Obituary of Nelson George Rafuse

Passed peacefully with family by his side on July 8, 2024 in Kingston at the age of 84. Nelson George Rafuse leaves behind his beloved wife Elnora Ubalde Rafuse; his loving children Michele (Mike), Derek, and Edward; grandchildren Jada and Maya Gordon, Lewis and Clyde Rafuse, Carter and Kylie Rafuse; and goddaughter Tara Alcordo Eaton (Shane). He will be lovingly remembered by his sister Patricia Britton; and his in-laws Dario (Emma) Ubalde, Luisita Condeza, Fr. Nestor Ubalde, Aura Ubalde Ortiz (George), Florian Ubalde, Joseph Ubalde, and Magedalena Carcido. Nelson was predeceased by his parents Captain Allan Richard and Ruth Marguerite Rafuse (nee King) as well as by his siblings Marion Kirkbride, Richard Rafuse, Alan Rafuse, and Marjorie Lagroix. He is also pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Fred Britton, sisters-in-law Helen Rafuse, and Cecile Ubalde, and parents-in-law Nestorio and Remy Ubalde (nee Hermosisima). Nelson spent over 30 years working for Ambulance Services, starting his career in Toronto before eventually moving to Smiths Falls. He was well known in his community for his involvement in summer and winter hockey for many years. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and his family would like to extend their appreciation to all of the friends who have reached out with their condolences and stories of “Nellie”; as well as to the staff of the Smiths Falls District Hospital and Kingston General Hospital ICU who went above and beyond in their care of Nelson. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at his Celebration of Life Service at the Masonic Lodge in Smiths Falls (46 Russell St W) on Saturday August 17, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to either the Kingston General Hospital – Kidd 2 ICU or to the Canadian Cancer Society.