Rufo Iligan Refendor

Dr. Rufo “Ruffy” Iligan Refendor - 66 of Merced, CA., passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, October 5th, 2024.

Dr. Refendor was born on March 1st, 1958, in Aklan, Philippines and grew up in a large family of 10 siblings. Despite humble beginnings, he graduated from Mathias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine in Cebu, Philippines in 1983. In 1990, Ruffy moved to the USA.

Although a trained general surgeon in the Philippines, he worked as a midlevel practitioner for the Federal Bureau of Prisons which afforded him the opportunity to travel and live in different States throughout the US. He worked for the Bureau for almost 18 years until he medically retired. 

Ruffy had a passion for golf, fast cars and travel. When he wasn't working, he loved to play golf with his fraternity brothers (Alpha Phi Omega) and golf buddies or travel around the world with his wife, Rose Bella his classmate/sweetheart in medical school. He looked forward to his yearly trip to the Philippines for the annual golf tournament with his golf buddies. 

He will forever be remembered for his kindness, easy-going nature, and positive attitude which (persisted despite his hard battle with lung cancer) initially diagnosed in 1994.

He is survived by his wife Rose Bella, their daughter, 8 siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews from different parts of the world.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the countless doctors, nurses and medical staff who were involved in his care. A very special thanks to Seva Hospice for their compassionate support.

Visitation and viewing, will be held on Friday October 18th, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Wilson Family Funeral Chapel of Merced.

Necrological Rites will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

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