Huge Turnout at Memorial Service
A Celebration of Life was held yesterday for former prizefighter Ruben Castillo who passed away on February 24 at the age of 68. The beloved boxer had 67 wins with 35 knockouts during his time as a professional fighter. And he fought a brave battle against cancer that he, unfortunately, and ultimately succumbed to.
There was a March 18 Prayer Service and a March 19 Funeral Service to honor this man who was known and loved by so many. His wife Cindy greeted all the mourners at Forest Lawn’s Church of Our Heritage in the hills of Covina, Calif. The church filled quickly and it was standing room only. An additional outdoor seating area also was available for the overflow crowd; there were so many people who came to say goodbye to Ruben.
It was a beautiful and bittersweet memorial service for the fallen fighter who was known for his outgoing personality, friendliness and quick sense of humor.
Ruben was also known for his entertaining bouts in the ring. He fought everyone from Julio Cesar Chavez to Juan Laporte to Salvador Sanchez to Alexis Arguello. And while he challenged for a world title several times, he really became a well-known “People’s Champ.” After he retired from the ring, Ruben was a popular sportscaster and boxing analyst too.
Through the decades, he stayed active in the boxing community and I often saw him through the years at live fights, award shows, golf tournaments, champion get-togethers, fundraising events, etc. Everyone knew Ruben and his enthusiastic persona, generous heart and big grin. So it was no surprise that it was a packed crowd at yesterday’s services. So many boxing associates were there–standing strong in support–including champs, trainers, boxing historians, authors, and sports stars such as Zack “Attack” Padilla, Gene Aguilera, Laffit Pincay Jr., Steve Harpst, Bill Young, Linda Young, Rudy Tellez, Tina Quarry, Ruben Lucero, Mike Donohue and many more.
And Team Castillo came out in full force. The Beaumont resident was always proud of his family that included his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his surviving brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews. The Castillo family is so massive that it would take a very, very long time to name all of his relatives! His Bakersfield family was there too as their hero was laid to rest.
His family and friends had the chance to pay tribute and bid their final farewells to Ruben as the churchgoers made their way to the casket. It is never easy to say goodbye and the emotion, tears and heartbreak was clearly evident. The ex-featherweight was surrounded by many floral arrangements and tucked inside his casket was a mini green and gold World Boxing Council (WBC) belt and mementos honoring Castillo.
And through all the tears, there were wonderful speeches made at the pulpit. His daughter Serena shared sentiments of growing up with the champion and also made the audience chuckle with great anecdotes about adventures with her father! And at the mic, Ruben’s son Ruben “Little Ru” Castillo definitely made his father proud as well by being so strong and a class act through the toughest moment of his life. He spoke of the lasting memories that he will hold of his dad. “Ru” thanked everyone for joining them and also gave a special thank you to the WBC and WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman for all their assistance.
During the service, noted historian and best-selling author Gene Aguilera was asked to read some gospel at the podium. And there was a very poignant boxing Ten Count conducted by Sal Gonzalez Jr. Toward the end of the church service and before the graveside burial, an excellent Mariachi band played live as the casket procession began.
Through all the tears, Ruben’s laughter, love and legacy will stay with all who knew and loved him.
As I said my prayers for our friend, I opened by eyes and read the writing on the church arch. It is the new commandment: I Give Unto You That Ye Love One Another.
How fitting that upon his passing and his memorial, he brought everyone together to remember that it is LOVE THAT IS ETERNAL.
Heartfelt condolences again to his adored wife Cindy, their family and dear friends.
Ruben Castillo will be missed. Rest in peace. You will not be forgotten.
Photos by Michele Chong