remember your guitar playing and your gentle nature. I remember the last time we met in San Diego in 2013, man that was a pleasure to see and hear you live. Your guitar and the jalapeno chicken wings  were memorial. I just regret not being able to say good-bye. I will always cherish and share the CD you sent me of "Reuben and The Impalers". My sister Debra Sebring Olivera and I send our Condolences a tu Familia. Poway forever!

You were such a fun person to be around at The Blind Melons Jam Reuben!

You fit in SO well, and never hogged any solos like many of the of
the players.  And you got REALLY GOOD,  very quickly.  And I mean scary good- so you had focus and drive.

Your sense of humor was 2nd to none.  I am so very saddened to learn of this loss to the Blues Community . . .however-  
HEAVEN just added another GEM to the 'A' list band!

Until we meet again Reuben-  thank you for being you!

Barney

Meet Reuben in 7th grade.  I remember he and John Dearman and my friends hanging out and listening to Santana.  I think we all did a seance once!! Such fun times! I hope he is loving his new journey 

Reuben was so respected by other musicians, it was awkward meeting him at an L.A. gig after I took his spot in Michele's band.  Reuben was such an expert and soulful player, but he was also really encouraging when I came off stage, so he took it upon himself to melt whatever ice there was between us.  The Baja Blues Festival memory is surreal. Both our bands were rewarded by a roaring audience in the amphitheater; however, I was sad at the loss of a family member back home.  Reuben introduced me to Glenn and Deborah that night, and they were so relaxed and real even though I was a bit star struck. We passed our guitars back and forth with talented Chuey Van Page as each player stepped up at the after party jam. I remember a lot of smiles. Another time, Rueben offered me his beautiful Gibson ES175 when I didn't bring my own guitar for a student show.
My heart goes out to all of Rueben's family and friends. My eternal respect to Rueben for embodying the word amigo, and reminding me to savor life's sweet moments like fine wine.

Reuben was a gem on so many levels. A sharp wit, intuitive and musically talented as well as always hungry to discover more. He was my guitar player for a few years and we had many adventures together. We often carpooled together and shared our souls and mostly laughed our heads off. He brought a lot of soul and depth onstage and we shared creative musical energy. Reuben played clubs with me like Patrick’s downtown and Humphreys Backstage as well as a festivals like Gator By The Bay, and road trips to play in my old stomping grounds in Reno for Rolling On The River and the classic Silver City Firemen’s Ball and also South of The Border for the Ensenada Rock & Blues Fest and a few San Felipe Blues & Arts Fiestas. Reuben was a trooper and a gentleman but mostly he was a musically blessed dear heart with the wit and savvy of a standup comedian. I was thrilled to be surprised by him July 2019 when he drove from Mesa to Phoenix to see me perform at a show. What a true treat it was to see my old friend and music brother. I knew he had found peace in Mesa and I was so happy to see him happy! I will cherish the memories. Love and peaceful blessings to the family. My heart is with you all and forever with our dear Reuben. 🎶💙😌

Reuben was a middle school student of mine. He was kind, confident, mature, and he stood out from the other students.

I was deeply saddened by the news of Reuben’s passing.  Reuben and I married in 1986 and divorced in 1990.  We share a son Michael (33) and grandchildren.  I have many fond memories of our years together, music being one of my favorites.  I was always so proud to see him perform and in absolute awe of his talent.  He could play any song from memory and he played it as well as anyone could.  He will always be a part of my heart.😢
I want to extend my deepest condolences to his mother, Celia; sisters Lisa and Monica; and brother Vincent.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you will reach out if there is anything I can do.  Love to you all.

Another member of “The 57 Gang” has moved on, the three of them will have some good times together as we know how much fun Roby was to be around. We’re down to 40% left and it’s hard to imagine losing 3 cousins your same age that you grew up with. I know Ruben is busy playing his guitar and keeping the beat! I will miss his music and his drive to always be a great entertainer. RIP Cuz and Peace Be the Journey. 

Rueben was a great talent! He was a lot of fun to spend time with and was so generous to have his band play for celebrations at our home.  He was also an accomplished hiker, hiking Mt Whitney at least once (maybe twice). Then sometimes he would  come over for a BBQ, it was wonderful spending time with him and listening to his stories. We love him and will miss him. 

We as The BluesWailers were a trio of Blues and RnB Reuben was a great guitarist RIP

Reuben was a great guitarist and singer. Wrote some cool songs. We played in a trio for a little while just before he did his solo project. He will be missed, but there are lots of memories to cherish.

I met Reuben Vigil in 2011 when I played a gig with him for the first time as a trio in Encinitas, CA. The first thing I noticed was his gear. He had the best gear which was a sign to me that details mattered. Reuban was a fine musician but what impressed me was even when the band wasn't playing, he'd quietly sit on the corner of the stage working on something musical. He was passionate about music. Really passionate. This inspired me to want to be better. He had a real energy on stage and was a joy to perform with. He loved performing and it was always wonderful to gig with him. I will miss him. Rest in peace, Brother. 🙂❤️

I moved to San Diego from NYC in 2010. I was looking for a band to play with and ran into a local singer that was holding Bass auditions. I showed up for my audition and this band had 2 guitar players. One of them, and also the lead guitarist was Reuben. I loved his playing instantly and we went on to play together for the next couple of years. Reuben invited me to record an album in LA and I had the honor of being asked to play the bass on it. A few months later I got the opportunity to preform his tunes off the record at the famous WhiskyA go Go. I’ll never forget what an honor that was. I loved that guy.
Jodie Hill

Reuben was a rock on many levels for many. He was my husband’s childhood friend, a great friend to me. He has been there for me through Glen’s illnesses. He was a phenomenal blues rock guitarist/songwriter/singer.  His debut album garnered much praise from San Diego where he reigned from. “Best Blues Indie Album” 2010. He was booked in Mexico for a huge blues festival & other gigs that Glen was part of his band. Reub lived w/us for 4 or 5 months and those were great times! What a great loss. 💔 Our condolences go out to his amazing family. 💜🦋💜 We gotta keep his music, his ‘love’ alive. 🎵

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Reuben Thomas Vigil

23 juin 1957 – 21 décembre 2020

Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery

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