Carlos Rafael Giralt

SALEM - Carlos left Guatemala at the age of 20 with the blessing of his family. He served in the USAF as a medic in Vietnam for 8 years, and was very proud to become a US Citizen during that time. Using his GI benefit Carlos went to the University of Washington and successfully completed his Physicians Assistant program. He joined the Kaiser Permanente family following his preceptorship. Carlos retired from Kaiser Permanente 10 years ago and worked part time for both Kaiser Permanente and Guadalupe Clinic until August 2007 when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He died peacefully at home on March 28, 2010.

Carlos is survived by his wife, Cindey Jenson Giralt of Salem, Ore.; daughters, Kimberley Kelley of Idaho, Kayte Giralt of Orlando, Fla.; stepdaughters, Karsten (Stephen) Lockwood of Beaverton, Ore., Malene Peterson of Salem, Ore.; and stepson, Kevin Peterson of Salem, Ore; and his grandchildren, Victoria and Cayden Whipkey. He was preceded in death by his father, Joaquin Giralt; and his mother, Aminta Martinez. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the Red Lion Inn, Salem. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Colo-rectal Cancer Research OHSU Foundation, 1121 SW Salmon St #100, Portland, OR 97205. Arrangements by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors. Family and friends may send condolences and sign the guest book at www.hed-fh.com.