Rufie was born in Standardville, Utah to James and Rose Madrigal.  He was one of six siblings in the Madrigal family;  James, Veda (deceased), Linda (deceased), Ernie (deceased), and Teressa.

Rufie was a star athlete, playing baseball, and wrestling. Growing up in such a small town, his talents were not seen by many but those who had the privilege knew his worth on and off the field.  One of his cherished memories was when his All-Star team got to travel to California to play in the Little League World Series.

Rufie excelled in school and felt education was the key to success. After graduating from Carbon High in May 1965, Rufie enlisted in the Army where he served in the 82nd airborne division as a paratrooper.  After enlisting and before being deployed he married Mary Jane Vigil of East Carbon, and together they had three children.    Anthony was born during his time in the army in Viet Nam followed by Shane and Matthew.

Rufie was a paratrooper and received many medals including Viet Nam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, and Sharpshooter Badge with machine Gun Bar.  He was in the (in)famous conflict of Hill 875 where the US Army was ambushed, and many lives were lost.  Rufie was wounded on that hill and received a Purple Heart.  A reporter with Associated Press was on the hill with them and photographed the action.  Rufie is one of the people that were photographed, and his picture is in a huge coffee table book of the Viet Nam Experience, 1965-1975.

Rufie never forgot his friends lost in Viet Nam.  During a visit to the Viet Nam memorial in Washington D.C., he made it a point to find all their names to honor them.

Upon returning from the Army, Rufie attended and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Sociology.  His devotion to the University of Utah was like no other. You would find him in front of the TV or at the games watching the Utes “Utes by 5”. He wore so much Utes gear he looked like a yard gnome.  He was ecstatic when they played and beat BYU.  He’d have a grin from ear to ear. His devotion to the team was always with him everywhere he went. He was always ready to talk about the Utes.

His dedication to his family and his friends kept him strong.  He always found a way to survive, found ways to make things happen despite his disabilities, and he always put his family first.  He had a wonderful outlook on life.  His glass was always half full.

Later in life he married Sophie Polyhronakis and was able to travel and see much more of the world. His time with Sophie was a game changer.

They travelled to many parts of the United States, including Hawaii, and went to Spain, France and Italy.  During those trips was about the only time he really listened to his wife, because he was afraid he’d get lost or she’d leave him behind.  He always managed to have a good time in spite of his fussing.

Rufie was a proud son, brother, uncle and father. He would always have a dollar for the kids when they came around and greeted them with a hug and kiss.

Rufie is survived by his wife, Sophie Polyhronakis; sons, Anthony, Shane (Jennifer) Madrigal, and Matthew (Jennifer) Madrigal; six grandchildren; Brady, Morgan, Jana, Marcus, Boston & Jasmin; and five great-grandchildren; Sophie’s family: son, Frank Gombos; and grandchildren, Jake, Taylor, Casey, Sofia and Niko; his brother, James; and sister, Teressa Richey.  In addition, he is also survived by his nephew, Ernie Madrigal (Nancy Jo); and nieces, Bernadette (Juan) Zarate, Faye (Laurian Paul) Chavez, and Angel Madrigal.

Sophie kept him comfortable in his last days and ensured he was home when his time was near. We thank you Sophie and appreciate all that you have done for our father, most of all you kept him happy.

We would like to thank those that kept in touch with him as much as he would allow. Angel, Faye, Bernadette, Ernie (JuJu), Aunt Teressa, Rick and Paulie (BooBoo).  Your time was always the best part of his days.

We thank everyone for the outpouring of support you have shown us in past few days, months and years. You always asked how he was doing and told us you were thinking of him. We are going to miss you Shortie, your laugh, your advice and the occasional dollar. We love you.

Celebration of Life, Saturday, March 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home in Price, where the family will receive friends at 9:00 a.m.  Committal, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper, followed by a luncheon at the St. Anthony Catholic Church Hall. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are always welcome and may share memories of Rufie online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.