Ruben Valencia-Ospina

He was born in Anserma, Colombia, on Feb. 7, 1955, to Jose Hoover Valencia and Maria Lucila Ospina. Ruben was very adventurous and enjoyed traveling, moving from Colombia to Spain and then to the United States. The scenic hills in both California and in Upper Michigan offered Ruben a near-perfect setting to ride his motorcycle, which he loved. His appreciation for beauty extended into all of hobbies, both outdoors and in his home; bright orchids and carefully selected antiques added warm touches of Ruben throughout his space.

Ruben was extremely hard-working, intelligent and attentive to detail. He really enjoyed his work with Systems Control and despite the challenges of moving around, learning new languages, and learning new jobs. Ruben retained his good sense of humor and joyful, generous nature. Above all, Ruben loved his family and always offered his best.

Ruben will be deeply missed by his daughter, Natalia Valencia-Canabal; mother Lucila; siblings Amparo Valencia-Ospina, Fabiola Valencia-Ospina, Luis Alfonso Valencia-Ospina, Gloria Esperanza (Bob) Koerschner, Diana Valencia-Ospina (Jorge Ruiz), Juan Carlos Valencia-Ospina (Liset Reyes); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends that he loved dearly.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jose Hoover; and a sister, Beatriz Elena Valencia-Ospina.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, June 1, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave., followed by the funeral service at 5 p.m.

A very special thank you to Ruben’s work family at Systems Control, particularly Benjamin Suazo and Fredi Gonzalez, for being a great support for Ruben and dear friends.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ruben Dario Valencia-Ospina online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.