Raul Vega

VEGA - Mr. Raul M. Vega, aged 68, passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2011. Surviving are his wife of fifty years, Refugia "Cuca" Vega; four children, Carlos Vega, Gloria (Mike) Vega-Courtade, Raul R. (Danette) Vega and Anna Vega; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Vega; and several nieces and nephews including his special nephew and Godson, Raphael P. Vega. Raul came to West Michigan from Havana, Cuba as a young man in 1960 seeking the opportunities that only America can offer. A proud U.S. citizen, he embraced the American Dream. He used every opportunity and life experience that presented itself to him as a learning tool including his 20 years as a Meijer warehouse supervisor. His humor and perseverance gave him the courage to begin business ventures and succeed. His last business venture was Festida Foods, a tortilla chip factory in Cedar Springs, MI in 1989. He grew a successful business from the ground up earning the loyalty of his employees, customers and the respect of those in the snack food business and the food business in general. He sold and retired from Festida in 2007 to spend well earned time with family and friends. He embraced life and business with humor and an indomitable spirit. Raul's family will receive friends on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Chapel, with a rosary to be prayed at 8 p.m. by Father Ted Kozlowski. Private family committal service will be held at Graceland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory are suggested to St. Mary's Kidney Foundation or the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. The family is being served by Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service