Francisco (Frank) Ruiz logged on to this earth on February 3, 1959 and forever logged off on December 5, 2018, in the loving presence of his family. Frank was born in Cuero, Texas to doting parents, Epifanio and Socorro Ruiz. He was the second oldest, but the first born son of eight children: Rose Mary (Greg) Richard, Epifanio (Elizabeth) Ruiz, Charlie Ruiz, Mary Helen Garcia, Jane (Ray) Martinez, Jaime Ruiz, and Veronica (Don) DeLeon. Frank was a caring son and loved each and every one of his siblings. He always enjoyed their company, especially reminiscing of their childhood days.
He was raised in Victoria, Texas and graduated from Stroman High School. As a youth, the family would travel every summer to Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. He loved those summers with his aunts, uncles and cousins exploring new territory. And as a teen, working on his motorcycles, machinery and electronics would shape much of his life.
In 1981, he graduated from Texas A & M University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. The following year he married his first wife and produced three sons: Michael, Christopher (married, Priscilla) and Matthew Ruiz. He was a devoted father, and always proud of his sons.
In 1985, he began his professional career at the City of Austin, Water and Wastewater Division where he worked for over 24 years. Often, he worked diligently late into the night, sometimes on several projects including program development and Scada networking. Although Frank was soft spoken, and often kept to himself, he made many friends over the years. He was thankful for his supervisor, mentor and dear friend, Gary Quick. Even after his retirement in 2009, he continued working as an Engineer Consultant for COA and other firms who sought after him.
In the summer of 1997, Frank’s world turned right side up when he met the love of his life, Cynthia Tamayo. After five spicey-fun filled years together, they officially married in 2002 and he became the stepfather of Mike, Simon and Valerie Felan. Lovingly, Frank was considered the “#1 son-in-law and loco brother-in-law. He was a committed and dedicated husband, a bit frugal, always saving for a rainy day which is why Cynthia considered him her “rock.” He was a bit of a romantic, and his favorite saying to her was “ I love you to the moon and back.”
Frank was many things including: builder, plumber, auto mechanic, air condition repairman, carpenter, roofer, cement man, cell phone repairer, painter, arborist, lawn equipment repairman, household electrician and of course, home IT expert. He was a Democrat. He loved tinkering, even building his own computers from “scratch.”
Sadly, after having several episodes of different illnesses, over a period of several years, he was finally diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on December 5, 2017. Frank will be remembered for his intellect, curiosity, respectful manner and gentle demeanor. Also, he had a huge love for music, playing guitar, movies, dancing, the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Rockets (mainly Clutch), motorcycles, computers and everything electrical.
Frank is preceded in death by his mother, Socorro Ruiz. He is survived by his father, wife, children, siblings, nieces and nephews and aunt and lots of cousins and other family members.
A memorial service for Francisco “Frank” Ruiz will be held at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 2:00pm.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18